The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

Total Course Requirements for the Bachelor's Degree: 120 units

See Bachelor's Degree Requirements in the University Catalog for complete details on general degree requirements. A minimum of 39 units, including those required for the major, must be upper division.

A suggested Major Academic Plan (MAP) has been prepared to help students meet all graduation requirements within four years. You can view MAPs on the Degree MAPs page in the University Catalog or you can request a plan from your major advisor.

General Education Pathway Requirements: 48 units

See General Education in the University Catalog and the Class Schedule for the most current information on General Education Pathway Requirements and course offerings.

For more information on courses that may double count in the major and General Education, please see your advisor.

Diversity Course Requirements: 6 units

See Diversity Requirements in the University Catalog. Most courses taken to satisfy these requirements may also apply to General Education .

Upper-Division Writing Requirement:

Writing Across the Curriculum (Executive Memorandum 17-009) is a graduation requirement and may be demonstrated through satisfactory completion of four Writing (W) courses, two of which are designated by the major department. See Mathematics/Quantitative Reasoning and Writing Requirements in the University Catalog for more details on the four courses. The first of the major designated Writing (W) courses is listed below.

SUBJ NUM	Title	Sustainable	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
POLS 459DW	Senior Seminar in Criminal Justice (W)		3.0	FS	W
Prerequisites: POLS 421 and faculty permission. This course involves an integrated analysis and critical examination of all of the subfields of criminal justice, including criminology, policing, adjudication, corrections, and criminal justice process and policy. This seminar will assess the substantive knowledge, critical analysis, writing, speaking, and computer skills of senior-level students. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved Writing Course. (007591)

The second major-designated Writing course is the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GW) (Executive Order 665). Students must earn a C- or higher to receive GW credit. The GE Written Communication (A2) requirement must be completed before a student is permitted to register for a GW course.

Grading Requirement:

All courses taken to fulfill major course requirements must be taken for a letter grade except those courses specified by the department as Credit/No Credit grading only.

Course Requirements for the Major: 50 units

Completion of the following courses, or their approved transfer equivalents, is required of all candidates for this degree.

Major Core Requirements: 20 units

Students must complete POLS 250, POLS 331W, and POLS 332 with a C or higher before taking further upper-division courses within the program.

7 courses required:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
POLS 250	Introduction to Criminal Justice	3.0	SP	GE USD
The history and philosophy of criminal justice in America; recapitulation of the system and how it disproportionately impacts different groups in America; identifying the various sub-systems, role expectations, and their interrelationships; theories of crime, punishment, and rehabilitation; ethics, education, and training for professionalism in the criminal justice system. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (001563)
POLS 331W	Introduction to Research Methods (W)	3.0	FS	GW W
Prerequisite: Completion of GE Written Communication (A2) requirement. An introduction to research methods that includes framing research questions, evaluating and using scholarly resources, and developing an appreciation for multi-disciplinary and ethics in research. Emphasizes the critique of theory and paradigms of conducting research. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement course; a grade of C- or higher certifies writing proficiency for majors. This is an approved Writing Course. (007495)
POLS 331X	Techniques of Research	1.0	FS
This course covers use of computers and the Internet in political science research. 3 hours independent study. Credit/no credit grading. (007496)
POLS 332	Criminal Justice Ethics	3.0	FS
An investigation of contemporary moral issues involved in police work and corrections, such as deadly force, entrapment, undercover work, corruption, and prisoners' rights. 3 hours seminar. (007269)
POLS 399	Special Problems	1.0 -3.0	FS
This course is an independent study of special problems offered for 1.0-3.0 units. You must register directly with a supervising faculty member. 9 hours supervision. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007523)

Note: 1 unit of credit will be assigned for POLS 399 when enrolled in POLS 459DW.

