Serve your community. Serve the world.
Passionate about Criminal Justice? Interested in becoming a peace officer? Studying Criminal Justice will give you an understanding of the justice system and its process, from local to global issues and how to uphold ethical standards. You will also develop strong writing, research and analytical skills, attractive traits to employers in all industries.
Our Associate of Science (A.S.) degree in Criminal Justice is an option for any student interested in working in the criminal justice system and is searching for a degree that can be obtained in two years. Students who earn an associate degree can use their courses toward a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
Our Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in Criminal Justice prepares both entry-level and seasoned professionals in the theoretical foundations, knowledge, skills and practices of criminal justice administration inclusive of law enforcement, courts, and corrections. This program enables students to develop rational decisions and informed responses to the daily challenges of law enforcement, courts and corrections operations.
Students can tailor a degree to their own interests and career goals with five concentrations to choose from: Administration, Law Enforcement and Legal Studies.
The Administration concentration is an excellent degree for any area of criminal justice. It prepares students for the work that goes on behind the scenes in a criminal justice organization. Managing the operations of a police organization requires a unique ability to understand the needs of the community being served, as well as the components of the organization. These courses enable graduates to enter organizations with a broader understanding of the rationale for decision-making within the organization.
With a criminal justice administration degree, graduates can excel as an administrator in municipal, county or state organizations. Other career options include becoming civil service officers, state and federal parole officers, court administrators, federal law enforcement officers or private sector law enforcement.
If you enjoy leading a team of people and have the desire to make a real difference in your community, this is the degree for you.
The Law Enforcement concentration is an excellent degree for any student interested in becoming a law enforcement officer at the local, state or federal level.
Our department has a fully integrated Law Enforcement Academy. You can earn up to 21 college credits toward your degree while attending our academy. If you pass your POST examination and you are 21 years of age, you have the minimum training required to become a police officer in most departments in Missouri (and many other states).
Our graduates have obtained jobs with agencies at all these levels. From the FBI, Secret Service, Drug Enforcement Agency to state highway patrols to local police departments, large and small, law enforcement offers a broad range of experiences and opportunities.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook estimates a 5% job growth rate from 2012 to 2022 for police officers.
The Legal Studies concentration offers criminal justice students the opportunity to explore the various roles, functions and responsibilities of the numerous civilian positions in the American legal system. You’ll come away an understanding of the history, principles, and purpose of legal institutions and their operation.
All students complete an applied learning requirement. In most cases students choose an internship and a senior capstone course. Students who have earned a Bachelor’s degree in this or any discipline may also choose to apply for admission into law school, which is a very competitive process based primarily on grades and scores on the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate effective legal knowledge and practical skills necessary to perform substantive legal work under the direction of an attorney.
- Demonstrate appropriate paralegal skill development and professionalism through practical experiences.
- Demonstrate an understanding of their ethical responsibilities in the legal profession.
- Articulate the paralegal’s role in the delivery of legal services to the public.
- Write clearly and think analytically.
- Read, analyze, and synthesize complex information in an organized and logical manner.
- Utilize technology necessary to meet employer needs.
- Manage multiple projects and tasks.
Criminal Justice (Associate of Science, A.S.)
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies | ||
| 15 | ||
| Major Requirements | ||
| LAT 101 | Introduction to Law | 3 |
| LAT 335 | Introduction to Mediation | 3 |
| LAW 100 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| LAW 110 | Introduction to Juvenile Justice | 3 |
| LAW 190 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| LAW 260 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| LAW 280 | Criminalistics | 4 |
| LAW 305 | Introduction to Theories of Crime | 3 |
| LAW 325 | Understanding Research in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| Select one from the following: | 3 | |
| Contemporary Problem Solving | ||
| Finite Mathematics | ||
| College Algebra | ||
| PSY 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
| or SOC 110 | Introduction to Sociology | |
| Select seventeen to eighteen credit hours from the following: | 17-18 | |
| College Writing and Research | ||
| Introduction to Policing | ||
| Traffic Control and Accident Investigation | ||
| Introduction to Corrections | ||
| Probation and Parole | ||
| Police Photography | ||
| Criminal Justice Communications | ||
| Criminal Justice Concepts and Issues | ||
| Criminal Evidence | ||
| Victimology | ||
| Practicum I | ||
| Selected Criminal Justice Topics | ||
| Intermediate Criminal Law | ||
| Juvenile Law and Procedures | ||
| Administration and Planning | ||
| Internship | ||
| Critical Aspects of Policing I | ||
| Critical Aspects of Policing 2 | ||
| Police Methods and Operations | ||
| American National Government | ||
| American State and Local Government | ||
| General Psychology | ||
| Abnormal Psychology | ||
| Introduction to Sociology | ||
| Criminology | ||
| Family and Child Welfare | ||
| Substance Use and Disorders | ||
| Death And Dying | ||
NOTE: Students must complete a Pre-Post test and Contact Information form prior to graduation.
Graduation Requirements
- Earn a minimum of 62 credit hours (100 level and above, maximum of 6 CED credit hours applicable).
