Criminal Justice (BA)

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminal Justice is intended to provide students with a critical understanding of the nature and causes of crime and delinquency, the origins and meaning of law and social control (with emphasis on criminal law), the nature of the criminal justice system and the processing of cases through that system, and proposals for reducing crime and delinquency. The program is designed to broadly educate students, to prepare students for careers in various criminal justice settings, and to pursue graduate education.

Please see the UNLV Greenspun College of Urban Affairs, Department of Criminal Justice web page for information about department programs, faculty and facilities.  Degree worksheets and 4/5 year plan for the major are available on the UNLV Degrees Directory.

Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate an awareness of the history and nature of the major components of the criminal justice system: police, courts, and corrections.
2. Be familiar with the basis of the law and the legal system, as well as decision-making in the criminal justice process, the social and political context of the legal system, important constitutional issues, and how criminal law differs from other forms of law.
3. Demonstrate knowledge of the overall problem of crime in the United States, in terms of being familiar with different types of crimes committed in society, as well as possessing knowledge of the distribution of these crimes.
4. Understand issues related to crime prevention and the rehabilitation of offenders.
5. Be familiar with various methods of social science research including survey research, field research, experimental research, and evaluation research, and demonstrate awareness of the linkage between theory and research.
6. Have basic knowledge of statistical procedures commonly used in the social sciences, in particular, those involved with descriptive research and hypothesis testing.
7. Be able to conduct a research project from beginning to end, including how to locate existing sources of relevant information, operationalize concepts of interest, collect data, interpret findings, and present information in a professional manner.
8. Be cognizant of various ethical concerns relevant to the study of criminal justice issues, and the distribution of justice in society.
9. Be able to apply his or her knowledge in a variety of criminal justice settings, whether it be at the federal, state, or local level, or to pursue graduate education in criminal justice or a related field.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Learning outcomes will be assessed by the administration of a Criminal Justice Department Exit Survey. The exit survey measures the extent to which required courses facilitated learning of each degree objective. In addition, students will complete a Criminal Justice Senior Assessment (CRJ 498 ) in their final semester.

Career Possibilities

Individuals with a Criminal Justice background have a wide range of career opportunities.

Law Enforcement

Federal Agent (FBI, DEA, Immigration, Secret Service, Federal Air Marshal, etc.) State of Local Police Officer Park Ranger

Private Security Private Investigator Campus Police Officer Military Officer Cooperate Loss Manager

Investigation

Arson Investigator Gaming Investigator IRS Special Agent

Postal Inspector Coroner

Courts

Attorney Law Clerk Paralegal Court Administrator

Pre-Trial Services Officer Forensic Psychologist Drug Court Coordinator Crime Scene Investigator

Corrections

Correctional Officer Correctional Treatment Specialist Warden

Parole Officer Juvenile Detention Officer

Technical Support and Analysis

Crime Analyst Forensic Technician Ballistics Expert

Social Services

Social Worker Youth Advocate Victim Advocate Teacher