Mar 30, 2024  
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2007-08 
    
OHIO University Undergraduate Catalog 2007-08 [Archived Catalog]

Criminal Justice Major (B.C.J.)


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Major code BC2209

The upper-division Criminal Justice program is designed for students who have previously completed an associate’s degree program in a technical area related to criminal justice, such as law enforcement, corrections technology, police administration, legal assisting, or human services. If you hold such a degree from a technical or community college, or from a regional campus of Ohio University, you are eligible to apply to the Criminal Justice program and may earn a baccalaureate degree by completing a minimum of 80 additional hours of Ohio University work.

This program offers students with technical education background the opportunity to broaden their exposure to liberal higher education, while acquiring the necessary specialization to qualify for careers in such fields as parole and probation, forensic science, adult and juvenile corrections, and police administration. Criminal Justice students also may prepare for law school or for further study in graduate or professional schools.

The flexible multidisciplinary curriculum comprises a broad range of courses from the social and behavioral sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and professional disciplines, all of which make a contribution to the complex field of criminal justice. You may individualize your program of study to a significant degree through elective courses.

To enter the Criminal Justice program, you must complete a separate degree application form in addition to the application to the University and submit a college transcript showing that you have completed an associate’s degree in an appropriate technical field. Applications are available from the University College office or any regional campus student services office. Upon admission, you will be assigned an academic advisor who will assist you in completing your approved program of study.

Bachelor of Criminal Justice students may earn departmental honors through University College. Students must have an accumulated GPA within the top 20 percent of BCJ students to be eligible for departmental honors. An honors thesis is required. Guidelines and an application are available from the college office.

Degree requirements

  1. Earn 192 credit hours, including at least 80 hours of Ohio University work.
  2. Must complete at least 45 hours at the 300 level or above.
  3. Complete the General Education Requirements (Tier I, II, III). Some courses taken to complete the associate’s degree may be equivalent to courses that fulfill these requirements.
  4. At least 50 percent of the coursework taken in the major (core and area requirements) must be completed at Ohio University.
  5. Complete the BCJ core and no fewer than 9 courses from within the following BCJ Major Requirement areas:

BCJ Core:


Three of the following courses:

BCJ Major Requirements:


Area I: Basic Skills. Four courses, one each from A, B, C, and D


Area II: Cultural, Legal and Political Issues. Two courses, one each from A and B


Area III: Understanding Human Behavior and Social Problems. Two courses, one each from A and B


Area IV: Professional and Organizational Skills. Two courses, one each from A and B


Recommended electives:


You choose the remaining hours beyond the core and major requirements in consultation with an academic advisor on the basis of your educational goals and career interests. Internship and field experience programs may be arranged for qualified students without prior professional experience in criminal justice.

Courses taken to complete the associate’s degree cannot additionally fulfill BCJ major requirements (Areas I, II, III, and IV) for the baccalaureate degree.

Recommended electives include:

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