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.
Related Programs
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 | |
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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.
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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.
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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 three electives from CJC 200- or 300-level courses. | 9 | |
| CJC 390 | Capstone Experience Internship 1 | 3 |
| Hours | 12 | |
| Senior | ||
| Select two electives from CJC 200- or 300-level courses. | 6 | |
| Hours | 6 | |
| Total Hours | 36 | |
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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:
- Demonstrate a working understanding of the theoretical knowledge base in criminology and criminal justice.
- Critically analyze criminology and criminal justice issues utilizing theoretical, methodological, and statistical bases.
- Apply learned terminology and theory to real world situations that both relate to and expand outside the fields of criminology and criminal justice.
- Communicate thoughtfully and clearly in oral and written form, demonstrating sensitivity toward people from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
- Demonstrate ethical reasoning by recognizing how power structures rooted in systemic inequalities shape criminal justice system outcomes and implications for social justice.