Bachelor of Science in Justice Studies

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Degree Overview
Course List
Program Location

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 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	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 List

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:

Main Campus

Enjoy Grand Canyon University's traditional campus experience. As of fall 2014, our 179-acre campus serves a growing student population of approximately 11,000. New modern classrooms, suite-style residence halls, popular dining options, resort-style swimming pools and a focus on creating a rich student life make GCU a top choice for high school graduates and transfer students.

Online

The dynamic capabilities of GCU’s online curriculum offer considerable flexibility and convenience for career oriented professionals who are pursuing their educational goals. Full time faculty members, equipped with strong academic backgrounds and practical experience in their fields, support you every step of the way. Our small class sizes provide an intimate environment that stimulates engaging and challenging discussions. Classes begin frequently.

Program Disclosure

Category	Non-Traditional	Traditional
Books & Supplies (Per Program)	$2,830	$3,900
Tuition & Fees (Per Program)	$56,350	$68,150
Room & Board (Per Program, If Applicable)	$3,285
On Time Graduation Rate	96%	100%
Median Private Loan Debt	$0	N/A
Median TIV Loan Debt	$30,924	$14,100
Median Institutional Financing Plan Debt	N/A	N/A

Program SOC

Occupations

Bailiffs

Correctional Officers and Jailers

Criminal Investigators and Special Agents

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Fish and Game Wardens

Immigration and Customs Inspectors

Intelligence Analysts

Police Detectives

Police Identification and Records Officers

Police Patrol Officers

Private Detectives and Investigators

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs

Transit and Railroad Police

It is the policy of the University to collect and remit sales, use, excise and/or gross receipts taxes in compliance with state and local taxing jurisdiction regulations which require the University to remit tax where applicable. These regulations vary by location. Please note: It is also the policy of the University to require payment of sales, use, excise, and/or gross receipts tax. Payment of tax is ultimately the student's financial responsibility to the University regardless of financing arrangements. Per Hawaii requirements: It is hereby stated that students residing in the State of Hawaii will be charged Hawaii General Excise Tax on all transactions. Students living in the District of Oahu will be charged 4.5%. Students residing in other Hawaii districts will be charged 4.0%.
Book costs are based on an average. Costs may increase or decrease depending on electronic availability or publisher's book costs.
Room and board costs may be higher or lower depending on housing and meal plan choice. This number is based on an average for students on campus.
Some Non-Traditional programs may be offered on the ground campus or on-line.
N/A identifies that a program is not offered in that modality or that fewer than 10 students graduated within the reported timeframe.
Tuition and Fees for each program are based on current rates. Future Tuition and Fee Rates may vary. Tuition was calculated using the number of credit hours in the program times the current tuition rate and includes the Graduation Fee. Full time students enrolled at a program taken at the main campus include a Student Activity Fee, charged every semester. Online programs include a one time Learning Management Fee. Some programs may also include additional fees based on course materials.
On-time graduation rates and median loan debt are based on students who graduated in the 2011-2012 award year.
Not all GCU programs are available in all states and in all learning modalities.
Program availability is contingent on student enrollment.

On-campus program disclosures • Online program disclosures

* Please refer to the Academic Catalog for more information. Program subject to change.