- Earn 20 of the last 30 credit hours at MWSU in institutional course work (exclusive of credit by examination).
- Participate in required departmental and campus wide assessments.
- No more than 2 courses with a grade of D permitted in major coursework.
- Earn an overall GPA of at least 2.00 and a major GPA of at least 2.0.
- Fulfill the Missouri Constitution requirement.
- Successfully pass the Missouri Higher Education Civics Achievement exam.
Criminal Justice (Bachelor of Science, B.S.)
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| General Studies | ||
| 42-47 | ||
| Core Requirements | ||
| LAT 101 | Introduction to Law | 3 |
| LAT 335 | Introduction to Mediation | 3 |
| LAW 100 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| LAW 110 | Introduction to Juvenile Justice | 3 |
| LAW 190 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| LAW 260 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| LAW 305 | Introduction to Theories of Crime | 3 |
| LAW 325 | Understanding Research in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| LAW 410 | Intermediate Criminal Law | 3 |
| Select one of the following Applied Learning tracks: | 6 | |
| Track 1: | ||
| Practicum I | ||
or LAW 465 | Internship | |
| Senior Seminar | ||
| Track 2: | ||
| Research Methods | ||
| Quantitative Analysis in Criminal Justice | ||
| Concentration | ||
| Select one of the following concentrations: | 28-31 | |
Administration | ||
Corrections | ||
Juvenile Justice | ||
Law Enforcement | ||
Legal Studies | ||
Concentrations:
Administration
Corrections
Juvenile Justice
Law Enforcement
Legal Studies
Administration Concentration
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| LAT 420 | Civil Rights Law | 3 |
| LAW 280 | Criminalistics | 4 |
| LAW 300 | Criminal Justice Communications | 3 |
| LAW 315 | Criminal Justice Concepts and Issues | 3 |
| LAW 460 | Administration and Planning | 3 |
| Choice of a second major, minor, approved certificate or twelve credit hours of restricted electives from the following: | 12 | |
| Study Away in Criminal Justice & Legal Studies | ||
| Selected Topics in Peace & Conflict Studies | ||
| Domestic Relations | ||
| Conflict Management | ||
| Selected Legal Topics | ||
| Introduction to Corrections | ||
| Probation and Parole | ||
| Criminal Evidence | ||
| Victimology | ||
| Practicum I | ||
| Selected Criminal Justice Topics | ||
| Juvenile Law and Procedures | ||
| Independent Research/Project | ||
| Internship | ||
| Senior Seminar | ||
| Advanced Selected Criminal Justice Topics | ||
Select any LAW course numbered 500-599 | ||
| Critical Aspects of Policing I | ||
| Critical Aspects of Policing 2 | ||
| Police Methods and Operations | ||
| Psychology of Communication | ||
| Abnormal Psychology | ||
| Criminology | ||
| Family and Child Welfare | ||
| Substance Use and Disorders | ||
| Death And Dying | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 28 | |
NOTE: To fulfill the applied learning requirement, the B.S. in C.J., concentration in administration, will require students to follow Track 2 and take LAW 405 Research Methods and LAW 420 Quantitative Analysis in Criminal Justice. Students in this concentration, with its emphasis on research, do not have to take an internship, but may take one as part of their restricted elective or elective requirements.
Corrections Concentration
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| LAT 420 | Civil Rights Law | 3 |
| LAW 200 | Introduction to Corrections | 3 |
| LAW 270 | Probation and Parole | 3 |
| LAW 300 | Criminal Justice Communications | 3 |
| LAW 460 | Administration and Planning | 3 |
| SOC 430 | Criminology | 3 |
| Choice of a second major, minor, approved certificate or twelve credit hours of restricted electives from the following: | 12 | |
| Study Away in Criminal Justice & Legal Studies | ||
| Selected Topics in Peace & Conflict Studies | ||
| Domestic Relations | ||
| Conflict Management | ||
| Selected Legal Topics | ||
| Criminalistics | ||
| Criminal Justice Concepts and Issues | ||
| Criminal Evidence | ||
| Victimology | ||
| Sentencing Practices and Issues | ||
| Practicum I | ||
| Selected Criminal Justice Topics | ||
| Research Methods | ||
| Quantitative Analysis in Criminal Justice | ||
| Juvenile Law and Procedures | ||
| Independent Research/Project | ||
| Internship | ||
| Senior Seminar | ||
| Advanced Selected Criminal Justice Topics | ||
Select any LAW course numbered 500-599 | ||
| Psychology of Communication | ||
| Family and Child Welfare | ||
| Substance Use and Disorders | ||
| Death And Dying | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Juvenile Justice Concentration
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| LAT 370 | Domestic Relations | 3 |
| LAW 200 | Introduction to Corrections | 3 |
| LAW 270 | Probation and Parole | 3 |
| LAW 300 | Criminal Justice Communications | 3 |
| LAW 440 | Juvenile Law and Procedures | 3 |
| SOC 430 | Criminology | 3 |
| Choice of a second major, minor, approved certificate or twelve credit hours of restricted electives from the following: | 12 | |
