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 criminal justice undergraduate program at Southeastern provides students with a theoretical and practical understanding of the criminal justice system. Through academically rigorous coursework, undergraduate research opportunities, internship opportunities, and student organizations, this program prepares students for careers in the criminal justice system or for advanced studies in criminal justice, law, sociology, and related disciplines. In this regard, the program prepares students for citizenship in the modern world by giving them a better knowledge and understanding of their social, cultural, economic, and physical environment.
The B.A. in Criminal Justice is intended to familiarize students with the nature and functions of U.S. law enforcement, the courts, and corrections at the federal, state, and local levels; and the psychological and sociological roots of criminal behavior. In addition, the B.A. is intended to give students a basic understanding of the methods that social scientists use to explore social phenomena. Students will have opportunities to explore more deeply specific issues and topics relating to crime and the criminal justice in the United States and other nations.
Total semester hours required: 120
Strengths of the program
There are many distinguishing feature of the B.A. in Criminal Justice that help strengthen the program. These include the following:
- Nationally and internationally recognized scholars and instructors whose teaching is informed by scholarly research and professional experience in law enforcement and the courts;
- Strong faculty-student relationships that foster a mentoring environment;
- Small class sizes;
- Internship opportunities;
- Study abroad opportunities;
- An active criminal justice student association;
- Undergraduate research opportunities;
- Robust on-line offerings;
- A variety of course offerings;
- Integration of advanced technology
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.
- Be prepared to work with diverse populations and develop a clear understanding of the extent, causes, consequences, and potential solutions to problems associated with deviant and criminal behavior and with the denial of social justice in connection with law enforcement, jurisprudence, and corrections;
- Be involved in Southeastern's Criminal Justice Association;
- Take part in an internship opportunity.
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 expressions of interest in our graduates from:
- Department of Public Safety and Corrections
- Louisiana State Police
- Insurance companies
- Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center
- Sheriff's offices
- Local police departments
- Louisiana State Civil Service
Campus organizations and activities affiliated with the program
- Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice Social Justice Speaker Series
-
Southeastern Criminal Justice Association
Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society
Related fields that might interest you
- Law enforcement officer
- FBI/CIA/ATF/DEA
- Probation/Parole officer
- Corrections officer
- Victim/witness advocate
- Lawyer
- Researcher
- Statistician
- Policy analyst
- Lobbyist
- Criminal Justice Professor
Common Strengths and interests of students in the program
Helpful qualities for criminal justice majors include:
- An analytical mind
- Self-confidence and motivation
- Intellectual curiosity
- Good communication skills
- Good decision-making skills
- A desire to maintain public order
- A commitment to upholding social justice
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
E-mail: kbolton@selu.edu
