Criminal Justice, B.A.

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Criminal Justice

With communities growing and citizens expecting safer towns and cities, along with the attention the FBI and other law enforcement offices have received in the wake of the tragedy of September 11th, the criminal and juvenile justice workforce continues to grow. Besides the need to prepare students for career opportunities in the field of criminal justice, this program provides a unique major of Criminal Justice in Southeastern Pennsylvania, in which the Franciscan vision of peace and justice supports and vitalizes law enforcement professions.

This distinctive program, in concert with Neumann University’s Mission, aims to plant the seed of the spirit of Saint Francis where it has most need of being started and the best chance for making a difference in the world. This spirit takes a view of sin and redemption, penance, justice, forgiveness, and preferential options for the poor and disenfranchised as the essential foundation of a criminal justice curriculum. Based in Gospel principles, the Criminal Justice program at this Franciscan University relies upon the innate goodness of humanity and the possibilities for redemption and rehabilitation for the betterment of the total community.

In order to spread this vision of criminal justice, the program prepares students to find employment in wide-ranging areas: courts and judicial offices, juvenile facilities, federal law enforcement agencies, forensic investigations, police departments, state prisons, sheriffs departments, city police organizations, state police departments, or community-based corrections (probation and parole). The Criminal Justice major provides opportunities for the study of many facets of the criminal justice system within a context of Franciscan values and is designed for those students who plan to attend graduate or professional school and/or pursue careers in criminal justice or other forms of public service.

Outcomes Approved by LOAC:

Upon successful completion of the undergraduate Criminal Justice program, the student will earn a Bachelor’s degree and will:

Demonstrate a working knowledge and application of the principles, processes, and language relating to the criminal justice system.
Demonstrate proficiency in the communication, technology, and teamwork skills needed to function effectively as a criminal justice professional.
Apply the RISES values to working with diverse populations in the criminal justice field.
Analyze the cultural context of contemporary crime and crime control in light of social and historical factors.
Engage in self-reflection to contemplate the realities of working as a criminal justice professional.

Admission Criteria

Candidates for admission to the Criminal Justice major are required to:

Complete CJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice and ENG 102 with a minimum grade of “C.”
Achieve a grade of “C” or higher for all Criminal Justice courses taken prior to admission to the major.
Have earned a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA.

Progression Criteria/Degree Requirements

Progression in the Criminal Justice major leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree requires students to:

Submit a current Pennsylvania Criminal Background Clearance preceding the semester of application for either an internship or Cooperative Education experience.
Achieve a grade of “C” or higher for all major course requirements.
Maintain a minimum 2.00 cumulative GPA.
Complete a minimum of 122 credits.