Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science

Criminal Justice concentration

Homeland Security concentration

Program Overview

Students in the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program learn about issues in crime scene management, terrorism, and law enforcement operations. Students study criminal procedures and criminal law. Computer investigation techniques are also taught to the Criminal Justice students.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, graduates are able to:

• Propose corrective actions when sensitive data is compromised.
• Critically evaluate the quality and sufficiency of evidence to support a criminal justice argument (case or proposal).
• Integrate scientific inquiry into the analysis of criminal justice issues.
• Analyze human behavior and the impact on crime.
• Integrate ethical group dynamic standards to meet criminal justice operational requirements.

For additional information about the program outcomes, please see the Student Consumer Information (link to: http://www.ecpi.edu/business/program/criminal-justice-bachelor-degree/ ) which provides additional information on the future careers, success, cost, and financing for this program. For information on the University Completion and Graduation Rates, please see Information About the University on the ECPI website (link to: http://www.ecpi.edu/services/about-ecpi-university/ )

In 2.5 years, through the year-round schedule, you can earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

Concentration outcomes

Students in the Criminal Justice concentration will gain the following additional outcomes:

• Understand the policies and procedures of law enforcement.
• Understand the legal system and court structure.
• Gain knowledge of security and surveillance principles.
• Work with technology to investigate, solve, track, and deter crime.

Students in the Homeland Security concentration learn about issues in domestic and international terrorism, cybercrime, organized crime, investigative intelligence, counterintelligence, emergency preparedness, security of critical infrastructures, and legal issues impacting the response of agencies to terror or other homeland security threats. The Homeland Security concentration focuses upon providing graduates the ability to:

• Understand the policies and procedures of the Department of Homeland Security
• Apply knowledge of the legal issues surrounding Homeland Security
• Follow security and surveillance principles
• Assume the role of intelligence gathering in protecting the nation's critical infrastructures
• Acquire knowledge of NIMS (National Incident Management System) and its application to Homeland Security

About Criminal Justice

Graduates of the Homeland Security concentration are prepared for careers as law enforcement officers, special agents, and intelligence analysts. Many work as airport screeners or in other transportation safety positions. These graduates also perform emergency management and planning functions at the federal, state, and local levels. They often work with the latest technologies in order to obtain and analyze evidence and to prevent crimes before they happen.

Applicants for employment in criminal justice must be capable of completing an employment process which may include the following:

• Criminal History Check
• Drug Screening
• Psychological Screening/ Mental Health History
• Driving Record
• Polygraph Examination
• Security Clearance
• Physical Agility
• Military Disciplinary History
• Domestic Violence Investigations
• Credit History
• Social Networking Background Investigation
• Background Investigation
• Panel Interviews
• Behavioral Assessment
• Possession of a Valid Driver's License
• Compliance with policies regarding body art/ tattoos and piercings

Graduates of the B.S. degree program in Criminal Justice obtain jobs in many different law enforcement fields. They may find employment in federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, federal and state probation and parole offices, counseling facilities, and private security firms. Graduates may also work in transportation security organizations, emergency management agencies, public health agencies, courts, and law firms. Positions in community and institutional (adult and juvenile) corrections are also available to these graduates.

Graduates of the B.S. degree program in Criminal Justice (with the Homeland Security concentration) obtain jobs in law enforcement fields that focus on the security of United States citizens and control of its borders. They may find employment in federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, probation offices, parole offices, emergency management agencies, or public health agencies. Employment opportunities also exist for these graduates in private security firms and in transportation security.

Recommended Certifications

The CERT Disaster Training Certification is required of all Homeland Security students. Other certifications are not required for completion of this program; however, ECPI encourages student to obtain all appropriate certifications to increase potential job opportunities. ECPI provides students in this program with vouchers which allow the student to take certification exams at a greatly reduced cost. Available certifications for this program, in addition to the required CERT exam, include CPR, FEMA (various certifications available), AED, Red Cross Mass Casualty, CPI (Crisis Prevention and Intervention), and DNA.

Program Outline

To receive the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, the student must earn 121 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 8 semesters or 30 months of instruction. Program requirements are as follows:

Program Requirements

Core Curriculum

48 semester credit hours

Arts and Sciences

31 semester credit hours

Self Integration and Computer Literacy

9 semester credit hours

Concentration Requirements

Criminal Justice

15 semester credit hours plus electives

Homeland Security

18 semester credit hours

Electives

Electives