Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice at Washington State University offers students a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, corrections, the judiciary, and juvenile justice. This program is designed to prepare students for diverse careers within the criminal justice field, providing both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for effective practice and leadership. Students will explore topics such as criminal law, criminal behavior, criminal justice policies, procedures, and ethics, as well as the social and psychological factors that influence criminal activity. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and research skills, enabling graduates to analyze complex issues and advocate for justice and fairness in diverse settings.

Throughout the program, students have opportunities for internships and experiential learning, allowing for real-world application of their academic studies. By engaging with criminal justice professionals and participating in fieldwork, students gain valuable insights into the operational aspects of the criminal justice system, enhancing their readiness for employment post-graduation. The program also fosters an understanding of contemporary challenges such as crime prevention, community policing, technological advancements, and policy reform.

Faculty members are experienced professionals and researchers dedicated to mentorship and student success. They incorporate current research and best practices into their teaching, ensuring students are well-equipped to contribute to the field upon graduation. Graduates of the Criminal Justice program at Washington State University are prepared for careers in law enforcement agencies, correctional institutions, courts, social services, and private security, as well as for advanced education and graduate programs. With a commitment to diversity, ethics, and social justice, the program aims to develop well-rounded professionals who can make meaningful contributions to their communities and to the broader criminal justice system.

Detailed Course Facts

• USD 5695 Year (National)
• USD 5695 Year (International)

• English

Course Content

Required Courses:
(15 semester credits)

• Crm J 101 - Introduction to the Administration of Criminal Justice
• Crm J 201 - Introduction to Criminological Theory
• Crm J 330 - Crime Control Policies
• Crm J 320 – Criminal Law
• OR
• Crm J 420 [M] - Criminal Procedure
• Crm J 450 [M] - Senior Seminar: Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice Institutions:
(6 semester credits; choose 2 courses)

• Crm J 365 - Juvenile Justice & Corrections
• Crm J 370 - Introduction to Policing in America
• Crm J 380 - Criminal Courts in America
• Crm J 385 - Institutional Corrections

Criminal Justice Electives:
(9 semester credits; choose 3 courses)

• Crm J 320 - Criminal Law

• Crm J 365 - Juvenile Justice & Corrections
• Crm J 370 - Introduction to Policing in America
• Crm J 380 - Criminal Courts in America
• Crm J 385 - Institutional Corrections
• Crm J 400 [M] - Issues in the Administration of Criminal Justice
• Crm J 403 [T] - Violence Toward Women
• Crm J 405 [M] - Comparative Criminal Justice Systems

Political Science Electives:
(9 semester credits; choose 3 courses)

• Three 300/400 level Pol S electives

College of Arts and Sciences Elective:
(3 semester credits; choose 1 course)

• Psych 324 [S,D] - Psychology of Women

• Psych 350 [S] - Social Psychology
• Soc 361 - Criminology
• Soc 362 [S,D] - Juvenile Delinquency
• Soc 384 [S,D] - Sociology of Gender

Research Methods and Quantitative Analysis:
(7 semester credits)

• Psych 311 - Elementary Statistics in Psychology
• Soc 320 - Introduction to Social Research

Requirements

• To be eligible for admission to Washington State University, an applicant must be a high school graduate or its equivalent, or have completed a more advanced transferable credential from a regionally accredited college or university (e.g., a transferable Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree).

• The total number of new students admitted for any one semester will be based on the number of students for whom facilities can be made available.

• Appeal of admission decisions may be made only to the Admissions Subcommittee of the Academic Affairs Committee or its designee.

• Anyone seeking admittance to the Graduate School must follow procedures in the Graduate School Policies and Procedures Manual available in the Graduate School.

• The university reserves a limited number of spaces in the incoming class for the admission of students with exceptional talent. Refer to the admission of students with extraordinary talents component of the Admissions policies section of the university catalog.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Washington State University.

The Criminal Justice program at Washington State University offers students a comprehensive education designed to prepare them for careers within the criminal justice system. The program emphasizes understanding the complexities of the criminal justice process, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections, as well as exploring issues related to crime prevention, justice policy, and the justice system's social impacts. Students engage in both theoretical and practical learning through coursework, internships, and research opportunities. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics such as criminal law, crime scene investigation, criminal behavior, juvenile justice, and ethics in criminal justice. An undergraduate degree in Criminal Justice at WSU can lead to various career paths, including law enforcement officer, forensic analyst, probation officer, crime analyst, and roles in federal agencies. The program also aims to develop critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills vital for effective practice in the field. WSU provides state-of-the-art facilities and connections with local law enforcement agencies to facilitate experiential learning. Students are encouraged to participate in various extracurricular activities, internships, and research projects that enhance their understanding and job preparedness. The program is designed for students interested in making a tangible impact on community safety and justice, fostering a deeper understanding of the systemic issues affecting criminal justice policies and practices. Graduates of the program are equipped with a solid foundation for graduate studies or professional certifications in related fields, contributing to their long-term career development. The university prides itself on its diverse and inclusive environment, promoting a well-rounded educational experience that prepares students to address the challenges of an evolving criminal justice landscape.