BA in Criminal Justice
The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminal Justice degree program at Houston Christian University (HCU) is an immersive journey into the heart of the criminal justice and law enforcement fields, equipping you for meaningful careers in public service, corrections, and beyond.
Through gaining knowledge of how the written law, law enforcement, the courts, and corrections intersect to uphold truth and justice, you’ll be able to approach future careers in law enforcement or the court system strengthened by faith and ethics and the critical thinking skills to make nuanced decisions that improve society.
With the flexibility to explore subfields like juvenile justice, international law, and interdisciplinary areas like criminal psychology and legal communication, as a Criminal Justice major at HCU, you become prepared to approach criminal justice careers while upholding truth and fairness for all under the law.
Criminal Justice Major Overview and Requirements
The curriculum of the Criminal Justice program delves into the workings of the criminal justice system, the evolution of constitutional law, and the intricacies of the American court system. Beyond the foundations, you’ll explore criminology, communication in legal situations, and how crime and criminal justice relate to American society and the American family.
The BA in Criminal Justice program requirements prioritize ethical considerations, offering a historical perspective on our nation’s criminal justice system. Embedded in the 120-credit degree, core humanities education, six hours of foreign language, robust choices of electives, and internship opportunities enhance your readiness to lead the workforce in public service and the court system.
Degree Plan
Review the BA in Criminal Justice degree plan and major requirements.
Courses
Investigate critical aspects of the criminal justice field in courses crafted to prepare you for the complexities and challenges of a career in criminal justice:
- The American Court System
- Constitutional Law I and II
- Criminal Procedure
- Foundations of Criminal Law
- Legal Communication
Criminal Justice Minor
Choosing a Criminal Justice minor enriches any major, boosting your job prospects in legal services, public service, and beyond. It sharpens analytical and communication skills and provides deep insights into American criminal justice, making you versatile and attractive to employers.
Review the requirements for the Criminal Justice minor program.
Online BA in Criminal Justice
HCU’s Pampell Online Division offers a fully online bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice program that provides the same education on criminology and the criminal justice system through a fully remote format.
Explore the online BA in Criminal Justice.
What Can I Do With a BA in Criminal Justice From HCU?
Graduating with a BA in Criminal Justice positions you for a spectrum of careers across law enforcement and the legal system. This degree opens doors to traditional law enforcement roles within federal, state, and local governments, where you can serve and protect communities with integrity and dedication. Common pathways also include graduate studies in law, forensic psychology, or public administration, setting the stage for influential roles within the justice system and related fields.
Career and Salary Outcomes
The skills and knowledge you gain as a Criminal Justice major are highly valued in private security, government law enforcement, and the legal arena. You may start as a police officer, ascending through the ranks to become a detective or criminal investigator. Additionally, entry-level positions in court support or legal support are available, with opportunities to advance to leadership roles.
For those inclined toward the corrections facet of criminal justice, opportunities range from entry-level officer positions to roles in upper management, such as warden, and overseeing correctional facilities. You may even use your strengths in legal analysis and criminal psychology to enter careers in intelligence or military service.
With your BA in Criminal Justice, you can pursue careers such as:
- Corrections Officer
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Legal Assistant
- Paralegal
- Private Security Consultant
- Probation Officer
Each role you take on throughout your career leverages the comprehensive understanding of criminal justice principles, ethical considerations, and practical skills you’ve honed, preparing you for meaningful contributions to public safety and justice.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average reported annual salary for police workers and detectives was $69,160 in 2022. Further education and specialization can unlock higher-paying careers in criminal justice and law.
Learn more about job outlook and salaries for Criminal Justice majors.
Opportunities for Criminal Justice Majors
Flexibility to Minor or Double Major
As a Criminal Justice major, you have room in the program to choose a double major or minor to broaden your educational experience, tackle interdisciplinary career paths, or qualify for more specialized roles or salaries. Popular options include combining Criminal Justice and the Psychology program or the Spanish program. Or, add a minor, such as a Sociology minor or Political Science minor.
Explore all majors and minors at HCU.
Engage With Clubs, Organizations, and Career Experiences
Rooted in the Morris Family Center for Law & Liberty’s conviction for forwarding community education, the Criminal Justice program offers a variety of opportunities, like workshops and symposiums, for you to interact with professionals in your desired career field, build your network in the Houston area, and experience collaboration and leadership. You can also participate in student groups like the Pre-Law Society to enhance your skills and knowledge.
Explore student clubs and organizations and dive into our vibrant student life.
Community Rooted in Pillars of Belief
HCU’s Ten Pillars are inspired by the stone columns that guarded the original Galveston County Courthouse, forever linking our history with the calling of justice and truth. The Criminal Justice program aims to educate the next generation of leaders in liberty and constitutionalism and defend the principles that make America an exceptional nation.
An engaged campus spiritual community comes together with our respected Criminal Justice faculty to create an environment of academic excellence that promotes the personal and faith development necessary to produce citizens who do good for our society and country.
Explore HCU’s Ten Pillars mission.
Testimonials From Community Leaders
The opportunity to attain a HCU degree in Criminal Justice is one that would be respected in the Criminal Justice community, and to have someone like Professor Ferrell to oversee the program is a bonus.
Learning about crime and society’s response to it will benefit all students as they enter into their chosen careers in the community. I commend HCU for the decision to establish a Criminal Justice program and choosing you to develop it.
I am very pleased to hear that HCU is starting a Criminal Justice Program that is based in ethics. Ethics in law enforcement is one of the necessary core values that is needed to build trust and confidence with the public. In other words, men and women in the Criminal Justice profession must always do the right thing.
Related Programs
If you’re looking forward to a life dedicated to the service of others and the improvement of society, Houston Christian University offers top undergraduate degree programs spanning the humanities, law and society, and social sciences.
- Bachelor of Arts in Political Science: Dive further into the founding documents and contemporary politics to interpret complex situations in political careers.
- Bachelor of Arts in Pre-Law/Legal Studies: Understand how multiple disciplines can improve the effectiveness of officers of the law and prepare for law school.
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSW): Pursue careers helping individuals and families in all situations, both inside and outside of the criminal justice system.
Admissions and Aid
Pursue a path of integrity and societal impact with HCU’s Criminal Justice program. This is your first step toward a meaningful career in shaping justice and keeping our communities safe from harm.
- Begin your admissions journey: Apply to HCU with a straightforward and free application.
- Fund your education: Explore tuition information and financial aid options.
- Discover our core: Delve into the principles that drive HCU, where education is intertwined with ethical action and community betterment.
Become a Criminal Justice Major at Houston Christian University
Answer the call to uphold justice with wisdom and courage with HCU’s bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. Here, you’re preparing not merely for a job but for a role as a guardian of equity in our communities.
Apply today to find your place.