Criminal Justice and Human Security-Comparative Justice

The Criminal Justice and Human Security-Comparative Justice program at the University of Bridgeport is designed to prepare students for impactful careers in law enforcement, criminal justice administration, human security, and international justice systems. This interdisciplinary program offers a comprehensive curriculum that combines foundational theories of criminal justice with a focus on comparative analysis of justice practices across different cultures and legal systems. Students will explore topics such as criminal law, criminology, corrections, homeland security, international law, and human rights, gaining a global perspective on issues related to security, justice, and human rights protection. The program emphasizes critical thinking, ethical responsibility, and practical skills through classroom instruction, case studies, simulations, and internships. Students will develop analytical abilities to assess criminal justice policies and practices critically and apply them in diverse cultural contexts. The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of students aiming to work in various sectors, including government agencies, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, and private security firms. Additionally, the program prepares graduates for graduate studies or law enforcement careers, emphasizing the importance of human security and comparative justice approaches in today’s interconnected world. With experienced faculty members, state-of-the-art facilities, and opportunities for research and fieldwork, students are equipped to understand and address complex justice issues faced by societies worldwide. The program fosters a global outlook, encouraging students to consider the social, political, and economic factors influencing criminal justice systems across different nations, and to develop innovative solutions that promote peace, security, and human rights in an era of increasing international cooperation and conflict. Upon completion of the program, graduates will be well-positioned to contribute effectively to the development of fair and effective justice policies and practices that span national and cultural boundaries.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline July 1 is the last date to apply for the Fall Semester which begins late August/early September;November 1 is the last date to apply for the Spring Semester which begins mid-January Tuition fee

• USD 30965 Year (National)
• USD 30965 Year (International)

Start date September 2015 Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time More information Go To The Course Website

Course Content

The Criminal Justice and Human Security program requires 39 semester credit hours including 18 credit hours in the program core, 15 credit hours in one of the concentrations, and an additional 6 credit hours in a diversity requirement (one course from each of the other two concentrations). The program will require students to show modern language competency in Arabic, Chinese, Korean, Japanese, Russian, French or Spanish through the intermediate level (four semesters). Students are required to complete 120 credit hours to graduate.

Program Core Courses (required)

• SOC/CJHS 118 Introduction to Criminal Justice
• CJHS 218 Human Security
• SOC/CJHS 315 Criminology
• SOSC 300 Research Methods
• CJHS 395 Senior Thesis1
• CJHS 398 Internship

Human Security Concentration (5 required out of these 6)

• PSCI 207 World Politics
• PSCI/CJHS 215 International Human Rights
• PSCI/CJHS 371 Terrorism
• SOC 355 Globalization
• WREL 375 Religion and Genocide
• GLDP 422 International Conflict and Negotiation

Comparative Justice Concentration (5 required out of these 6)

• PSCI 101 American Government
• CJHS 118 Intro to Crim Justice
• PSCI/CJHS 233 Intro to US Legal System
• CJHS 343 Constitutional Law
• CJHS 345 Comparative Criminal Law
• CJHS 372 Transnational Crime

Criminology Concentration (5 required out of these 6)

• SOC/CJHS 270 Sociology of Deviance
• SOC 310 Race, Class and Gender
• SOC/CJHS 311 Juvenile Delinquency
• SOC 355 Globalization
• CJHS 271 Law Enforcement and Society
• CJHS 312 Victimology

Internships can be arranged through the Chair of Criminal Justice and Human Security or through the Office of the Dean of the College of Public and International Affairs. Please contact the office of the Dean at 203-576-4966 or through ext. 4966 if your are on campus.
1Subject to approval of the Department Chair, a student may choose an additional CJHS elective in lieu of the thesis.

Careers in Criminal Justice and Human Security

The program will define the emergence and implications of human security and explore its impact on both domestic and international levels. You will become part of a cadre of security professionals who demonstrate the language skills and intercultural understanding required for effective law enforcement in today’s globalized society. You will also be prepared for admission to graduate study in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security programs and for careers in domestic and international security. Career tracks:

• ATF Agent
• CIA Agent
• Coast Guard Officer
• Corrections Officer
• Crime Scene Investigation
• Criminologist
• Customs Agent
• DEA Agent
• FBI Agent
• INS Agent
• Police Officer
• Probation Officer
• Secret Service
• Sheriff
• U.S. Marshall

English Language Requirements

IELTS band : 6 TOEFL paper-based test score : 500 TOEFL iBT® test : 61

To study at this university, you have to speak English. We advice you to

take an IELTS test.