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
POLS 421	Methods of Political Inquiry	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: POLS 331 or permission of instructor. Investigation of methodology and the techniques used in the study of political phenomena, with emphasis on the construction of appropriate research designs, data collection, and analysis. 3 hours discussion. (007542)
POLS 459DW	Senior Seminar in Criminal Justice (W)	3.0	FS	W
Prerequisites: POLS 421 and faculty permission. This course involves an integrated analysis and critical examination of all of the subfields of criminal justice, including criminology, policing, adjudication, corrections, and criminal justice process and policy. This seminar will assess the substantive knowledge, critical analysis, writing, speaking, and computer skills of senior-level students. 3 hours seminar. This is an approved Writing Course. (007591)

1 course selected from:

Note: The course not selected may be used as a disciplinary elective.

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
POLS 363	Crime Prevention	3.0	INQ
Prerequisite: POLS 250. This course examines the situational, social, and legislative approaches to the prevention of crime and delinquency. The emphasis is on the theories of victimization and the extent to which victim demographics play a role in crime, and the implementation and consequences of various crime prevention policies and approaches and their differential effects on victims throughout various sectors of society. 3 hours lecture. (021288)
SOCI 384	Criminology	3.0	FS
The study of crime and criminal behavior as a social phenomenon. Adopting a sociological perspective, this course examines crime trends, types of crime, and social and personal factors related to criminal behavior. Special attention is paid to inequality in the criminal justice system, street and white-collar crimes, victimization and other social costs of crime and punishment. 3 hours lecture. (009017)

Criminal Justice Disciplinary Electives: 30 units

Institutions and Law Electives: 15 units

5 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered
ANTH 311	Survey of Forensic Science	3.0	FS
A survey of the relationship between science and society by noting the history and nature of the role of the expert witness and the forensic scientist in aiding to resolve various legal issues. 3 hours lecture. (000511)
POLS 258	Introduction to Criminal Law	3.0	FS
Prerequisites: POLS 250 or faculty permission. Examines current and developing programs and issues in the field of criminal justice. 3 hours seminar. (001603)
POLS 259	Chico Police Service Learning Practicum	3.0	INQ
This course examines criminal investigation techniques and includes a survey of a wide variety of topics in criminal investigation. Emphasis is placed on the practical application of education toward gaining employment and enhancing law enforcement careers. During the semester, students participate in a Chico community service learning project. 3 hours lecture. (007479)
POLS 352	Policing in America	3.0	FA
Prerequisites: POLS 250. This course examines the history, philosophy, evolution, and legal obligations of the police and the roles, functions, and policy issues associated with policing in a democratic society. 3 hours lecture. (007505)
POLS 353	Corrections	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: POLS 250. This course surveys corrections in the United States, including the history, philosophy, and evolution of correctional systems; correctional institutions, community-based corrections, and correctional policy issues. 3 hours lecture. (007506)
POLS 354	Community Corrections	3.0	INQ
This course considers the historical development of probation and parole, addresses questions regarding how and why probation and parole have changed over time, and outlines how community corrections are influenced by the constraints of the criminal justice system and how it is affected by public perceptions of crime and criminals. Students assess the success and feasibility of community corrections given current resources and public sentiment. Finally, the course addresses the population of offenders that are on probation and parole, their likely backgrounds and futures. 3 hours lecture. (007507)
POLS 438	Jurisprudence: Philosophy of Law	3.0	FS
This course is also offered as PHIL 438. The philosophical nature and origins of law. Topics to be examined include theories of law, justice, the relationship of law to morality, natural law, responsibility, punishment, and other basic concepts. Approach is both theoretical and via case studies. 3 hours lecture. (007282)
POLS 450	Criminal Procedure	3.0	SP
The machinery of criminal justice in theory and practice; the significance of the rule of law and its exceptions in the actual administration of justice. This course will concentrate on the application of the fourth, fifth, and sixth amendments to the U.S. Constitution in the administration of justice and the application of modern behavioral research as it applies to police and court administration. 3 hours lecture. (007588)
POLS 451A	Constitutional Law: Powers and Restraints	3.0	FA
Analysis of judicial cases and related materials illustrating historical and current interpretations of constitutional problems such as the powers of the courts, congress, and President; and the balance of federal-state power in such areas as commerce and taxation. 3 hours lecture. (007577)
POLS 460A	Introduction to Public Administration	3.0	FS
Executive function in government; survey of the principles of administrative organization, personnel management, financial administration, administrative law, administrative policies. Problems and trends in government as a career. 3 hours lecture. (007592)
POLS 460E	Police Administration and Management	3.0	INQ
This course introduces students to the organization of police departments and explores the history of policing and organizational theory. It further examines the role of the police executive as a public manager and as a leadership position. Topics for the course include departmental management, police operations, budgeting, discipline, promotion, external political factors, and public planning and research. By the end of the course, students should have a general knowledge of public organizations and specific knowledge about the operation and management of police departments. 3 hours lecture. (007595)
POLS 464	Administrative Law	3.0	SP
Study of the role of administrative law in American government. Scope and implications of discretionary decision-making. 3 hours lecture. (007599)
POLS 489E	Internship in Criminal Justice	1.0 -3.0	SMF
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor. Field work with criminal justice agencies in the areas of policing, courts, and corrections. Work supervised by the faculty internship coordinator and the staff of the internship office. Directed readings and writings may be assigned. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 15.0 units. Credit/no credit grading. (007618)
SOCI 384	Criminology	3.0	FS
The study of crime and criminal behavior as a social phenomenon. Adopting a sociological perspective, this course examines crime trends, types of crime, and social and personal factors related to criminal behavior. Special attention is paid to inequality in the criminal justice system, street and white-collar crimes, victimization and other social costs of crime and punishment. 3 hours lecture. (009017)

