Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

A top-ranked criminal justice program designed to help you protect and serve

From deterring would-be offenders to solving cases, the Marian University Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program prepares students to not only enforce the law, but to also affect change that keeps communities safe. Taught by well-respected experts who bring years of career experience to the classroom, our courses provide the base of learning and practical preparation needed for graduates to serve in law enforcement, probation and parole, corrections, and an assortment of human services.

Our Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program helps students see the bigger picture of criminal and social justice and what it means to live in a truly just society. By providing actual field experience, we help guide students toward a greater understanding of real-world issues, policies, and procedures that directly impact their desired career path. It’s why we’re one of Wisconsin’s top-ranked criminal justice programs.

Study at One of Wisconsin’s Top Criminal Justice Schools

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Learn More About the Criminal Justice Program at Marian

Listen as Alan Johnson, the program director of the criminal justice program, as he describes why the Marian’s program is unique. Your program will include all three components of the criminal justice system:

  1. Corrections
  2. Policing
  3. Court System

Professors make connections from their actual experience in the criminal justice system as they teach you about combatting terrorism, constitutional law, and juvenile law. See the justice system firsthand as you go on prison tours.

Curriculum

Few pursuits in life are more important than those which ensure the safety and security of families, communities, agencies, and organizations. And those who feel called to provide that security are characterized by a special kind of courage and commitment to serving others. Those are the kinds of individuals who thrive when pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Marian University.

As a student in the BS in Criminal Justice program you will immerse yourself in the three core segments that comprise the American criminal justice system – law enforcement, correctional institutions, and social and juvenile justice. You will benefit from the years of experience that our faculty bring – many of whom are currently working in the field of criminal justice – as well as extensive hands-on learning and educational opportunities ranging from research to internship opportunities.

General Education Courses

As a bachelor’s level student, you are required to take about 30 credits of general education courses as part of the 120 credits required for a bachelor’s degree. Gen eds are required regardless of your major.

All students take 10.5 to 17 credits in these areas:

  • Mathematical Reasoning
  • Argumentative and Research Writing
  • Introduction to Christian Theology
  • Interpersonal Communication
  • Introduction to Ethical Reasoning
  • First Year Studies

Core Courses

Criminal justice majors will take courses covering topics such as:

  • Criminal Law
  • Criminology
  • Constitutional Law
  • Corrections
  • Juvenile Law

Mission:

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program prepares students to be mature, competent, and effective leaders in the criminal justice field and its occupational and organizational settings. Those in the program participate in educationally driven internships that provide an opportunity to bridge classroom knowledge with practical field experience, and we prepare students for careers in federal, state, and local criminal justice agencies as well as in corrections, security, and loss prevention. We promote and develop an understanding of multiple perspectives, conflicting values, and the role of research-based knowledge and critical thinking in the criminal justice field.

Learning Outcomes:

  • Students will develop and promote in others an appreciation for individual diversity of thought and values.
  • Students will use different levels of critical thinking and research-based practices in decision-making activity in the criminal justice field.
  • Students will evaluate situations for appropriate application of criminal justice-related policies, procedures, and law.
  • Students will establish best practices in key aspects of crime prevention, problem-oriented community policing, and systems of correction and rehabilitation.
  • Students will develop skills of an effective and competent criminal justice leader.
  • Students will develop effective communication skills in order to complete the essential oral and written documentation of the work in the criminal justice field.

Marian University has established a long-term reputation throughout Wisconsin as a leader in the education of criminal justice professionals. Other Marian program offerings such as Forensic Science and Homeland Security support coursework related to criminal justice.

Admission to university per university standards. For more details regarding this, view Marian’s Academic Bulletin.