Requirements

You can demonstrate proof of English Language competency by meeting any one of the criteria listed below:

1. A letter certifying completion of level 6 at the University’s English Language Institute (ELI).
Attainment of a satisfactory score on the University of Bridgeport’s English Language Assessment Battery (ELAB).

2. A minimum TOEFL score of 500 (PBT), 173 (CBT), or 61 (IBT) for undergraduates and a minimum score of 550 (PBT), 213 (CBT), or 80 (IBT) for graduates (post-graduates).

3. A minimum IELTS (Cambridge Testing) Band score of 6.0 for Undergraduates and a minimum Band score of 6.5 for graduates (post-graduates).

4. A transcript from an accredited American university indicating a grade of “C” or better in one semester of college English Composition.

5. Critical Reading SAT score of 400 or above; or ACT English score of 19 or above.

6.An official letter certifying completion of ELS (English Language Service) through level 112.

7.An official letter certifying completion of CSE (The Center for English Studies) through level 7.5.

8. A Michigan English Assessment Battery (MELAB) score of 69 or above for undergraduates and score of 77 or above for graduates.

9. A Prueba de Aptitud Academica (PAA) English achievement score of 500 or above.

10. A level of “Advanced” on the English Language Proficiency Test of the College Board.

11. An official “O” level or “A” level Certificate indicating a grade of “C” or better in English.

12. An EIKEN score of Grade 2A or above for undergraduates and a score of Grade Pre-1 or above for graduates.

13. A score of 4 or better on the “English A” Higher Level examination in the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.

14. WAEC, WASSE, CXC, etc. – Score of “C” or better on English Language exam.

15. A minimum Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) score of 44 for undergraduates and a minimum PTE Academic score of 53 for graduates (post-graduates).

You must demonstrate English language competency in one of the ways listed above. If you don’t demonstrate English language competency in one of these ways prior to registration, you will be given the University English Language Assessment Battery (ELAB) test upon arrival. If you pass at a satisfactory level, you may begin classes.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

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The Criminal Justice and Human Security-Comparative Justice program at the University of Bridgeport offers students a comprehensive education in the fields of criminal justice, human security, and comparative justice systems. The program is designed to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, criminal justice agencies, human rights organizations, and international security institutions. Students gain a thorough understanding of the legal, social, and ethical aspects of crime and justice across different cultures and legal frameworks. The curriculum includes courses in criminology, criminal law, forensic science, international law, human rights, social justice, and security studies. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, analytical skills, and cultural awareness necessary for working effectively in diverse and complex environments.

The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience, encouraging internships and fieldwork that allow students to engage directly with professionals in the field. Lectures are delivered by faculty members with expertise in criminal justice, international relations, and security studies, many of whom have extensive practical experience. Additionally, students have opportunities to participate in research projects, seminars, and conferences that focus on contemporary issues such as terrorism, organized crime, cyber security, human trafficking, and refugee protection.

Graduates of this program are equipped to pursue advanced degrees or enter the workforce in roles such as law enforcement officers, border security agents, policy analysts, human rights advocates, and international security consultants. The interdisciplinary nature of the program ensures that students develop a nuanced perspective on justice issues, with the ability to analyze them from multiple viewpoints. The University of Bridgeport’s focus on experiential learning and global perspectives aims to prepare students to meet the challenges of maintaining human security and advancing justice around the world.

The program's structure is designed to be flexible, accommodating both full-time and part-time students. It may include opportunities for study abroad or collaborative projects with partner institutions internationally. The University of Bridgeport is committed to fostering an inclusive learning environment that emphasizes social responsibility, ethical considerations, and the importance of multicultural competence in the field of criminal justice and human security. Upon completion, graduates will be well-positioned to contribute to policy development, advocacy, and operational roles that promote justice, security, and human rights globally.