B.S. Criminal Justice

Learn How to Become a Force for Reform

With a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Nova Southeastern University, you will be equipped to take on the challenges of our criminal justice system from within your community and beyond. This field of study will give you insight into human motivations and the forces behind aberrant and destructive behaviors. You'll explore the rapidly expanding highly relevant fields of law enforcement, courtroom services, corrections, and homeland security. You also will gain a foundation of knowledge about crime, punishment, and rehabilitation.

The United States is embroiled in developing a strategy for criminal justice reform. Regularly, we hear about cases that fly in the face of liberty and justice for all. We see breakdowns in the system characterized by racial profiling, overcriminalization, recidivism, and mass incarceration. The current conditions necessitate professionals adept at promoting equity, cultural awareness, and social responsibility. The knowledge you will gain by earning a degree in criminal justice from NSU will empower you with the tools necessary to tackle these pervasive, troubling conditions and social challenges.

Why Should You Major in Criminal Justice at NSU?

• Enjoy convenient and flexible course delivery options: online or on-campus.
• Learn from professors who bring real-life law enforcement experience into the program.
• Choose from a variety of career paths, from correctional administrator to crime scene technician to social worker.
• Gain real-world knowledge of current law and policy.
• Learn how to stake your claim in criminal justice reform.

General education requirements (30 credits)

Students are required to complete 30 credit hours as part of the General Education Program.

Criminal justice major requirements (54 credits)

Core courses (45 credits)

• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Criminal Law
• Constitutional Issues
• Criminology
• Court Systems and Procedures
• Ethical Dilemmas and Decisions in Criminal Justice
• Multiculturalism and Crime
• Juvenile Delinquency
• Policing
• Interviewing, Interrogation, and Report Writing
• Corrections in America
• Criminal Investigations
• Victimology
• Research Methods in Criminal Justice
• Senior Seminar

Major electives (9 credits)

Select 9 credits from the following courses:

• Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections
• Comparative Criminal Justice – Spain
• The CSI Effect: Media and Criminal Justice
• Terrorism and Homeland Security
• Police Organizational Behavior and Management
• Gangs in America
• Special Topics in Criminal Justice
• Internship in Criminal Justice
• Forensic Psychology
• The Psychology of Criminal Behavior

Experiential Learning/Internships

During your undergraduate studies, you’ll have a number of mentorship opportunities and both simulated and real-world classroom experiences. Examples of experiential learning include but are not limited to; socio drama programs and simulation exercises. These programs utilize drama techniques that not only bridge the gap between theory and practice but focus on the application of real-world criminal justice content and mock trial methodologies. You’ll be exposed to a criminal case and learn how to investigate, prepare, and ultimately prosecute the defendant in a real trial setting.

Create Your Own Career Path

With a degree in Criminal Justice from NSU’s Fischler College of Education and School of Criminal Justice, you can focus your career on crime prevention, law enforcement, public service, and criminal justice reform.

You can also become a trailblazer by creating your own path in fields such as security and criminal investigation. Your graduate school options include continuation in criminal justice, law school, and other social service degrees.

Average Starting Salary

With a criminal justice degree, the average salary for employees is $57,931 a year, according to PayScale.com. Among the careers are paralegals earning about $48,000 a year, operations managers earning about $60,000 a year, and security managers earning about $65,000 a year.

Shark Destinations

Graduates of this program can become leaders in a variety of positions such as correctional administrator, court administrator, court counselor, crime scene technician, law enforcement practitioner, parole officer, pre-sentence investigator and social worker.