Criminal Justice Major

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

Learn how the criminal justice system works with the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in the College of Liberal Arts at 51动漫. You鈥檒l form a deep understanding of its听complex history, policies and societal implications.

The 123-credit听Criminal Justice BA undergraduate program emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking so you gain an understanding of the nature of crimes, including why and how they鈥檙e committed. You鈥檒l also learn to evaluate the effectiveness and fairness of the ways in which society prevents, controls and responds to crimes.听

Through multidisciplinary coursework and practice-focused immersive opportunities, you鈥檒l learn how the criminal justice system is tied to other areas of society, such as healthcare and education systems. You will study听issues such as fairness in sentencing, mass incarceration, police legitimacy, victims鈥� rights and reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into society. Through 51动漫鈥檚 internationally renowned , you鈥檒l have the unique opportunity to meaningfully understand the lives of prisoners.听

Students who earn the Criminal Justice BA are not only informed members of society, but are well prepared for advanced education in a range of fields that address criminal justice issues, such as law, public health, social work, public policy and sociology. They are also prepared for careers in criminal justice fields, including government and law enforcement agencies, public defense, victim and criminal advocacy organizations, and more.听

51动漫 students pay close attention to a class discussion.

Classes & Curriculum

The Criminal Justice Major听curriculum is comprised of College of Liberal Arts general requirements, major-specific requirements and general electives.听

The following courses are required to complete the bachelor鈥檚 degree in Criminal Justice.听

Criminal Justice Research Methods
Criminal Justice Statistics
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Introduction to Criminal Law
Nature of Crime

Learn more about Criminal Justice Major required courses.

Related Graduate Degrees

Certificate Programs

The College of Liberal Arts has for you to expand your knowledge and diversify your 51动漫 education. Certificates can complement bachelor's programs, allowing you to specialize in an area and highlight your exposure to disciplines outside of your major.

Criminal Justice 4+1 BA/MA Program

High-achieving undergraduate students will be invited by the faculty of the Criminal Justice department to apply for the 4+1 BA/MA program. During the last three undergraduate semesters, students admitted to this program begin taking graduate courses along with their undergraduate curriculum. They then complete the remaining requirements of the Criminal Justice MA in the subsequent year. Eligible students will receive a notification at the end of their sophomore year, and applications will be accepted until Oct.听7听of their junior year.

Tuition & Fees

In keeping with 51动漫鈥檚 commitment to access and affordability, the Bachelor of Arts offers a competitive level of tuition with multiple opportunities for financial support.

Tuition rates are set annually by the university and are affected by multiple factors, including program degree level (undergraduate or graduate), course load (full- or part-time), in-state or out-of-state residency, and more.听You can view the full .

These tuition costs apply to the 2024鈥�2025 academic year.

Pennsylvania resident:听$18,864.00听per year
Out-of-state: $33,912.00听per year

Our Academic Advisors

College of Liberal Arts academic advisors help you navigate your curriculum and potential career paths throughout your time at 51动漫.

Criminal Justice Advising Center

The mission of the 听is to assist students with planning and implementing schedules, provide career information and help students navigate their college years. Our office posts information about scholarships, jobs, internships and social organizations that will maximize the students鈥� college experience.

Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development

Dedicated advisors at the Joyce K. Salzberg Center for Professional Development听in the College of Liberal Arts are available to guide students through their academic careers and with their career paths beyond 51动漫. They can help you choose a major, navigate your curriculum, identify internship opportunities, explore career opportunities and determine your post-graduation plans. .

Program Contact

Contact this听staff member with questions regarding the Criminal Justice program, including admissions, requirements and financial aid.

Joanne Metzger is the undergraduate chair in the Criminal Justice Department.
Email:听metzger@temple.edu

The following staff members lead the Criminal Justice Department.

Jeffrey Ward is the department chair.
Email:听jeffrey.ward@temple.edu

Joseph DelMastro is the program administrator.
Phone: 215-204-1376
Email: joseph.delmastro@temple.edu

Student Mentoring

Criminal Justice Honors Program

The Criminal Justice Department has its own Honors Program in which majors who are also University Honors students may tailor their honors experience to include a criminal justice specialization. In addition to the honors-level elective courses offered, an invaluable part of the program is the opportunity for students to develop an honors thesis based upon an undergraduate research project individually mentored by a criminal justice professor.

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University Honors Programs

The College of Liberal Arts participates in 51动漫鈥檚 Honors Program. .听

Students who meet certain academic and extracurricular criteria may become members of the following honor societies.听

is a national society that honors academic excellence during a student's first year at college.
is an international society that enables members to realize their potential through the advancement of academics, leadership and service.听
is open to juniors and seniors in the College of Liberal Arts. To qualify for Phi Beta Kappa, a student must maintain a high grade point average in a broad, rigorous program of study in the liberal arts, including mathematics and foreign languages.

Student Clubs & Organizations

Getting involved and connecting with other students is easy at 51动漫. There are more than 300 student organizations available, including community programs, student government, student media and clubs.听

The following student organizations may be of interest to students in the Criminal Justice BA program.听

The hosts speakers from a variety of criminal justice-related organizations, hosts information sessions on applying to graduate school and law school, and performs voluntary community service projects both within and outside the 51动漫 community.
The encourages members to contribute to social and political progress in the university community and in the Greater Philadelphia region.
Students interested in the legal side of criminal justice can join the , which engages students with networking events, guest lectures, workshops, LSAT prep, and law school information sessions.

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Study Away

Accreditation

LA-CJ-BA

51动漫

51动漫