If you are looking for the flexibility in how you take your classes, consider our all-online option for a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and criminology. Learn more.
Ball State University offers a bachelor of arts or bachelor of science in criminal justice and criminology through the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology in the College of Sciences and Humanities.
The program examines crime, criminal behavior, victimization, and the institutions that respond to crime, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections.Students will learn to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of criminal justice policy. Also, how to conduct research and/or interpret qualitative and quantitative findings and relate them to criminal justice policy.
Why choose a criminal justice and criminology degree?
- Four concentrations: Choose general criminal justice, corrections and human behavior, psychology and the legal system, or psychology in law enforcement.
- Broad and specialized study: Explore options in criminal justice institutions, criminological theory, human behavior, research, statistical analysis, and law.
- Faculty expertise: Learn from faculty members with academic research and professional experience in criminal justice.
- Professional Development: Through immersive learning opportunities, internships, and community projects.
- Related minors: Options digital forensics, and Law Enforcement SCUBA.
- Online option: A separate online bachelor of science is available.
What you’ll study as a criminal justice and criminology major
Core subjects may include:
- introduction to criminal justice
- criminology
- criminal law
- research methods in criminal justice
- statistical analysis
- crime, behavior, and social context
The exact curriculum depends on the concentration. Speak with an academic advisor for specific requirement information.
View Criminal Justice Courses
Criminal Justice Concentrations
This concentration is our traditional Criminal Justice and Criminology degree offered as a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree. Students are required to complete credit hours in the areas of policing, courts, and corrections, while also given the opportunity to explore more select topics through our elective offerings.
The Corrections and Human Behavior concentration offers students an opportunity to specialize their education in both criminal justice and criminology (CJC) and psychological science (PSYS) with coursework focusing in the area of corrections, human services, and human behavior.
The Psychology and the Legal System concentration offers students an opportunity to specialize their education in both criminal justice and criminology (CJC) and psychological science (PSYS) with coursework focusing on the area of policing and human behavior.
In this concentration, you integrate study in criminal justice and psychological science, focusing on how psychological principles inform law enforcement practices and decision‐making.
What career options are available for Criminal Justice majors?
Depending on the concentration, experience, location, and additional qualifications, graduates may pursue roles such as but not limited to:
- correctional officer
- victim services advocate
- court services assistant
- loss-prevention specialist
- community outreach coordinator
- public-safety specialist
- investigative support specialist
- probation services assistant
- crime or intelligence analysis assistant
Employment standards vary by occupation and agency. Advanced positions and professional designations may require additional education, experience, examinations, or licensure. This list is not comprehensive, if you don't see your preferred profession in this list speak with a faculty member or an academic advisor about career opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Criminal justice and criminology are closely related fields, but they focus on different aspects of crime and the justice system.
Criminal justice focuses on how society responds to crime. You'll study the organizations and processes that enforce laws, investigate crimes, prosecute offenders, and administer corrections. Coursework often explores policing, courts, corrections, criminal law, and public safety.
Criminology focuses on why crime happens. Drawing from sociology, psychology, and other social sciences, you'll examine the causes of criminal behavior, patterns of crime, victimization, and the social factors that influence crime. Criminology also explores crime prevention, public policy, and research that can improve the justice system.
A criminal justice degree helps you develop the analytical, communication, and leadership skills needed to serve communities and navigate the criminal justice system.
Skills you could learn as a criminal justice major include:
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Critical thinking and problem-solving
- Criminal investigation and evidence analysis
- Legal research and understanding criminal law
- Report writing and professional communication
- Conflict resolution and crisis response
- Ethical decision-making
- Leadership and teamwork
- Cultural awareness and community engagement\
- Research methods and data analysis
- Policy analysis and program evaluation
- Interviewing and interpersonal communication
- Attention to detail and sound judgment
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Department Scholarships
On top of the dozens of scholarships the university offers its students, our department gives awards every year to its own students to recognize them for their achievements. These opportunities can help support your academic journey as you pursue a degree in criminal justice at Ball State University. Learn more.
Ready to Apply?
Are you interested in pursuing a BS or BA in criminal justice and criminology? The first step is to apply as an undergraduate student to Ball State University. Begin the journey today.
Questions?
Do you want to learn more about our program or have questions about the application process or financial aid? We’re here to help! One of the best ways to understand why Ball State is right for you is to schedule a visit through our Office of Undergraduate Admissions to see it for yourself. Or if you’d like to speak directly to someone in our department, please feel free to call or email us.