The mission of the Criminal Justice major is to graduate individuals who are (1) prepared to enter occupations or graduate study in the field with strong liberal arts skills (acquire information from a variety of sources; communicate clearly and effectively in written and oral formats; understand and work effectively with individuals from a variety of backgrounds; and think critically and make informed decisions); (2) competent in the theories, models, and methods of investigation in criminology, and in the fields and practices within criminal justice; (3) and who carry into their professional work the university outcomes of Christlike character, academic excellence, social responsiveness, and creative engagement.  The major will serve students as part of a traditional four-year Christian liberal arts program, and also non-traditional students (see below for students over 23 years of age) through alternative scheduling and delivery designed for professionals who work in the field, graduates from a community college program in criminal justice, or individuals who hold the BA degree in another field and wish to change professions.  

Administrator:  Chair, Department of Behavioral Sciences and Cultural Studies

1. Graduates with this major will demonstrate skills consistent with a liberal arts education, including the abilities to read and listen with understanding; learn independently; communicate clearly and effectively in written and oral formats; think critically; work effectively in teams; make thoughtful decisions; and show sensitivity to and skills working with diverse populations.
2. Graduates with this major will articulate the impact of a Christian, and specifically Wesleyan, understanding of human nature and society, justice, grace and restoration on thinking and practice in criminal justice occupations.
3. Graduates with this major will demonstrate appreciation for and application of the values of honesty and personal integrity; dignity and worth of individuals; and fairness and justice.
4. Graduates with this major will competently discuss and apply a knowledge base including introductory level courses in behavioral sciences: sociology, psychology, political science; exposure to the fundamental theories and practices in criminology, delinquency, law enforcement, corrections, criminal law and the court systems; and methods of study in social sciences, and criminology in particular.
5. Graduates with this major will have exposure to a variety of professionals in the field, and experience and service learning in at least one work setting.
6. Graduates with this major will be prepared for entry level work in a variety of occupations in the field of criminal justice, and/or to enter graduate training in the field.