Note: POLS 489E must be taken for 3 units and may only be counted once in this section.

Justice Studies Electives: 15 units

5 courses selected from:

SUBJ NUM	Title	Units	Semester Offered	Course Flags
HCSV 370	Drugs in Our Society	3.0	FS	GE
An overview of the use and abuse of alcohol, prescription and street drugs, and their personal and societal consequences on the young adult, the family, and society. Historical perspectives, legal issues, and decision-making skills regarding drug use will also be addressed. 3 hours discussion. This is an approved General Education course. (004435)
POLS 257	Juvenile Justice Process	3.0	INQ
This course provides an introduction to the juvenile justice system in the United States. Juvenile justice is a key component of the overall criminal justice system. The course highlights the activity in the main institutions of juvenile justice (the police, the courts, and corrections), examines past practice as well as concentrating on current policies, explores some of the reasons for treating juveniles differently from adults, and investigates future policy in juvenile justice. 3 hours lecture. (007478)
POLS 312	Issues in Criminal Justice	3.0	INQ
Prerequisite: POLS 250 or concurrent enrollment. This course is a seminar on selected topics in criminal justice. 3 hours lecture. You may take this course more than once for a maximum of 6.0 units. (020601)
POLS 363	Crime Prevention	3.0	INQ
Prerequisite: POLS 250. This course examines the situational, social, and legislative approaches to the prevention of crime and delinquency. The emphasis is on the theories of victimization and the extent to which victim demographics play a role in crime, and the implementation and consequences of various crime prevention policies and approaches and their differential effects on victims throughout various sectors of society. 3 hours lecture. (021288)
POLS 364	Restorative Justice	3.0	INQ
Prerequisite: POLS 250 (may be taken concurrently). This course highlights the responsibilities and roles of all community members in accomplishing justice. In particular, it focuses on harms instead of crimes, the debt owed to victims and communities instead of to the state, and making the situation right through restoration and other methods instead of constructing deviancy. 3 hours lecture. (021289)
POLS 365W	Justice System Administration (W)	3.0	FS	GE USD W
This course introduces students to the theories and practices of justice, as well as the administration of justice. As a writing intensive course, students examine pertinent justice issues of local, national, or international significance, identify the theory (or theories) of justice relevant to the situation, and investigate how justice was (or was not) administered. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved Writing Course. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (007600)
POLS 437	Contemporary Political Thought	3.0	INQ
An extended discussion of the nature of anarchy, corporatism, oligarchy, classical liberalism, radical liberalism, democratic socialism, communism, and fascism, with a continued focus on these political cultures and their ideological expressions in contemporary politics. 3 hours seminar. (007281)
POLS 451B	Constitutional Law: Civil Rights and Civil Liberties	3.0	FS
This course is also offered as MCGS 451B. Analysis of judicial cases and related materials illustrating historical and current interpretations of constitutional problems such as racial discrimination, criminal procedures, and freedom of speech and religion. 3 hours lecture. (005645)
PSYC 381	Abnormal Psychology	3.0	FS
Introduction to the study, definition, and classification of deviant behavior, including experimental psychopathology, psychodiagnostic methods, and psychotherapeutic procedures. 3 hours lecture. (007939)
PSYC 391	Psychology of Prejudice, Hate, and Violence	3.0	FS	GE USD
