May 08, 2024  
2022-2024 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2024 Undergraduate Catalog

Criminal Justice, BS


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The Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice prepares recipients for advanced study and or entry into federal, state, county, municipal, and private Criminal Justice agencies. Students who elect to major in Criminal Justice are advised that background factors as well as education are prerequisites to employment in Criminal Justice.

Federal, State, and Local facilities are utilized through a multi- faceted, multi-disciplinary curriculum in all of the areas offered. Theoretical and procedural research in the behavioral and social sciences are reflected in the curriculum. Students are encouraged to become involved in research and in service to the community. The substance, processes, and techniques of forensic investigation, social justice and juvenile justice transformation are essentials of the programs.

In addition Coppin’s geographical location enhances the nurturing relationship which students experience in supervised Field Training and Internships under the supervision of experienced personnel.

Undergraduate

  1. Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
  2. Undergraduate Minor in Criminal Justice
  3. Certificate Program in Forensic Investigations

Regulations Regarding Students Associated with the Department of Criminal Justice

Students who elect to enroll in Criminal Justice courses must first complete required General Education (GER) courses.  Students who have not completed (GER) courses, must receive the permission of the Office of Advisement, and the permission of the Criminal Justice Department before registering in Criminal Justice courses. The General Education Requirements (GER), provide the student with knowledge and skills which assist the student in succeeding in Criminal Justice courses.

Students are encouraged to focus upon the completion of (GER) courses as early as possible in their university experience. All majors in Criminal Justice are assigned advisors based on their matriculation rank. Lists of advisors names are posted on office doors in the Criminal Justice office area. If the designated advisor is not available, the student is encouraged to seek the assistance of the Department Chair or of other available Criminal Justice Program faculty members. However, students are required to meet with assigned Advisors at least once each semester. Criminal Justice majors, minors and non-majors should seek advisement before registering for Criminal Justice courses. The advisement form is a road map which will guide the student to essential courses and the sequence in which they should be taken. All students are expected to familiarize themselves with, and to follow all university regulations.

All Criminal Justice courses are upper level courses. Undergraduate Criminal Justice Majors are expected to complete a core of seven three-hour courses (21 credit hours). In addition six elective courses (18 credit hours) are required. Students are encouraged to take additional elective courses (totalling 38 credits) in order to pursue particular areas of interest in Criminal Justice such as Forensic Investigation or other areas of study. Criminal Justice majors are also encouraged, but not required, to pursue minors in other academic areas.

Criminal Justice Major Requirements


Criminal Justice majors and minors are required to earn a grade of C or higher in each required and in each elective Criminal Justice course.

Total Core Credits: 21


Total Elective Requirements Credits: 18


Level I (Freshman)


Fall Semester


Total Semester Credits: 16


Level II (Sophomore)


Total Semester Credits: 15


Spring Semester


Total Semester Credits: 15


Level III (Junior)


Fall Semester


Total Semester Credits: 15


Spring Semester


Total Semester Credits: 15


Level IV (Senior)


Fall Semester


Total Semester Credits: 15


Spring Semester


  • General Elective 3 Credit(s)
  • General Elective 3 Credit(s)
  • General Elective 3 Credit(s)
  • General Elective 3 Credit(s)
  • General Elective 3 Credit(s)

Total Semester Credits: 15


Total Credits: 122


General Education Requirement

University Graduation Requirement

Major Course 

or any 2 part 200 level History

or any ENGL 200 level or above 

BIOL 101  or BIOL 107  or CHEM 101  or PHSC 101  or PHSC 103  

PHIL 103  or PHIL 102  

or IDIS 103  or any Foreign Language or ART 105  or MUSC 201  or DANC 226  or THEA 211 

or any 3 credit Health course, or SPCH 202  or SPCH 204  or GEOG 102   

General Elective - any University course 

Program Elective - any non-required course within the discipline 

NOTE: Please consult a program advisor to discuss course options.

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