Bachelor of Science in Social Science : Criminal Justice
The University of Atlanta’s Bachelor of Science program in Social Science, with a concentration in Criminal Justice, offers a curriculum which engages students in issues relevant to the Criminal Justice system, its functions and operations, its strengths and weaknesses, its links to other social issues in contemporary society. Areas of study include policing, criminal law, corrections, and applied analysis of crime and justice in America. Throughout the learning experience, students analyze and apply the tools of effective decision-making and problem-solving, as related to Criminal Justice, while developing a fundamental understanding of processes, procedures and pertinent social phenomena. Both the theoretical underpinnings and practical dimensions of the criminal justice system and its co-extensive social and societal dimensions are explored. Graduates will be prepared to: analyze the operations, policies and procedures within the criminal justice system; recognize trends in crime and criminal behavior along with methods of prevention and treatment; analyze theories related to deviance and critique the effectiveness of their practical application to behavioral change; demonstrate a cohesive base of skills, techniques and principles related to the practice of criminal justice; and compare and contrast (when applicable) international and cross-cultural approaches to crime and prevention; access, interpret and apply criminal justice research findings to the analysis and assessment of situational events.
Program Objectives
- Demonstrate knowledge of current issues, concepts, philosophies and theories in the field of Criminal Justice.
- Explain and discuss various theories of crime causation and societal response, and the techniques of prevention and treatment of crime.
- Describe the role of the courts in the administration of justice.
- Apply constitutional principles that protect the rights of citizens and regulate criminal-justice agencies.
- Identify and discuss procedures necessary to establish a lawful arrest and search, proper judicial procedures, and the admissibility of evidence.
- Explain principles of effective law enforcement and security administration.
- Describe the structure and procedures of juvenile court; the function and jurisdiction of juvenile agencies; and the processing and disposition of juvenile cases.
- Articulate the role of corrections in the Criminal Justice system.
- Think logically and critically, in order to formulate, present, and defend logical arguments.
- Apply the knowledge of ethical principles with the high standards expected of criminal justice practitioners.
- Develop strong communication skills with due emphasis on the tools of effective writing.
Career Opportunities
The successful graduate will be suitably prepared to assume management trainee positions in various arenas of the judicial system, in the criminal justice community, in government, in the courts, in police and corrections facilities, in social work agencies and in other professional domains – or, alternatively, to assume enhanced responsibilities within the context of a currently-held (CJ-focused) position. Those who so elect will be academically prepared to pursue graduate studies in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Social Science, Social Work or a wide array of related disciplines.
