Bachelor of Science (BS)

Criminal Justice

For information regarding Conditional Acceptance, click here.

General Undergraduate Admission Requirements

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states.  Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

To be admitted to any of the undergraduate programs at South University, the prospective student must provide proof of high school graduation as recognized by the state of residence on the date the degree was earned, or the equivalent in which a diploma was earned, with a minimum CGPA of 1.5 on a 4.0 scale within 14 calendar days of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance). Students providing a GED must meet the minimum required test score deemed as passing in each section as required at the time of testing.

South University accepts the International Baccalaureate Program diploma as meeting the requirement for high school graduation. Credentials earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a NACES or AICE-member credential evaluation service. Please speak with an admissions representative for more information.

Students with less than the minimum CGPA of 1.49 on a 4.0 scale may meet admissions requirements by submitting a minimum combined SAT (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math) score of 700 or 900 on the SAT requiring an essay portion, a combined ACT score of 18, or meet the criteria established for acceptance as a transfer student.

Students with a CGPA between 1.49 to 1.0 on a 4.0 scale may be admitted provisionally for two quarters. Failure to achieve a 1.5 CGPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal. Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.

Students with less than a 1.0 on a 4.0 scale do not meet the admissions requirements for South University.

Acceptable verification of high school graduation or the equivalent would include a high school transcript (official), or GED scores and state-authorized examination scores (ex. HiSET, TASC). In states that maintain a database that serves as an official registry of high school and GED graduates, an excerpt from the official database documenting the student's graduation or GED completion may be used.

Campuses in South Carolina must be provided with official high school transcripts or GED scores.

Please see the policy on GPA Calculation for Admission for additional information

Admission of Transfer Students

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states.  Please contact an admissions representative for further information.

To be eligible for admission, transfer students must complete the application procedures and satisfy the following criteria:

  1. Submit a completed application for admission.
  2. Have earned 24 or more credit hours, or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 1.5 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution.
  3. Submit official transcripts (including verifiable faxed transcripts) from all colleges and universities attended.
  4. Submit self-certification of high school graduation or GED completion. 

For transfer of credit practices refer to the applicable section under the Academic Affairs section of this catalog.

To be admitted as a Transfer student into South University the prospective student must have earned 24 or more quarter credit hours or the equivalent (e.g. 16 semester hours), with a cumulative GPA of 1.5 from an acceptable accredited collegiate institution. Official transcripts from the collegiate institution(s) and must be received within 14 calendar days for Undergraduate programs of the start date (refer to Conditional Acceptance). The student will be exempted from taking the UVC1000 Strategies for Success course. Students will select another 4-quarter credit course in consultation with their Academic Advisor or Academic Counselor to fulfill the degree requirements. 

Students with 24 or more quarter credits with a CGPA of between 1.49 to 1.0 may be admitted provisionally for two quarters.  Failure to achieve a 1.5 GPA in the first two quarters of attendance will result in dismissal.  Students may appeal the dismissal by following the Procedures for Appealing Academic/Financial Aid Dismissal Policy.

Students who are citizens of countries other than the United States should refer to the section entitled International Student Admissions Policy.

Students who are transferring from or to a school within the University of North Carolina or the North Carolina Community College System should be aware of the Comprehensive Articulation Agreement approved by both governing Boards on March 1, 1996 and revised in September of 2008. This agreement may be found in its entirety at the following website.

For additional admissions information please see the admissions section here

Offered at Austin, Columbia, Montgomery, Online Programs, Richmond, Savannah, Tampa, Virginia Beach, and West Palm Beach

Note: Not all Online Program offerings are available to residents of all U.S. states. Please contact an admissions representative for further information. 

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed to provide students with a broad perspective on the causes of crime and critical insights into the theoretical foundations and functions of the criminal justice system.  Within this framework, students will demonstrate a working knowledge of criminal justice theory and practice, including proficiency in ethical communication and research skills appropriate to the field.

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Utilize theoretical and applied criminal justice approaches to effectively solve a variety of field-based problems.

  • Recognize the causes of crime and delinquency.

  • Students will communicate accounting and financial proposals to common business operations through written and oral communication.

