Degrees

Degrees

Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice

Students receiving an associate degree in criminal justice should understand each of the three main components of the criminal justice system and their interrelationships. This program includes study in law enforcement, courts, and corrections individually and as components of a system, plus work in theories of crime causation, and crime control policy. Students should expect reading, writing, and critical thinking skills to be rigorously applied and developed throughout the degree program.

The Associate in Science degree in Criminal Justice prepares students for entry-level positions in criminal justice or for study at the baccalaureate level.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (eMajor)

Students receiving a baccalaureate degree in criminal justice should understand each of the three main components of the criminal justice system and their interrelationships, be able to evaluate critically both current and future crime control policy proposals and criminal justice research and understand the complexity of the crime phenomenon and its relationship to individuals, social, and cultural factors. It includes study in law enforcement, courts and corrections individually and as components of a system, plus work in theories of crime causation, and crime control policy. Students should expect reading, writing, and critical thinking skills to be rigorously applied and developed throughout the degree program. The Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice provides a more focused study of crime, justice and the criminal justice system.

The Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice is excellent preparation for a career in criminal justice, graduate or law school. Once you obtain a bachelor’s degree, you have obtained the minimum educational level for any criminal justice career that requires a degree.

* Senior Capstone – is a required course to be taken senior year (within the last two semesters before you anticipate graduating).

* Internship – Internships are optional and not required. A student can take up to nine credit hours (3 semesters) of internship. Each internship requires a commitment of 140 non-paid hours per semester at an approved criminal justice related agency. In addition, students are required to draft goals, maintain a weekly journal, report their hours weekly and submit an essay discussing the internship experience.

Concentrations

* Pre-Law. Courses in the pre-law concentration are tailored towards the student who is interested in learning more about the structure of law, case law, principles of law, and justice. A concentration in pre-law helps students determine if law school is a good choice for them. It is not a substitute for preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT).

* Law Enforcement. Courses in the law enforcement concentration are tailored to give students knowledge of fair and ethical police practices, investigative skills in a variety of specialties, crime control and prevention techniques, and leadership skills. Students already employed in law enforcement will find this degree program will supplement and enhance their current knowledge, skills, and abilities.

* Social Justice. Courses in the social justice concentration provide the appropriate framework and tools to assist students in analyzing complex issues and promoting social change. A concentration in social justice will prepare students to be the leaders of a paradigm shift and promote social equity change in law enforcement, the judicial system, healthcare, and economics.

eMajor

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at GHC is offered entirely online as a USG eMajor and is a collaborative degree with Dalton State College, Georgia Southwestern State University, Gordon State College and the University of West Georgia. eMajor degrees are designed specifically for non-traditional students and include several benefits and student success resources in addition to those already available through GHC. eMajor programs are ideal for those who need to balance work and family responsibilities with their pursuit of higher education.

Highlights of the BS in Criminal Justice eMajor at GHC include:

    • Affordable Tuition – eMajor tuition is just $199/credit hour and is the same for both in-state and out-of-state residents.
    • Student Success Coaches – outreach and support from the USG eCampus student success team.
    • Free Online Tutoring – through Smarthinking, embedded librarians, and writing assistants (you can submit any writing assignment for review by an eMajor writing assistant, to include weekly discussion board posting and papers).
    • Online and Accelerated Delivery – eMajor courses are offered entirely online in accelerated 8-week terms.
    • Credit for Prior Learning – a hallmark of eMajor degrees is the opportunity to earn college credit for experiences you already have! Learn more about CPL opportunities in the BS in Criminal Justice Degree.
    • Ready to get started? For current GHC students who have 50 or more hours of college credit and wish to go into the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program, please Apply Now and take our brief new Student Introduction Quiz.

Important eMajor Links: