Criminal Justice and Criminology Major, B.S.

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology offers an academic degree with a foundation in the liberal arts and social sciences. Recognizing that many students have completed coursework at the community college level and already work in the criminal justice field, the department structures its curriculum to assist transfer students and adult working students. The department has articulation agreements with some community colleges in Colorado.

Students must meet MSU Denver’s requirements for the bachelor’s degree including General Studies and a multicultural course. They should consult with a faculty advisor regarding General Studies courses and the selection of criminal justice electives. The department recommends the following General Studies courses: BIO 1000 Human Biology for Non-Majors; PSY 1001 Introductory Psychology; and SOC 1010 Introduction to Sociology.

A grade of “C” or better is required for each course in this program to count toward the bachelor’s degree. Students should note that programs differ in the minimum grade required. Students must also declare a minor.

Pre-Major

CJC 1010 - Introduction to the Criminal Justice System Credits: 3
Subtotal from Pre-Major: 3 credits

Tier I: Core Courses

CJC 1450 - Introduction to Corrections Credits: 3
CJC 2020 - Research Methods and Basic Statistics for Criminal Justice Professionals Credits: 3
CJC 2050 - American Judicial System Credits: 3
CJC 2210 - American Policing Credits: 3
CJC 3400 - Criminological Theories Credits: 3
CJC 3410 - Criminal Justice and the Social Structure Credits: 3
CJC 4700 - Capstone Seminar in Criminal Justice and Criminology Credits: 3
Subtotal Required from Tier I: 21 credits

Tier II: Area Electives

Police (Choose one):
CJC 3800 - Federal Law Enforcement Credits: 3
CJC 4250 - Community Policing Credits: 3
Courts/Law (Choose one):
CJC 2100 - Criminal Law Credits: 3
CJC 3110 - Constitutional Issues in Criminal Procedure and Evidence Credits: 3
Corrections (Choose one):
CJC 3290 - Probation and Parole Credits: 3
CJC 3470 - Punishment and Society Credits: 3
Administration of Justice (Choose two):
CJC 3130 - Victimology Credits: 3
CJC 3350 - Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Credits: 3
CJC 4430 - Comparative Criminal Justice Credits: 3
CJC 4650 - Ethics for the Criminal Justice Professional Credits: 3
Subtotal Required from Tier II: 15 credits

Tier III: CJC General Electives

Nine credits of CJC electives

Internship credit applies to Tier III, but no more than 6 credits are allowed for a CJC major. At least 6 credits of the CJC electives in Tier III must be upper-division. Students may select electives from Tier II that they did not already take to fulfill requirements in Tier II.

Subtotal from Tier III: 9 credits

Total Required for the Major: 45 Credits

General Studies	33
Required Courses and Electives in CJC	45
Minor	18-21
Other Electives	at least 18
Total for the Degree	120