Major code BC2209

The upper-division Criminal Justice major program is designed exclusively for students who have previously completed an associate’s degree program in a technical area related to criminal justice, such as law enforcement, corrections technology, police administration, legal assisting, or human services. If you hold such a degree from a technical or community college, or from a regional campus of Ohio University, you are eligible to apply to the Criminal Justice major program and may earn a baccalaureate degree by completing a minimum of 48 additional hours of Ohio University work.

This program offers students with technical education background the opportunity to broaden their exposure to liberal higher education, while acquiring the necessary specialization to qualify for careers in such fields as parole and probation, adult and juvenile corrections, and police administration. Criminal Justice students also might prepare for law school or for further study in graduate or professional schools.

The multidisciplinary curriculum comprises a broad range of courses from the social and behavioral sciences, humanities, natural sciences, and professional disciplines, all of which make a contribution to the complex field of criminal justice. You may individualize your program of study through elective courses.

To enter the Criminal Justice major program, you must complete a separate degree application form, in addition to the application to the University, and submit a college transcript showing that you have completed an associate’s degree in an appropriate technical field. Applications are available from the University College office or any regional campus student services office. Upon admission, you will be assigned an academic advisor who will assist you in completing your approved program of study.

Please note that students on regional campuses may need longer than two years and may need to register on more than one campus.  The major is available online:  www.ohio.edu/ouonline.

Bachelor of Criminal Justice students may earn departmental honors through University College. Students must have an accumulated GPA within the top 20 percent of BCJ students to be eligible for departmental honors. An honors thesis is required. Guidelines and an application are available from the College office.

Degree requirements

1. Earn at least 192 credit hours, including at least 48 hours of Ohio University work.
2. Must complete at least 45 hours at the 300 level or above.
3. Complete the General Education requirements (Tier I, II, III). Some courses taken to complete the associate’s degree may be equivalent to courses that fulfill these requirements.
4. At least 50 percent of the coursework taken in the major (core and area requirements) must be completed at Ohio University.
5. Complete the BCJ core and no fewer than 9 courses from within the following BCJ Major Requirement areas (please note that most of the course options have prerequisites):