  • Utilize research methodology for scientific reasoning to the study of crime and justice.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice: 180 Credits

Area I General Education Requirements: 64 Credits

Professional Development

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits
This course is for students to obtain basic knowledge and skills in using computer office production software and Internet features. A broad range of software applications, such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software, and Internet usage concepts will be covered.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course equips students with the essential tools for success in both academic and professional environments. Through the identification of academic resources and the development of resiliency skills, students will gain strategies to overcome challenges and achieve long-term goals. The course also highlights the role of critical thinking as a cornerstone for decision-making and goal attainment, preparing students to navigate complex academic and professional landscapes with confidence and integrity.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
8

Basic Communications

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits

Students will be introduced to college-level writing processes, particularly planning, writing, and revising essays. Emphasis will be placed on refining individual skills, exploring types of essays, developing effective writing styles, voices, and procedures, and gaining insight on personal growth as a writer. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Focusing on the construction of effective researched written argument, this course refines composition techniques, develops abstract thinking processes, and promotes critical thinking. By locating and evaluating sources and incorporating appropriately vetted academic sources into their work, students will create well-supported arguments within appropriately documented academic essays. A minimum grade of C is required to pass this course.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
8

Choose one additional course from the list below: 

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits
This course examines the fundamental role of communication in establishing and maintaining relationships. By surveying leading research and theories in interpersonal communication, students explore scholarly perspectives on how individuals enter into, maintain, and terminate relationships. Conceptual perspectives examined will include communicative competence, relational development, interaction process, codes, and context. This course has a prescriptive orientation, meaning that it is geared toward learning how to be a more competent communicator by being oriented towards others.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Professional Communication for Diverse Populations will explore the complexities of intercultural communication by exploring obstacles affecting intercultural communication, understanding the relationship between communication and various cultures, comparing intercultural communication dynamics, and learning about communication theories and models in diverse contexts. Additionally, students will develop ethical and culturally competent communication skills to engage effectively in our interconnected world.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course is designed to prepare the student to develop and improve the ability to communicate. Self-expression, preparation of effective speeches, and development of speaking and listening skills will be the focus.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
4

Mathematics and Statistics

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits

The course is designed to develop the concepts needed for College Algebra II using graphs and applications to motivate students and provide real-world examples. The course covers the solution of systems of linear equations, exponents and polynomials, factoring, rational expressions, functions, and quadratic equations.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Statistics provides students with lecture and extensive practice in the concepts of descriptive and inferential statistics. The course emphasizes practical calculation and application. It begins with sample statistics and population parameters, proceeds to measures of central tendency, dispersion, and position, introduces the least-squares best-fit line and several key probability distributions, and concludes with the sampling distribution of sampling means, and hypothesis testing. MyStatLab or a comparable resource may be required in the course.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
8

Choose one additional course from the list below: 

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits
College Algebra provides students with lecture and extensive practice in the concepts required as background for Pre-Calculus and Calculus. The course emphasizes the graphs and properties of functions in general, with emphasis on linear, quadratic, polynomial, rational, exponential, and logarithmic functions. MyMathLab or a comparable resource may be used for lecture, homework and assessment assignment delivery.

Quarter Credits : 4

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College Mathematics covers the fundamentals of several areas of mathematics, including set theory, logic, geometry, graph theory, probability, and statistics. MyMathLab or a comparable resource may be used for lecture, homework and assessment assignment delivery.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
4

Natural Sciences (choose two)

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits

This course explores environmental stewardship and policy, focusing on power structures and their impact on ecosystems. Students analyze how policies and individual actions affect public health and safety globally and locally. Students will also examine challenges to improving environmental outcomes and compare different solutions to ecological issues. By the end of the course, students will be able to engage in environmental discussions and contribute to sustainable solutions.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Principles of Biology I is the first in a two-course sequence in biology. The course introduces scientific methods, biological chemistry, cells, energy for life, basic genetics, biotechnology, and the principles of evolution. Students will also complete writing assignments that develop their skills as scientifically literate citizens.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Principles of Biology II is the second course in a two course sequence in biology. This course continues the study of human biology with the role of endocrine and nervous systems in homeostatic regulation. Other topics covered are human reproduction, development, evolution, and advanced genetics. Ecological concepts are also discussed. The student will complete writing assignments that serve to increase knowledge of the scientific literature.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course provides a comprehensive introduction to fundamental chemistry concepts and their applications.  Students will explore essential terminology, the scientific method, and atomic structure, while learning to how to classify matter, and identify acids, bases, and salts. Students will gain a solid foundation in chemistry, preparing them for further scientific studies.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
8

Arts and Humanities: Choose one 4.0 credit courses.

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits
Sub-Total Quarter Credits
4

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits
An introduction and overview of the major principles in the field of Psychology including: mental disorders, personality, social understanding, stress and coping, learning, memory, neuroscience, and consciousness. Students will also gain a broad understanding of how these areas are interconnected from a theoretical and practical worldview in addition to scientific modes of thought about behavior. This course contains a component of the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) initiative, "Keeping it Real: Classroom to Career," whose overarching goals are student success and early career engagement.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course introduces the study of human social development and social organizations and social institutions. Students will apply sociological perspectives to examine topics such as the development of self-concept, group dynamics, social deviance, gender equality, social class, racial and ethnic relations, demography and population, the family, religion, and education.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
8

Choose one additional course from the list below:

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits
Microeconomics is the study of how individuals, households and firms make decisions about consumption and production which affect the supply and demand of goods and services. Other topics include the costs of production, behavior of firms, organization of industries, economics of labor markets, and theories of consumer choice.

