Overview

Explore Ways of Protecting and Serving Others With a BS in Justice Studies

People working within the criminal and civil legal fields are charged with promoting the safety of the community and the rights of its residents. If you are passionate about finding a career that enables you to serve and protect others, consider a justice studies major.

Offered by the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, the Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies at Grand Canyon University provides a comprehensive look at all aspects of the law, and how the law affects communities and individuals.

Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies

Offered By

College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Class Settings

Campus

Online

Tuition Rate

Campus: $8,250 per semester [More Info]

Online: $485 per credit [More Info]

Cost of Attendance

Course Information

Credits: 120

Campus: 15 weeks

Online: 8 weeks

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Transfer Credits

Up to 90 credits, only 84 can be lower division

Credits: Fill out the Lopes Eval to find out what will transfer

Admission Requirements

Admission Requirements (Bachelor's)

16+ years old
High School Graduate
3.0+ Unweighted GPA

OR 2.5+ Unweighted GPA and

ACT: 19
SAT: 1000*

Admission requirements may differ based on degree level, program and modality, or transfer status. Some programs of study may require a higher GPA and/or other qualifying criteria for admission. Please review full admission and program requirements in the University Policy Handbook.
*Math and reading only on a 1600 point scale (test date after 3/1/2016). SAT score of 1380 required for 2400 point scale (test date before 3/1/2016).

Why GCU

Benefits of GCU’s Justice Studies Bachelor’s

GCU is a private Christian university with the Christian worldview integrated directly into the curriculum. As a justice studies degree student, you will be taught theoretical knowledge and practical applications of ethical frameworks in decision-making. There is an emphasis on the ethical responsibilities of public servants. You will examine how to maximize the public good while appropriately using resources and making culturally sensitive decisions.

You will also be guided toward gaining an in-depth understanding of these domains:

Law

Criminal and civil procedures

Case management

Justice technology

Organizational psychology in justice organizations

Public safety practices

Flexible Learning Options to Fit Your Lifestyle

This interdisciplinary degree program takes an in-depth look at the nature of justice and injustice. You may benefit from the faculty’s industry experience and the interactive contributions of your peers as you are taught to apply humanities and social science skills to legal matters. As a campus or online student, you will study timely topics in criminal law, criminal procedure, corrections and threat assessments, and examine approaches for making communities safer for families and individuals. Explore what it means to attend GCU through our online or campus experience.

This justice studies program is available via online classes. If you choose to attend online, you can benefit from having the flexibility to work on your degree from almost anywhere at any time. You’ll have access to your course materials through our interactive online learning platform. You can engage in discussions with your peers and instructors online while enjoying the same quality of instruction as our on-campus students.

If you prefer a traditional justice studies degree program, you can also choose to complete your classes on campus. With GCU’s campus programs, you have access to faculty, campus life and student success resources to complete your college experience.

Coursework

Justice Studies Course Topics

This justice studies major allows you to explore all areas of the justice system. Examine the function, organization, issues and practices of law enforcement agencies, court systems and the corrections system. BS in Justice Studies students explore constitutional law, statutory law and case law interpretation, as well as current issues such as strategic policing and cybercrime.

Additionally, you will work through the following topic areas:

The appropriate use of data and research in the administration of justice, including the application of criminological theories
The objectives, strategies, perspectives and interagency relationships of correctional agencies, courts and police officers
Analytical techniques for addressing matters of civil law
Modern theories of criminology and victimology, including the motivators of criminal behaviors

Examine Relevant Legal Concepts Used in the Justice System

This degree offers an intensive survey of the law and legal matters. While earning your BS in Justice Studies, you will receive instruction in the following topics:

The analysis of potential natural, man-made and accidental threats and their impact on communities
The criminal procedural process through the lens of constitutional principles, with a focus on due process and crime control
The creation of strategic plans to address justice-related issues in a community, emphasizing proper resource management and collaborative engagement
The ethical principles required of public servants

Careers

Career Opportunities for BS in Justice Studies Degree Graduates

Graduating from this program can provide the basis for a career working within the criminal or civil law fields. You may decide to further enhance your career qualifications by pursuing entry into law school or applying to a job training program for a local, state or federal law enforcement agency.