| Study Away in Criminal Justice & Legal Studies | ||
| Selected Topics in Peace & Conflict Studies | ||
| Civil Rights Law | ||
| Conflict Management | ||
| Selected Legal Topics | ||
| Criminalistics | ||
| Criminal Justice Concepts and Issues | ||
| Criminal Evidence | ||
| Victimology | ||
| Sentencing Practices and Issues | ||
| Practicum I | ||
| Selected Criminal Justice Topics | ||
| Research Methods | ||
| Quantitative Analysis in Criminal Justice | ||
| Independent Research/Project | ||
| Administration and Planning | ||
| Internship | ||
| Senior Seminar | ||
| Advanced Selected Criminal Justice Topics | ||
Select any LAW course numbered 500-599 | ||
| Psychology of Communication | ||
| Abnormal Psychology | ||
| Family and Child Welfare | ||
| Substance Use and Disorders | ||
| Death And Dying | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 30 | |
Law Enforcement Concentration
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| LAW 130 | Introduction to Policing | 3 |
| LAW 140 | Traffic Control and Accident Investigation | 3 |
| LAW 275 | Police Photography | 3 |
| LAW 280 | Criminalistics | 4 |
| LAW 300 | Criminal Justice Communications | 3 |
| LAW 460 | Administration and Planning | 3 |
| Choice of a second major, minor, approved certificate or twelve credit hours of restricted electives from the following: | 12 | |
| Study Away in Criminal Justice & Legal Studies | ||
| Selected Topics in Peace & Conflict Studies | ||
| Domestic Relations | ||
| Civil Rights Law | ||
| Conflict Management | ||
| Selected Legal Topics | ||
| Introduction to Corrections | ||
| Probation and Parole | ||
| Criminal Justice Concepts and Issues | ||
| Criminal Evidence | ||
| Victimology | ||
| Practicum I | ||
| Selected Criminal Justice Topics | ||
| Research Methods | ||
| Quantitative Analysis in Criminal Justice | ||
| Juvenile Law and Procedures | ||
| Independent Research/Project | ||
| Internship | ||
| Senior Seminar | ||
| Advanced Selected Criminal Justice Topics | ||
Select any LAW course numbered 500-599 | ||
| Critical Aspects of Policing I | ||
| Critical Aspects of Policing 2 | ||
| Police Methods and Operations | ||
| Psychology of Communication | ||
| Abnormal Psychology | ||
| Criminology | ||
| Family and Child Welfare | ||
| Substance Use and Disorders | ||
| Death And Dying | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 31 | |
Legal Studies Concentration
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| LAT 115 | Paralegal Studies | 3 |
| LAT 220 | Legal Research | 3 |
| LAT 225 | Litigation | 3 |
| LAT 250 | Legal Computer Applications | 3 |
| LAT 310 | Legal Drafting | 3 |
| LAT 400 | Advanced Legal Research | 3 |
| Choice of a second major, minor, approved certificate or twelve credit hours of restricted electives from the following: | ||
| Real Property | ||
| Tort Law | ||
| Study Away in Criminal Justice & Legal Studies | ||
| Probate Law | ||
| Selected Topics in Peace & Conflict Studies | ||
| Domestic Relations | ||
| Civil Rights Law | ||
| Conflict Management | ||
| Selected Legal Topics | ||
| Criminal Justice Concepts and Issues | ||
| Criminal Evidence | ||
| Victimology | ||
| Practicum I | ||
| Selected Criminal Justice Topics | ||
| Research Methods | ||
| Quantitative Analysis in Criminal Justice | ||
| Juvenile Law and Procedures | ||
| Independent Research/Project | ||
| Administration and Planning | ||
| Internship | ||
| Senior Seminar | ||
| Advanced Selected Criminal Justice Topics | ||
Select any LAW course numbered 500-599 | ||
| Business Law I | ||
| Business Law II | ||
| Psychology of Communication | ||
| Family and Child Welfare | ||
| Substance Use and Disorders | ||
| Death And Dying | ||
| Total Credit Hours | 18 | |
NOTE: Students must complete a Pre-Post test and Contact Information form prior to graduation. Per ABA program approval guidelines, students with a concentration in legal studies must also complete an exit interview with selected department faculty.
Graduation Requirements
- Earn a minimum of 120 credit hours (100 level and higher, maximum of 6 CED credit hours applicable).
- Earn a minimum of 30 credit hours in upper-division courses. Lower-division transfer courses accepted as meeting upper-division departmental course requirements cannot be used to fulfill this requirement.
- Earn 30 of the last 45 credit hours at MWSU in institutional coursework (exclusive of credit by examination).
- Participate in required departmental and campus wide assessments.
- No more than 2 courses with a grade of D permitted in major and concentration coursework.
- Earn an overall GPA of at least 2.0 and a major GPA of at least 2.0.
- Fulfill the Missouri Constitution requirement.
- Successfully pass the Missouri Higher Education Civics Achievement exam.
Are you ready to declare a major? Download, sign and submit the form to the Criminal Justice, Legal Studies and Social Work Department.
Mapping your degree plan is important. Consult with your academic advisor to create a plan for degree completion and monitor it regularly.