Criminal Justice Program

Introduction
Degree Description

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes
Programs and Courses Offered

Division of Politics, Administration, and Justice Division Chair

Stacy Mallicoat

Criminal Justice Program Coordinator

Christine Gardiner

Division Office/Website

University Hall 511
657-278-3521
hss.fullerton.edu/paj

Faculty

Alissa Ackerman, Gregory (Chris) Brown, Amy Cass, Rob Castro, George M. Dery, III, Christine Gardiner, Veronica Herrera, Dixie Koo, Phillip Kopp, James Lasley, Jarret Lovell, Stacy Mallicoat, Kevin Meehan, Lidia Nuno, Georgia Spiropoulos

Introduction

Criminal Justice is the study of the causes, consequences and control of crime. Like other new and developing fields, criminal justice is difficult to define, as it draws from a number of different disciplines, including psychology, public administration, philosophy, political science, sociology and law.

The program leading to the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice is designed to acquaint pre-service and in-service students with the principles and practices of criminal justice in America. Although the department’s curriculum allows for the development of depth in one of the subject’s substantive subsystems (i.e., law enforcement, courts or corrections), the overriding objective is to familiarize students with activities in all the above areas.

The department is both academic and professional in that it is an interdisciplinary attempt to relate intellectual issues and practitioner perspectives to the challenge of crime in a free society. In this regard, the department provides preparation for employment with a related agency and/or further study (e.g., law school).

Degree Description

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice is designed to acquaint pre-service and in-service students with the principles and practices of criminal justice in America. Specifically, the curriculum provides: opportunities for students to develop a knowledge and understanding of different theories and methods of studying criminal justice and criminology; proficiency in the use of various tools of analysis, including research and data analysis techniques; an interdisciplinary approach to relate intellectual issues and practitioner perspectives to the challenge of crime in a free society; the practice of criminal justice through internships and other experiential programs; and the ability to communicate clearly, critically and intelligently about crime, criminals and criminal justice. A major in criminal justice prepares students for: law school or graduate school; government employment in local, state and federal agencies; employment in law enforcement, courts and corrections agencies; employment in non-profit and human service organizations; teaching; and leadership in civic activities.

Learning Goals and Student Learning Outcomes

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

Advisement

Students are urged to attend a New Major Advisement Session prior to their first semester at the university as a Criminal Justice major. This is particularly important for community college transfers. Failure to do so may delay graduation. The department’s New Major Advisement Sessions are regularly and frequently scheduled. See the bulletin board or call the division office for details. For advising questions, students may email us at pajadvising@fullerton.edu.

Programs and Courses Offered

Programs

Bachelor of Arts

Criminal Justice, B.A.

Non-Degree

Criminal Justice Minor

Courses

Criminal Justice

Courses are designated as CRJU in the class schedule.