BS Criminal Justice

Return to: Programs of Study

Distance Learning

Program Overview

The Chicago School’s BS in Criminal Justice program provides a broad review of the Criminal Justice system as well as a basic awareness of social and behavior sciences. The upper-level courses include focused study of the criminal justice system including principles of investigation, forensic specialties, and homeland security. 

Graduates are prepared for entry level employment or career advancement in such professions as law enforcement, corrections, immigration, security services, and similar types of employment.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful program completion graduates will be able to:

Professional Practice

• Demonstrate an understanding of concepts, theories, and the nature of the major components of the criminal justice system: police, courts, and corrections.

Diversity

• Identify ways in which discrimination, oppression, privilege, and social and economic disadvantage contribute to inequalities and injustices within criminal justice systems.

Professional Behavior

• Employ critical-thinking skills as well as ethical and moral reasoning to solve problems related to criminal justice.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and demonstrate basic knowledge of information technology as applied to criminal justice research and practice.

Scholarship

• Ability to conduct research and demonstrate awareness of the linkage between theory and research.

Admission Requirements

The Chicago School is not currently accepting new students into this program.

For information on where The Chicago School is currently authorized, licensed, registered, exempt or not subject to approval, please visit https://www.thechicagoschool.edu/why-us/state-authorization/.

Admission to the BS Criminal Justice program is open to any person who meets entrance requirements as outlined below. Applicants will be judged on their overall ability to successfully complete an undergraduate degree program. Generally, a high school cumulative GPA of a 2.3 or higher on a 4.0 scale is required for admission. However, applicants with a cumulative high school GPA below 2.3 or applicants seeking admission with a GED will be considered for admission with the submission of additional required documents. It is recommended that transcripts are submitted from all undergraduate schools where credit was received (and no degree was earned) to support their application and request for transfer credit.  (See Undergraduate Transfer Credit Policy).

Factors and materials to be considered for admission will include:

• Completed application and $50 application fee
• Applicants must provide proof of the qualifying conferral - high school graduation (or the equivalent) or proof of an earned Associate degree. Information about acceptable proof of qualifying conferral can be found here.  

Applicants with a cumulative high-school or undergraduate GPA below 2.3 and applicants seeking admission with high school equivalency documentation that does not show a GPA (such as GED, home school, or testing) are required to submit additional documentation.

• Curriculum Vitae/ Resume
• One Letter of recommendation (optional)
• Essay of intent
  • Please compose a written essay to answer the questions below. Your essay should be typed, double-spaced, and three pages (approximately 500-750 words) while clearly addressing the program for which you are applying.
  • Why are you interested in this particular program to earn your undergraduate degree in criminal justice?  Cite specific experiences and examples.
  • What are your professional career goals as they relate to this degree?  Why do you believe this program will assist you in reaching these goals?
  • Why is it important to you to study this discipline at a school that emphasizes cultural awareness, competence, and understanding of diversity (see our Commitment to Diversity Statement)?
  • If you are a first generation undergraduate degree student, please integrate this into your essay.
• SAT/ACT scores are not required for admission, however applicants who have taken the SAT/ACT may submit their scores to enhance their application.

Applicant Notification

The Chicago School reviews applications on a rolling basis. Once review begins, complete applications will be considered by the Admission Committee and applicants will be notified regarding the admission decision. The Chicago School does not share information or provide any feedback regarding admission decisions.

If a student is offered admission, in order to secure a place in the incoming class, a non-refundable tuition deposit of $100 will be required by the deposit deadline indicated in the offer of admission. The non-refundable deposit will be applied in full toward the student’s tuition upon enrollment.

Degree Conferral

For degree conferral, students in the BS in Criminal Justice program the student must successfully complete the 120 credits listed in the program of study. A cumulative GPA of 2.0 (“C”) is required for degree conferral.

Policies

The following policies are located under Academic Policies and Procedures : Academic Calendar, Admissions Requirements, Attendance, Satisfactory Academic Progress, Service Learning, and Transfer Credit/Course Waiver.

Ethical Guidelines

Students are expected to learn and to follow the ethical guidelines of the American Psychological Association, APA’s current Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct for Psychologists during and after their work at The Chicago School, as well as the professional norms, standards, and guidelines relevant to the profession. A class in ethics is required, and student adherence to ethical codes is evaluated both formally and informally.