Center for Criminal Justice Studies
Criminology and Criminal Justice Degree
Psychology and Social Sciences Bachelor's Degree Program
The criminology and criminal justice major and minor prepare students for any field within the criminal justice system. Studying criminal events, the correctional system, and those involved with criminal offenses including victims, perpetrators, and law enforcement officials, helps criminology and criminal justice students make the world a better place after graduation.
Take Me To
Why study criminology and criminal justice at BVU?
Gain a deeper understanding of the “whys” behind criminal behavior with a criminology and criminal justice degree that puts you a head above in the police academy.
Serve Your Community
At BVU, criminology and criminal justice students learn how officers make good decisions and can prepare for this important role in society through internships with local police departments and other organizations.
A New Era
With the national spotlight on criminal justice reform in recent years, professionals within the criminology and criminal justice field face an exciting new era of improvement. Be a part of the change.
Growth Opportunities
With a variety of career options and avenues, the criminology and criminal justice degree will prepare you for any path you take within the field.
What Can I Do With a Criminology and Criminal Justice Degree?
- Policing/Law Enforcement
- Probation & Parole
- Correctional Officer
- Social Services
- On Campus
- Online
On Campus
Explore a Criminal Justice Degree at BVU
At BVU, our Center for Criminal Justice Studies immerses students in more than 800 pre-programmed computer-generated scenarios, allowing criminology and criminal justice students to learn through real-world situations. See how you'll evaluate a crime scene and practice thinking critically in difficult, high-stress situations alongside expert faculty who are here to guide you every step of the way.
BETH SIBENALLER
Class of 2019
Beth's experience at BVU, which combined academics and athletics, prepared her for a career as a Trooper with the Iowa State Patrol. As a student, Beth majored in criminology and criminal justice while staying active on the Beavers women’s basketball team and participating in Espirit de Corps (BVU’s student admissions team), the Spanish Honor Society, and the Sexual Assault and Relationship Violence organization. The experiences here taught her responsibility and organization while balancing multiple commitments.
Dr. Richard Riner in the Center for Criminal Justice Studies previously worked in law enforcement and his experience helped me prepare. Professor Riner was very realistic in his approach, showing us challenges we would face.
Online
Learn Completely Online
Earn your criminology and criminal justice degree at your convenience with our easy-to-access, fully online curriculum. Courses combine the benefit of live video instruction with the convenience of online learning. With one click, you can view assignments and grades, set up appointments with specialized tutors around the clock, access the student lounge, engage in group discussions, or contact professors. Get the BVU experience on your schedule, wherever you are.
Connecting Through a Community College
Start at an Iowa community college and finish fully online with BVU. More than 10 community colleges in the state have partnered with BVU so that you can earn your bachelor's degree 100 percent online.
Criminology and Criminal Justice Courses
Choose from three tracks within the criminology and criminal justice program.
Criminology track
Study the nature, extent, and cause of criminal events like offender motivation, situation/context of crime, and crime victimization. Criminology also involves the measurement of crime; crime typologies; and theory construction and analysis. This track designed for students who wish to pursue advanced degrees in the social sciences, law school, and other professional programs.
Criminal justice track
Study law enforcement, judicial, and correctional systems that are directly involved in the apprehension, prosecution, defense, sentencing, incarceration, and supervision of those suspected of, charged with, or convicted of criminal offenses. The criminal justice track is designed to prepare students for various positions in the criminal justice system.
Forensic science track
Study of the use of scientific processes to detect and collect evidence of criminal activity at a crime scene and analyze that evidence in a laboratory setting to determine the identity of the offender, the exact nature of the crime, and events leading up to the criminal incident. The forensics track is designed to prepare students for a career in investigations at the agency level or criminalistics for government or private entities.
- Major in Criminology and Criminal Justice: Criminology Track (46 Credit Hours)
- Major in Criminology and Criminal Justice: Criminal Justice Track (45 Credit Hours)
- Major in Criminology and Criminal Justice: Forensic Science Track (50 Credit Hours)
- Minor in Criminology and Criminal Justice (21 Credit Hours)
On Campus: Meet Your Academic Recruitment Specialist
Financial Aid & Scholarships
We’ll help you figure out your options for financial assistance and possible scholarships.
Learn MoreCriminology and Criminal Justice Faculty
Our instructors are committed to helping you build the future of Iowa and beyond.
See Our FacultyTransfer Your Credits
Do you have previously earned credits or an associate degree? BVU accepts most — if not all — of your credits so you don’t have to retake courses.
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Explore a Criminology and Criminal Justice Degree
Learn more about earning a bachelor's in criminology and criminal justice with BVU.
