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Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Studies

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Criminal Justice Studies at Spalding

Combine your interest in law with an understanding of social justice and reform.

Do you desire a career in law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice or the court system? Earn your Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Studies from Spalding University—a top-5 college in Kentucky (College Choice). The criminal justice system is designed to enforce criminal laws and protect society from criminal behavior. Our criminal justice program takes an interdisciplinary approach to expand your understanding of the inner workings of the criminal justice system. You'll walk away from our program as a well-equipped, mindful practitioner prepared to help others and take on the diverse challenges evident in society today. Spalding University's commitment to social justice extends to our criminal justice studies program curriculum. Unique to our program, we offer courses in criminal justice reform and restorative justice. In addition, we maintain strong community partnerships that give you access to collaborative learning experiences.  Learn more about our program.

Areas of study

We offer a variety of tracks of study, tailored to your career interests:

  • criminal justice studies (general)
  • law enforcement
  • corrections
  • juvenile justice
  • forensics and electronic crimes

Program highlights

  • Receive one-on-one attention in our small classes
  • Benefit from a faculty of practitioners who bring real-life experiences from the field
  • Take introductory courses, unique to our program, in restorative justice and criminal justice reform
  • Interact with classmates who share a desire to give back and make a difference
  • Enjoy the flexibility of hybrid (online and face-to-face) classes
  • Take advantage of our six-week block schedule and earn your degree in a way that works for you
  • Work with restorative justice scholar and program director Dr. Cicely J. Cottrell (Learn more about Dr. Cottrell)

Career opportunities

As a graduate of our program, you’ll be prepared to seek employment in a variety of careers:

  • law enforcement careers – special agent, state trooper, county/city police officer, K-9 officer, investigator
  • corrections careers – correctional officer,  probation officer, parole officer, juvenile correctional officer
  • court system careers – judge/magistrate, prosecuting attorney, defense attorney
  • forensic/electronic crime careers –  forensic science technician, analyst, special agent and computer forensics investigator
  • academic careers – university professor, law professor, college instructor; and
  • numerous civilian administrative/support staff positions within all areas of criminal justice.

More about criminal justice studies

As a criminal justice studies major, you’ll explore the legal, administrative, ethical and reform aspects of the criminal justice system. You’ll be able to take courses across areas of study: psychology, social work and liberal studies. Through internship experience and a capstone project in your senior year, you’ll develop practical knowledge and research methods that can be applied directly to your career. Other features include:

  • On-campus learning opportunities with Restorative Justice Louisville
  • A restorative justice minor that can be completed in 18 credit hours

Earn your criminal justice studies degree in 120 credit hours.

  • 58 hours of general university studies
  • 33 hours of criminal justice core courses
  •  9 hours of criminal justice career track courses
  • 20 hours of electives.
criminal justice - handcuffs and gavel on table

Contact us

Undergraduate Admissions
Call or text (502) 585-7111