Criminal Justice, B.S. Program (120 units)
Program Description
The Department of Criminal Justice offers an undergraduate degree designed to develop knowledge and understanding of practices, criminological theory, and concepts of the criminal justice system. Through examining crime prevention, forensic science and investigations, corrections and community-based programs, equity and diversity, and the impact of victimization, students will be provided with a general understanding of the issues facing the criminal and juvenile justice systems. This major will prepare students to be leaders for positive change in the community, along with careers in law enforcement, corrections, victim advocacy, law, and community-based programs.
Many local, state, federal, and private agencies employ Cal State East Bay criminal justice graduates. Students may qualify for internship placement in criminal justice agencies throughout the Bay Area to gain valuable field experience.
Local-level agencies include municipal police departments, county sheriff’s offices, probation departments, halfway and pre-release houses, group homes, crisis centers, juvenile halls, welfare fraud units, computer crime analysis, and retail and industrial security agencies. State-level agencies include: the Highway Patrol, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Department of Motor Vehicles, and Departments of Justice, Fish and Game, and Forestry. Federal-level agencies include the Federal Bureau of Investigations, United States Secret Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, Internal Revenue Service, National Park Service, Federal Probation, United States Postal Inspection Service, and Federal Prisons.
Program Learning Outcomes
Students graduating with a B.S. in Criminal Justice from Cal State East Bay will be able to:
- Analyze and discuss issues of crime and justice from different perspectives that reflect critical and independent thinking;
- Communicate, present, and discuss ideas and issues in one-on-one or group settings, and write effectively, following appropriate writing styles as commonly practiced in the social sciences;
- Apply knowledge of diversity and multicultural competencies to criminal justice strategies that will promote equity and social justice in every community;
- Work collaboratively and respectfully as members and leaders of diverse teams and communities;
- Demonstrate an understanding of how the ethical and responsible application of criminal justice regulates human conduct and sustains stability in society; and
- Apply appropriate knowledge and skills necessary for a vital career in criminal justice and related professions.
Program Roadmaps
These program roadmaps represent recommended pathways through the program. Please see an advisor to create an education plan customized to meet your needs.
Career Opportunities
Family Violence, Crisis, or Shelter Counselor • Community Agency Counselor • Community Service Coordinator • Consumer Affairs Director • Probation, Parole, and Corrections Officer • Deputy Insurance Commissioner • Equal Opportunity Representative • ATF, CIA, FBI Agent • Group Worker • Insurance Investigator • Investigator • Loss Prevention Specialist • Park Ranger • Police Administrator • Police Officer • Security Manager • Social Worker • Vocational Rehabilitation Officer
Degree Requirements Unit-Outline
- A baccalaureate of science degree requires a total of 120 units:
- The major requirements consist of 48 units;
- General Education (GE) & Graduation Requirements (GR) consist of 57 units;
- Free Electives may consist of 15 units (the actual number of free elective units may depend on GE/GR units).
Note: It may be possible to double-count units within the graduation requirements or a course may satisfy both a graduation requirement and a major requirement. Students should contact their program and academic advisors for information.
Criminal Justice Major Requirements (48 units)
Note: Credit/No Credit (CR/NC) grading is NOT permitted for classes used to meet the major requirements. A grade of C (2.0) or higher is required for all courses to be counted toward the major.
Lower Division Core
The following 18 units are required:
Upper Division Coursework
The following four (4) upper-division core courses for 12 units are required:
Elective Courses
Select two (2) courses from the following for a total of 6 units:
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