Criminal Justice and Criminology (BS)
The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice and Criminology introduces students to theories of criminal behavior, concepts of justice, and all aspects of contemporary criminal justice systems, while giving them a strong background in the liberal arts.
Curriculum
Students majoring in criminal justice and criminology are required to complete a total of 12 criminal justice and criminology courses, totaling 36 credit hours in addition to the required courses identified by Loyola University Chicago for students to receive a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree from the university.
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Required Courses | ||
| CJC 101 | Criminal Justice in a Global Context | 3 |
| CJC 201 | Theories of Criminal Behavior | 3 |
| CJC 205 | Research Methods 1 | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Criminal Courts | ||
| Policing | ||
| Corrections | ||
| Criminal Procedure | ||
| Elective Courses | 18 | |
Select six (6) electives from CJC 200-Level or 300-Level courses, as well as a statistics course in the Sociology, Psychology, or Statistics Department. 2,3 | ||
or | ||
| Select five (5) electives from CJC 200-Level or 300-level courses and 2,3 | ||
| Statistics | ||
| Capstone | ||
| CJC 399 | Senior Capstone 4 | 3 |
| or CJC 390 | Capstone Experience Internship | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
- 1
Students double-majoring in Sociology/CJC or Psychology/CJC may also fulfill the research methods requirement in Sociology or Psychology; in such cases, students then will need to complete seven (7) CJC elective courses.
- 2
A list of available undergraduate courses can be found in our Undergraduate Course Descriptions.
- 3
If students take CJC 206 Statistics, then they only need to complete five (5) CJC elective courses; however, if students fulfill the statistics requirement in another department, then they will need to complete six (6) CJC elective courses.
- 4
With the approval of the department, qualified students may also complete CJC 391 Capstone Experience Research.
Suggested Sequence of Courses
Students can begin the Criminal Justice and Criminology (BS) degree at any point in their undergraduate studies, in consultation with their advisor. While there is no set sequence of classes, students are encouraged to take CJC 101 Criminal Justice in a Global Context early on. Once students have declared the major, they are encouraged to contact their assigned Academic Advisor or the Criminal Justice and Criminology Department’s Undergraduate Program Director for further guidance on how best to progress with their studies.
The following grid is a suggested sequence of courses for students who declare a CJC major as freshmen.
| Freshman | Hours | |
|---|---|---|
| CJC 101 | Criminal Justice in a Global Context | 3 |
| CJC 201 | Theories of Criminal Behavior | 3 |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Sophomore | ||
| CJC 205 | Research Methods | 3 |
| CJC 206 | Statistics (or equivalent) | 3 |
| Select two of the following: | 6 | |
| Criminal Courts | ||
| Policing | ||
| Corrections | ||
| Criminal Procedure | ||
| Hours | 12 | |
| Junior | ||
| Select two electives from CJC 200- or 300-level courses. | 9 | |
| CJC 390 | Capstone Experience Internship 1 | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Senior | ||
| Select two elective courses from CJC 200- or 300- level courses. | 6 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
- 1
CJC 390 Capstone Experience Internship and CJC 391 Capstone Experience Research can be taken by students with junior or senior standing. CJC 399 Senior Capstone is restricted to students with senior standing only.
College of Arts and Sciences Graduation Requirements
All Undergraduate students in the College of Arts and Sciences are required to take two Writing Intensive courses (6 credit hours) as well as complete a foreign language requirement at 102-level or higher (3 credit hours) or a language competency test. More information can be found here.
Additional Undergraduate Graduation Requirements
All Undergraduate students are required to complete the University Core, at least one Engaged Learning course, and UNIV 101. SCPS students are not required to take UNIV 101. Nursing students in the Accelerated BSN program are not required to take core or UNIV 101. You can find more information in the University Requirements area.
Learning Outcomes
The CJC undergraduate curriculum incorporates five Student Learning Outcomes:
- Theoretical Knowledge: Demonstrate a working understanding of the theoretical knowledge base in criminology and criminal justice. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the social, political, and historical foundations of the field, the workings of the criminal justice system and its related agencies, and the theories that seek to explain the behavior of both the system and its actors. Students will analyze issues and problems that confront the system and its actors as well as articulate strategies to ameliorate these problems.
- Critical Thinking Skills: Critically analyze criminology and criminal justice issues utilizing theoretical, methodological, and statistical bases. Students completing the major will demonstrate the ability to critically and creatively apply criminological theory, research methodologies, and empirical/statistical knowledge to analyze issues, policies, and practices in criminal justice.
- Application to Real-World Situations: Apply learned terminology and theory to real world situations that both relate to and expand outside the fields of criminology and criminal justice. A significant focus of Loyola’s mission is on developing within of its students the capacity for leadership in the service of others. Consistent with that goal, the CJC program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and competency to become ethical and innovative criminal justice practitioners, scholars, and global citizens. It also provides students with opportunities for civic engagement related to the criminal justice system and to its actors.
- Critical Research Skills: Apply acquired research and statistical skills to evaluate the quality of scholarly work and its contribution to the fields of criminology and criminal justice. The learning outcome of research skill acquisition is an integral component of any degree in the social and natural sciences. Criminal justice professionals and scholars are now expected to integrate a broad range of methodologies into their practices.
- Communication Skills: Communicate effectively, in oral and written form, understanding and analyses of criminology and criminal justice issues. Students completing the program will be able to communicate effectively about criminal justice issues in both oral and written forms. In this endeavor, students are encouraged to appreciate and demonstrate sensitivity toward the diversity of communication norms practiced by people of varying gender, age, race, socio-economic, ethnic, sexual orientation, and cultural backgrounds.