Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog 
    
2022-2023 Undergraduate Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

2105 Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology



55 Park Place, 5th Floor
404-413-1020
aysps.gsu.edu/criminal-justice-criminology/

Dean Dabney, Chair
Mark D. Reed, Undergraduate Program Coordinator

The Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice focuses on the study of the criminal justice system and its component parts, as well as the causes and consequences of crime. The degree program stresses an integrated view of the criminal justice system, highlighting relationships between system components in service provision and how the justice system influences/is influenced by other societal institutions. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a developing theoretical knowledge base in studies of crime and criminal justice, focusing on examining the system and its parts, as well as the roles of victims and offenders. The curriculum also is designed to provide students with a liberal arts education that focuses on basic skills, such as the abilities to read critically, write clearly, speak effectively, and think analytically. The curriculum is broadly structured to meet the academic needs of pre-professional students, those already employed in the wide range of agencies that compose the criminal and juvenile justice systems, and those pursuing graduate education and law school.

Students’ classroom experiences are enhanced through the research expertise of the criminal justice faculty. Currently, faculty research topics highlight organizational misconduct; sex differences in criminality and criminal justice processing; race, racism, crime and criminal justice; evidence-based policing; public defense systems; domestic violence; violence by and against people with mental illness; sexual harassment; state crime and international criminal law violations; cybercrime and security; drugs, crime and public policy; homicide investigation; homicide co-victimization; police policy and innovations; sexual victimization; the collateral consequences of mass incarceration; evaluation research; the disorder-crime nexus, constitutional law; community differences in the nature of crime; social justice leadership; informal social control; juvenile delinquency and youth violence; network analysis; groups and delinquency; active offender decision-making; and suburban crime and urban violence. Faculty members use a variety of quantitative and qualitative research methods, bringing not only topical knowledge but also methodological expertise into the learning environment.

Degree programs offered through the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology include a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, a Master of Science in criminal justice, and a doctorate in criminology and criminal justice. The bachelor’s degree program complies with the core curriculum requirements of the University System of Georgia and is also provided in an online format. Criminal Justice majors are required to select between one of two academic concentrations presented in the curriculum program.  Finally, the Department offers a minor in Criminal Justice and minor in Digital Criminology to students interested in augmenting their non-CJ majors. The minor in Digital Criminology also allows CJ majors to exand their knowledge and skill basewithin their respective area of concentration.

Mission

The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology emphasizes issues of crime and justice occurring in urban environments from a multicultural, interdisciplinary perspective to inform science, policy, and practice. The mission of the Department is to produce students who are critical and ethical thinkers, knowledgeable about the issues of crime and justice, and prepared for leadership positions in public and private criminal justice.

Program Admission

There are no admission requirements specific to the Bachelor of Science degree program in Criminal Justice beyond the admission requirements to the University.

Program Financial Information

No special fees are associated with the Bachelor of Science degree program in Criminal Justice. Students must pay all tuition and fees required by the University.

 

Programs

    Bachelor’sMinor

    Courses