Although no degree can guarantee any particular career outcome, some jobs that may be related to this degree include:

Correctional officer

Law enforcement officer

Intelligence analyst

Private detective or investigator

Security officer

Accreditation

Earn Your Justice Studies Degree From an Institutionally Accredited Univers

Not all schools and degree programs offer the same quality of education, so it’s important to research your options carefully. At GCU, we’re proud to have institutional accreditation through the Higher Learning Commission since 1968 — a reflection of our dedication to the quality of our school. Our colleges strive to graduate students who are prepared to tackle modern challenges with confidence.

FAQ

Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies Degree FAQs

It’s not always easy to choose a major in college, as the decision can have significant implications for your future. Take the time you need to research the justice studies field and degree program so that you can make an informed decision. Start by reviewing the following frequently asked questions and answers.

Like with any major, earning a justice studies degree takes time, diligence and hard work. Every student will experience the course material a little differently. You may find certain topics more approachable than others, for example. While the curriculum may present challenges at times, you will have invaluable opportunities for personal and professional development.

While justice studies and criminal justice studies may sound similar in nature, the two deal with their own specific focus. Justice studies is a social science that looks at how justice is viewed in the lens of the local community and broader social contexts.

Criminal justice, on the other hand, focuses more closely on the causes of criminal acts, methods of reducing crime and responses to criminal actions. A criminal justice major takes a close look at how the criminal justice system works at the local, state and federal levels, and at various criminal justice interventions.

To become a criminologist, you will first need to earn an undergraduate degree, such as a Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies. Next, you’ll want to obtain a master’s degree, either in criminology, criminal justice or a related discipline. Having an advanced degree can help you position yourself for possible career growth opportunities within the criminology field. If you have a goal to teach criminology at the postsecondary level, you will likely need to earn a related doctoral degree.¹

A justice studies degree falls into the category of social science, along with other fields such as psychology, sociology and political science. The disciplines under social science focus on examining human behavior and how individuals and groups interact with one another. Additionally, they examine how cultures develop and influence other parts of the world.

The program is sufficiently accredited, making it a legitimate program that fulfills the high standards set by a third-party organization. Both the FBI and CIA have a rigorous and competitive application process that goes beyond a college education.^2,3 However, this degree will teach you the principles of law, investigations and crime analysis that may help set you apart from other applicants.

Courses

Course List

Credit Summary

General Education Requirements34-40 credits

Major48 credits

Open Elective Credits32-38 credits

Degree Requirements120 credits

General Education Requirements

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

4 Total Credits

Course Description

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.

Competency

9-12 Total Credits

Competency

4 Total Credits

Competency

11-12 Total Credits

Course Description

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.

Competency

6-8 Total Credits

Course Description

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, cross-cultural studies, history, art, music, dance, theater, applied arts, literature, health, etc.). If the predefined course is a part of the major, students need to take an additional course.

Core Courses

JUS-104

4 Total Credits

JUS-202

4 Total Credits

Course Description

This course covers the many facets of what it means to be a responsible and effective public servant. It does this by examining the ethical principles that are required of those working as public servants, so they are prepared to make moral judgments in the execution of their duties. How to be culturally sensitive, maximize the public good, and appropriately use resources is covered. How to stand for principles and have courage to do what is right as a public servant, as well as proper communication is investigated.

JUS-212

4 Total Credits

JUS-320

4 Total Credits

JUS-330

4 Total Credits

JUS-325

4 Total Credits

GOV-360

4 Total Credits

JUS-430

4 Total Credits

JUS-441

4 Total Credits

JUS-445

4 Total Credits

JUS-470

4 Total Credits

JUS-481

4 Total Credits

GCU cannot and will not promise job placement, a job, graduate school placement, transfer of GCU program credits to another institution, promotion, salary, or salary increase. Please see the Career Services Policy in the University Policy Handbook.
Please note that this list may contain programs and courses not presently offered, as availability may vary depending on class size, enrollment and other contributing factors. If you are interested in a program or course listed herein please first contact your University Counselor for the most current information regarding availability.
Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Programs or courses subject to change

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