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Grand Canyon University's Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies degree prepares students to enter careers in a variety of fields. A typical career path of an individual interested in the justice studies degree is law enforcement. Others choose to pursue jobs in governmental and private agencies, research, social work and political science. Some graduates of this degree program elect to pursue law school.
Students in the justice studies degree program will study the components of the justice system and examine theories of crime causation, including psychological and social, and theories of punishment. Issues relating to justice policies and perspectives will be examined, as well as relationships of both the court and correctional agencies. Students will also explore the historical and political impact of terrorism on emergency management, including examples of terrorist activity, a summary of federal government efforts, and media coverage of terrorism.
General Education coursework prepares Grand Canyon University graduates to think critically, communicate clearly, live responsibly in a diverse world, and thoughtfully integrate their faith and ethical convictions into all dimensions of life. These competencies, essential to an effective and satisfying life, are outlined in the General Education Learner Outcomes. General Education courses embody the breadth of human understanding and creativity contained in the liberal arts and sciences tradition. Students take an array of foundational knowledge courses that promote expanded knowledge, insight, and the outcomes identified in the University‛s General Education Competencies. The knowledge and skills students acquire through these courses serve as a foundation for successful careers and lifelong journeys of growing understanding and wisdom.
| Competency | Requirements | GCU Course Options | Total Credits |
| University Foundations | Upon completion of the Grand Canyon University's University Foundation experience, students will be able to demonstrate competency in the areas of academic skills and self-leadership. They will be able to articulate the range of resources available to assist them, explore career options related to their area of study, and have knowledge of Grand Canyon's community. Students will be able to demonstrate foundational academic success skills, explore GCU resources (CLA, Library, Career Center, ADA office, etc), articulate strategies of self-leadership and management and recognize opportunities to engage in the GCU community. Students with fewer than 24 credits will fulfill the University Foundations requirement with a specified lower-division course. An upper-division selection will be made available to students that enter the university with more than 24 credits. | UNV-103/303, University Success: 4 credits UNV-108, University Success in the College of Education: 4 credits |
4 credits |
| Effective Communication | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to construct rhetorically effective communications appropriate to diverse audiences, purposes, and occasions (English composition, communication, critical reading, foreign language, sign language, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of English grammar or composition. | UNV-104, 21st Century Skills: Communication and Information Literacy: 4 credits ENG-105, English Composition I: 4 credits ENG-106, English Composition II: 4 credits |
9-12 credits |
| Christian Worldview | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to express aspects of Christian heritage and worldview. Students are required to take CWV-101/301. | CWV-101/301, Christian Worldview: 4 credits | 4 credits |
| Critical Thinking | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to use various analytic and problem-solving skills to examine, evaluate, and/or challenge ideas and arguments (mathematics, biology, chemistry, physics, geology, astronomy, physical geography, ecology, economics, theology, logic, philosophy, technology, statistics, accounting, etc.). Students are required to take 3 credits of intermediate algebra or higher. | PHI-105, 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking and Problem Solving: 4 credits MAT-134, Applications of Algebra: 4 credits BIO-220, Environmental Science: 4 credits |
11-12 credits |
| Global Awareness, Perspective and Ethics | Graduates of Grand Canyon University will be able to demonstrate awareness and appreciation of and empathy for differences in arts and culture, values, experiences, historical perspectives, and other aspects of life (psychology, sociology, government, Christian studies, Bible, geography, anthropology, economics, political science, child and family studies, law, ethics, crosscultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). | HIS-221, Themes in U. S. History: 4 credits PSY-100, Psychology in Everyday Life: 4 credits SOC-100, Everyday Sociology: 4 credits If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course. |
6-8 credits |
| Course # | Course Title | Course Description | Credits |
| JUS-104 | Introduction to Justice Studies | This course provides an introduction to the basic components of the criminal justice system in the United States today: corrections, courts, and law enforcement. | 4 |
| JUS-110 | Crime and Criminology | This course provides an examination of classic and contemporary theories of crime causation, including psychological and social causes of crime and theories of punishment. | 4 |
| JUS-250 | Critical Issues in Criminal Justice | This course provides an examination of issues relating to justice policies, perspectives, techniques, roles, institutional arrangement, management and administration, use of research, and innovative patterns. Prerequisite: JUS 104 and JUS 110. | 4 |
| PHI-305 | Ethical Thinking in the Liberal Arts | This course considers the role that ethical thinking plays in the liberal arts. Topics are set in historic, literary, artistic, political, philosophical, religious, social, and scientific perspectives. The impact and contributions of leaders in these fields are also considered. | 4 |
| JUS-320 | The Police Function | This course provides an examination of the objectives, strategies, tactics, programs, roles, perspectives, public perception, and interagency relationships of the police. | 4 |
| JUS-325 | The Adjudication Function | This is a writing-intensive course emphasizing the objectives, strategies, programs, roles, perspectives, and interagency relationships of the courts. | 4 |
| JUS-330 | The Correctional Function | This course provides an examination of the objectives, strategies, programs, roles, perspectives, and interagency relationships of correctional agencies. | 4 |
| JUS-430 | Criminal Law | This course provides an introduction to criminal liability with an emphasis on the elements of a crime and governmental sanctions of individual conduct as formulated by the legislature and the court system. | 4 |
| JUS-435 | Criminal Procedure | This course is a study of the procedural process from a constitutional perspective as it relates to due process in the context of crime control. | 4 |
| JUS-452 | Juvenile Delinquency and Justice | This course is an exploration of causes and responses to juvenile crime viewed through the prism of evolving societal perspectives on the criminal culpability of youth. Prerequisite: JUS 250. | 4 |
| SOC-400 | Social Research and Statistics | This course provides an explanation of the various methods used by social scientists to find answers to the questions posed by their subject matter, including basic terminology and concepts and practice using methods such as surveys, experiments, field research, and evaluation research, as well as some unobtrusive methods. An introduction to analysis of data obtained from research is also included. | 4 |
| EMM-442 | Terrorism's Impact on Emergency Management | This course examines the historical and political impact of terrorism on emergency management, including examples of terrorist activity, a summary of federal government efforts, and media coverage of terrorism. Also JUS-442. | 4 |
| Required Course Total Credit: | 48 | ||
| General Education Requirements: | 34 - 40 credits |
| Courses: | 48 credits |
| Open Elective Credits: | 32 - 38 credits |
| Total Degree Requirements: | 120 credits |
This program is offered in the following formats or locations:
Enjoy Grand Canyon University's traditional campus experience. Nestled on over 90 acres in the heart of Phoenix, 8,500 (anticipated) students live and attend class on the GCU campus. New modern classrooms, suite style dorms and a focus on creating a rich student life make GCU a top choice for high school graduates.
An online education allows you the flexibility to fulfill your educational goals without distracting you from your career. Full-time faculty members support our online students while our dynamic tools allow for engaging and challenging discussions with classmates. Classes start every month.
To meet the demands of today's working adults, this degree is offered through our convenient evening program. Classes meet one evening per week and allow you to interact directly with instructors and peers face-to-face. Locations vary - speak with an enrollment counselor to learn more.
Program Disclosure
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On-campus program disclosures • Online/Evening program disclosures
* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.
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3300 West Camelback Road · Phoenix, AZ 85017 · 602-639-7500
