Criminal Justice, Forensic Investigation Emphasis, B.S.

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The Criminal Justice Program is designed to prepare students for careers in law, law enforcement, corrections, and social science research. Conceived with the idea that criminal justice professionals will benefit from a strong liberal arts education, the program stresses theory and policy analysis combined with professional experience. A Ferrum College criminal justice graduate will have strong oral and written communication skills as well as the ability to think critically and solve problems while recognizing the importance of high ethical standards.

Criminal Justice

Degree Specific Requirements (24 Credit Hours)

Choose 1 of the following two:
ACC 110 - Introduction to Accounting 3 Credit(s).
ACC 201 - Principles of Accounting I 3 Credit(s).
Choose 1 of the following three:
BUS 230 - Computer Applications 3 Credit(s).
CSC 101 - Introduction to Computers and Computer Information Systems 3 Credit(s).
CSC 125 - Concepts in Computer Information Systems 3 Credit(s).
Choose 1 of the following two:
MTH 107 - Introduction to Finite Mathematics 3 Credit(s).
MTH 111 - Pre-Calculus I 3 Credit(s).
Complete all five courses below:
BUS 308 - Business Communications 3 Credit(s).
ENG 461 - Professional Writing 3 Credit(s).
MTH 208 - Introductory Statistics 3 Credit(s).
PSY 201 - General Psychology 3 Credit(s).
SPA 101 - Elementary Spanish I 3 Credit(s).

Common Required Courses (33 Credit Hours)

CJU 201 - Introduction to Criminal Justice 3 Credit(s).
CJU 204 - Fundamentals of Corrections 3 Credit(s).
CJU 220 - Criminal Law 3 Credit(s).
CJU 300 - Dilemmas and Decision Making in Criminal Justice 3 Credit(s).
CJU 314 - Courts and the Judicial Process 3 Credit(s).
CJU/SOC 320 - Deviance and Social Control 3 Credit(s). OR
SOC/CJU 320 - Deviance and Social Control 3 Credit(s).
CJU 370 - Research Methods & Statistics in Criminal Justice 3 Credit(s).
CJU 498 - Seminar 3 Credit(s).
PSC 202 - State and Local Government 3 Credit(s).
PSY 230 - Social Psychology 3 Credit(s).
SOC 202 - Social Problems 3 Credit(s).
OR
SOC 203 - Sociology of U.S. Cultural Diversity 3 Credit(s).

Forensic Investigation Emphasis

The forensic investigation emphasis helps prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and ethical principles necessary to process and report on physical evidence at a crime scene or in connection with a civil investigation. The program is designed to help students understand both the theory and practice of the forensic disciplines and of police work. Based on national guidelines, the curriculum provides a basic foundation in investigative, scientific, and laboratory-based forensics and introduces students to the various disciplines that make up the forensic collaborative work-group. Students may pursue further education or employment in the field.

Required Emphasis Courses (22 Credit Hours)

CJU 330 - Criminal Investigation 3 Credit(s).
CJU 335 - Forensic Investigation 3 Credit(s).
CJU 499 - Internship 3 Credit(s).

Elective Courses (Choose 6 Courses)

Choose any five courses from the following (no more than 2 courses from CJU)

CHM 331 - Forensic Science 4 Credit(s).
CJU 250 - Friction Ridge Analysis 3 Credit(s).
CJU 340 - Interviewing and Crisis Intervention 3 Credit(s).
CJU 375 - Crime Scene Photography 3 Credit(s).
CJU 460 - Criminal Profiling 3 Credit(s).
CSC 290, 390 or 490 - Selected Topics in Computer Science 1-3 Credit(s). Data, Cybersecurity and You (This topic only)
GEO 221 - Geographic Information Systems 4 Credit(s).
PSY 335 - Psychological and Educational Assessment 3 Credit(s).
PSY 348 - Techniques of Counseling 3 Credit(s).

Criminal Justice, Forensic Investigation Emphasis, B.S.