Quarter Credits : 4

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The study of macroeconomics includes the basic aspects of economic analysis of the business world. Students will develop an understanding of the monetary system, recession, inflation, and the main cycles of business activity

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course introduces students to the American Government. By examining the struggle for power-the participants, the stakes, the processes, and the institutional arenas — this course introduces the students to the political struggles that drive democracy.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course exposes the student to social problems in the United States and globally. Students will explore major social issues through a sociological lens. Topics include behavioral deviance, social inequality (race/ethnicity, gender, sexuality, class), global social problems, and sociological theories. Students will learn how these issues impact individuals and communities and gain insight into potential solutions through discussions and case studies.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
16

General Education Elective

Choose any two courses from General Education not fulfilled in the above categories:

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits
Sub-Total Quarter Credits
8

Area II Foundation Requirements: 44 Credits

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits

Business Law I provides a foundation of the U.S. legal system and its interrelationship to business and ethics the legal and ethical considerations of business operations. Topics include the legal environment, operation of the legal system, completion of contracts, torts, constitutional law, criminal law, and intellectual property.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course is designed to prepare students to organize and compose effective business correspondence and operations. Focus will be on various types of business communication encountered in management functions, including creating documents, preparing presentations, managing meetings, providing leadership, and building teams. The course will address both internal and external organizational communications as well as professional career preparation.

Quarter Credits : 4

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The latest major approaches and techniques of management are studied, including planning, systems management, new organizational concepts, computer influence, controlling, and quantitative measurement.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
12

Elective Pool (eight courses or 32 credits)

Sub-Total Quarter Credits
32

Area III Major Requirements: 72 Credits

Core: 44 Credits

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits
This course is intended to be an examination of the criminal justice system and will provide a core understanding of the history, processes and functions of the three primary components: law enforcement, corrections and the court system. Emphasis will be placed on contemporary problems in the definition of law, strategies of policing, judicial systems, enforcement of the law, correctional practices and sentencing. This course will familiarize students with the operation of the criminal justice system and law enforcement in the United States and provide an appreciation for the diverse values and viewpoints that make up that system.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course is intended to be an overview of contemporary policing in the United States. The course explores the principles of policing, history of police, police administration and police operations. The overall goal of the course is to familiarize students with the field of law enforcement in the United States.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course provides a comprehensive look at the criminal court system in the United States. All levels are explored (local, state, federal, and international courts). Courtroom work groups as well as the roles of judges are examined. Relevant issues such as judicial selection, judicial decision making, and judicial review are covered. Trends in the court system will also be discussed.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course provides a broad examination of the American correctional system. The course considers the purposes of punishment and examines correctional facilities as well as community-based corrections. The student will examine the challenges related to operating a facility, including respecting the rights of inmates while ensuring safety and security. The course concludes with a review of key contemporary issues, including the death penalty.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course begins with an introduction to the nature of criminal law, including the definitions and elements of crimes and defenses available to those being prosecuted. The course then examines the procedures that take place after an arrest is made, including pre-trial activities, courtroom processes, jury procedures, and appeals.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course examines the nature and extent of delinquency, as well as theories of delinquency and the various causes. In addition, an overview of the juvenile justice system will be presented. Specifically, issues and trends regarding juveniles and the police, the juvenile court system, and juvenile corrections will be examined. Current methods of treatment and prevention will also be discussed.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course will focus on theoretical foundations and current research on theories of racial, ethnic, class, and gender discrimination within America's criminal justice system. Emphasis will be placed on the most recent research on patterns of criminal behavior and victimization, police practices, court processing and sentencing, the death penalty, and correctional programs as they relate to minority groups.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course covers modern management theory and the application of management techniques to the criminal justice system. This course focuses on criminal justice managers and supervisors, their jobs, and the complicated interrelationships between members of criminal justice agencies and the communities they serve. Topics covered include: leadership, organizational behavior, and employee supervision.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course focuses on the causes of crime and theories of criminal behavior including, biological, psychological and sociological theories. Students will also explore recent developments in criminological theory and current issues in criminology.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course examines ethical issues faced by actors in the criminal justice system. The focus will be placed on the philosophical and practical approaches to solve ethical dilemmas within the complicated criminal justice system.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
44

Program Electives (choose six): 24 Credits

Courses may be selected from this list to apply to Area II Foundation Requirements.

