Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Department
Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
College
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Overview of the program
The purpose of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice is to prepare students for citizenship in the modern world by giving them a better knowledge and understanding of their social, cultural, economic, and physical environment. In this regard, the Department endeavors to:
- Teach critical thinking to broaden the student's social background for entry into various vocations.
- Provide the background for entrance into professional and graduate schools.
Total semesters hours required: 120-121
Strengths of the program
A major strength of the criminal justice program is the quality of our faculty. The graduate faculty consists of distinguished faculty members, all of who hold doctoral degrees from leading centers of graduate education. They conduct research on a wide range of sociological topics in the United States and abroad.
In addition, our program has a diverse student population. Many of our students are already in law enforcement professions while others are just entering it for the first time.
Preparing for a job in the program
Students hoping to pursue a career in criminal justice should:
- Acquire skills to solve real world problems through integration of contemporary social theories with research and statistical methods.
- Acquire skills to apply various theoretical perspectives in explaining criminal behavior.
- Be prepared to be able to work with diverse populations and develop a clear understanding of the extent, causes, consequences and potential solutions to the problems of inequality, prejudice, and discrimination.
Careers in the program
Our students are trained to work as middle to high-level administrators or researchers in public and private agencies. We have specifically received letters of support expressing an interest in our graduates from:
- Law enforcement agencies
- Judicial system
- City, parish, and state agencies
- Department of Public Safety and Corrections
- Louisiana Department of Social Services, Office of Community Services
- Health care facilities
- Legal service corporation
- Law firms
- Youth Service Bureau
- Community organizations
Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Social Justice Speaker Series
- Study abroad programs in Costa Rica and Honduras
Related fields that might interest you
- Law enforcement officer
- Probation officer
- Corrections officer
- Victim/witness advocate
- Lawyer
- Researcher
- Statistician
- Policy Analyst
- Social Worker
- Community
- Organizer/politics
How do I know this is the degree for me?
Common Strengths and interests of students in the program
Helpful qualities for criminal justice majors include:
- An analytical mind
- Self-confidence and motivation
- Good communication skills
- Good decision-making skills
- Strong moral character
Contact Information
Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
SLU 10686
Hammond, LA 70402
Dr. Ken Bolton Jr.
On Campus: Fayard Hall, Room 336C
Telephone: (985) 549-5964
Fax: (985) 549-5961
E-mail: kbolton@selu.edu
