Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies

The Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies (CJ/LS) curriculum prepares the student to enter the field of Criminal Justice or Legal Studies by presenting a broad-based study of the many topics and principles essential to an understanding of the criminal justice and legal systems. The CJ/LS curriculum enhances promotion and career advancement opportunities for students employed in a criminal justice organization or legal field. The LS curriculum prepares a student for a career in the legal field as a paralegal and also prepares students to take one of the national paralegal certification exams. This program is also an excellent pathway to law school. The curriculum encourages the integration of Christian ethical and moral perspectives with the more common value systems associated with the criminal justice/legal systems.

The Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies offers the Associate of Science in Legal Studies, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies, and Master of Science in Justice Administration degrees. Day, night, and weekend courses are offered for the student’s convenience in course selection. A one-year online program is offered to complete the junior and senior level requirements for our BCJ, BCJ-Corrections and FSM program. Refer to the curriculum listed as Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ), Bachelor of Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Corrections (BCJ-Corrections) and Bachelor of Fire Science Management (FSM) for additional information.

To receive a BS degree in Criminal Justice, a student must demonstrate basic competency by performing successfully on the major field test (MFT) for criminal justice and complete the Professionalism Seminar class (CJ 4391 ).

To receive the A.S. or B.S. degree in Legal Studies, a student must demonstrate competence by successfully completing a comprehensive major field test and a Professionalism Seminar (LS 4391 ) with a grade of C or better during his or her senior year.

Students enrolled in the Great Books Honors Program may fulfill their Great Books Honors requirements by completing the Great Books I-V course series, selecting any two upper-level courses related to their major area with agreement from select professor(s) and the honors program, and completing an honors thesis related to their major. The series is normally completed in order, but may be adjusted as needed in consultation with the Great Books Director. Please consult the Great Books section of the catalog for complete details.

For more information on programs in the Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies, please contact:

Cathy L. Davis, ACP, Chair
Department of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies
cdavis@faulkner.edu
334-386-7304