Examination of the nature of prejudice and hate and their contribution to societal violence. How prejudice and hatred affect personal, family, and group behavior are considered in a context of understanding factors that contribute to their development. Strategies for reducing the prevalence of prejudice, hatred, and violence in our contemporary culture are evaluated. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (007908)
SOCI 350	Ethnic and Race Relations	3.0	FS	GE USD
This course is also offered as MCGS 350. This course examines the social construction of race, and studies ethnic and racial relations in the United States, looking at variations by class, gender, and immigration experiences. Students analyze interpersonal relationships between racial and ethnic groups, discrimination, resistance, social movements, and governmental policies 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. This is an approved US Diversity course. (005640)
SOCI 380	Sociology of Deviant Behavior	3.0	FA
This course takes an in-depth look at how deviance is constructed in our society. This includes deviant identities, deviant subcultures, and the stigmatization of individuals and groups engage in non-normative behavior. Students examine the main theories of deviance, and consider ethical and political issues when researching deviance. 3 hours lecture. (008974)
SOCI 484	Youth, Crime, and Delinquency	3.0	SP
Prerequisites: SOCI 384 recommended. This course examines marginalized, deviant, and criminally active youth. Students consider how teen experiences and behaviors are labeled and treated differently throughout society. Social, historical, and legal perspectives are used to understand the impact of the juvenile justice system, policies, and trends on the lives of American youth. 3 hours lecture. (009018)
SOCI 487	Sociology of Gangs	3.0	INQ
This course explores gang activity in the United States, focusing primarily on contemporary street gangs. The social conditions that lead to their emergence are considered, as well as perceptions of the gang problem. Also considered are racial and ethnic differences between gangs and potential solutions to the challenges that gang present. 3 hours lecture. (008976)
SWRK 170	Social Welfare Institutions: A Response to Power and Scarcity	3.0	FS	GE
This course identifies groups within American society which have a high risk of disenfranchisement. Societal responses established to reduce the impact of inequitable distribution of goods, services, and opportunities based on economic, medical, educational, generational, gender, and legal scarcity are studied. Issues are examined from historical and contemporary perspectives. 3 hours lecture. This is an approved General Education course. (009411)
POLS 430	Criminal Justice Field Research	3.0	INQ
This course serves as the experiential learning component of the Consortium for Public Safety Research. Students apply various data collection, policy analysis, and reporting techniques to real-time public safety service projects under the guidance of the CPSR's Executive Director. Projects may vary during the semester, so students should see their coursework as project based. This is a hands-on course, where you students interact with professionals from the criminal justice field and those involved in the criminal justice system, thus, students shall carry out their duties with integrity and professionalism. 3 hours seminar. (021618)

Electives Requirement:

To complete the total units required for the bachelor's degree, select additional elective courses from the total University offerings. You should consult with an advisor regarding the selection of courses which will provide breadth to your University experience and possibly apply to a supportive second major or minor.

Advising Requirement:

Advising is mandatory for all majors in this degree program. Consult your undergraduate advisor for specific information.