A system of criminal justice must meet the needs of each citizen as well as the needs of complex social, economic and governmental institutions. The Bachelor of Arts degree program in criminal justice was developed with these needs in mind and is appropriate for both career-bound preservice students and inservice personnel in law enforcement, probation, parole, corrections, social service agencies and related areas.

In addition, the program is designed to provide students with an appropriate academic background for continuing their graduate studies in criminal justice, criminology or other areas such as law.

The criminal justice major is an interdisciplinary program with enough flexibility to permit students to pursue their own interests. For example, students wishing to emphasize law enforcement may select appropriate courses within the major and are encouraged to minor in administration, political science or sociology. Students directed toward probation, parole or corrections work are advised to select courses accordingly.