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits
Criminal Justice and the Media will explore the relationship between the mass media, crime and the criminal justice system in the United States. It will examine the role media plays in the social construction of crime and justice, and the impact of the media on attitudes and perceptions of crime and criminality. Particular attention is paid to the relationship of the media and crime prevention, and the impact of the media on the operations of the agencies in the criminal justice system from law enforcement to corrections.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course examines the various types of "white-collar" and economic crimes in America. These include corporate crimes, such as consumer fraud and stock fraud, environmental crimes, corruption, medical crime, and computer-based crime. Students will learn about pyramid schemes, e-mail and Web-based crimes, boiler-room operations, and criminal organizations posing as religions or charities.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course is intended to provide a historical review of activities of national and international organized groups. Emphasis is placed on the nature and concept of organized crime, both traditional and nontraditional, as well as the rise of the modern street gang. Cultural and social implications of the presence of organized crime and emerging strategies used in the fight against organized crime are examined in depth.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course involves the exploration into serial killers and mass murderers, and the impact each has on society and individual victims. This course examines issues of causation and the social environmental linkage of recent and notorious cases including the mind set of offenders.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course is intended to be an overview of the various facets of crime mapping and prevention theories including, criminal behavior and victimology. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the role of place and space in crime theory, in analyzing crime patterns, and how the environment can be altered to prevent crime and/or reduce the fear of crime.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course will introduce students to the procedures, practices, and personnel involved in community-based corrections. Students will learn about the wide array of effective punishments and treatment programs that constitute alternatives to incarceration, and which are designed to meet the level of risk posed by, and the needs of, each individual. These include probation, parole, electronic monitoring, house arrest, day-treatment centers, boot camps, restitution, fines, and more.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course will be an in-depth look at specific areas of forensic science. The course will focus on the Crime Scene, Physical Evidence, Organic and Inorganic Analysis, Paint Analysis, Fire and Explosion Investigation, Fingerprints, and Impressions.

Quarter Credits : 4

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The course is a comprehensive look at the theories of victimology and the interaction of crime victims with others in the criminal justice system.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course defines restorative justice and its values, explores its foundational underpinnings, and details ways to build restorative justice into policy and practice. The course will expose students to how restorative justice fits into our criminal justice system and how it can be applied effectively.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course provides an in-depth overview of immigration policy in the United States with a focus on how immigration patterns, laws, and related policies have affected the criminal justice system. Current issues related to immigration and its effects on American society will be analyzed including ways immigrants find their way into the United States, find work, residency issues, and the roles of the criminal justice system in responding to the presence of documented and undocumented immigrants. Proposed changes to immigration law and policies, including criminal justice system responses, will also be examined.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course explains the underlying scientific principles involved in bloodstain pattern analysis, which helps in the reconstruction of violent crime scenes. Topics include, the general properties of blood, droplet directionality, documenting bloodstains, and dealing with the risk of blood borne pathogens.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course is designed to introduce the student to the investigation of computer crime and the forensic examination of digital evidence. This course involves intensive study of the history and terminology of computer crime; the types of crimes committed in cyberspace; a behavioral profile of computer offenders; legal issues in cyberspace; the proper collection and preservation of digital evidence, and an overview of computer forensics.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course will provide an overview of violence and its impact on society. This course examines a number of different types of both individual and collective violent acts and the behaviors, ideas, perceptions, and justifications that connect these different types of violence. The course will also look at violence prevention and possible solutions for violence reduction.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course covers crime scene investigation and reconstruction, focusing on effective methodologies and efficient investigation of crime scenes and criminal tools including fundamental collection, preservation and management techniques, documentation protocols, and proper courtroom presentation techniques.

Quarter Credits : 4

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This course will be an in-depth look at specific areas of forensic science. The course will focus on the collection, preservation, and examination of physical evidence, drug analysis, toxicology, biological evidence, firearms, documents, fingerprints, and digital evidence.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
24

Capstone: 4 Credits

Course Code
Title
Quarter Credits
The Senior Seminar (Capstone) course is designed to provide students the opportunity to reflect upon their Criminal Justice education and demonstrate the specific competencies acquired from prior coursework. This course is designed to ensure that graduates of the Criminal Justice program are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue further study in the discipline or seek entry-level positions within criminal justice agencies or related professional organizations. The Capstone course emphasizes the connection between scholarship, policy and practice.

Quarter Credits : 4

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Sub-Total Quarter Credits
4
Note(s): 

Acceptance into a South University Criminal Justice program or its completion does not imply or guarantee that a student will be able to obtain employment in law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole or related fields. The student should contact the national, state or local agency/institution in which the student intends to gain employment for specific requirements and the application process.

Total Credits
180