Requirements for the Criminal Justice Major
WSU Undergraduate Application Gateway
WSU 2006 - 2007 Undergraduate Catalogue
Master of Arts in Criminal Justice (MACJ)
WSU Graduate Application Gateway
Wichita State University, a forerunner in criminal justice education, was the fourth institution in the United States to offer college course work in police science. Since its beginning in 1934 as a police program, it has broadened its scope to include the total criminal justice system. Criminal Justice students may participate in cooperative education and internship programs which provide related employment opportunities with local and federal criminal justice agencies.
The Criminal Justice Student Association (CJSA) provides networking opportunities to members by bringing speakers to campus and scheduling tours of various agencies. Eligible students may also be selected for university academic honor societies such as Omicron Delta Kappa, Phi Kappa Phi and Mortar Board.
Students interested in Criminal Justice might consider combining the degree with study in investigative reporting/journalism. Other related programs include medical technology, the laboratory sciences or, for working in corrections, pyschology and sociology. Students may also want to pursue Criminal Justice certificate programs in Forensic Criminology, Corrections and Law Enforcement as areas of specialty or interest.
Students who have completed course work after August 1, 1989 from the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office or Wichita Police Department Training Academy or the Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center, may receive academic credit for the Detention Deputy Training course or the Law Enforcement Basic Training course.
To request more information on the Criminal Justice certificate programs or how to apply to receive academic credit for the Law Enforcement Academy Training, contact the Dee Pritchett, Academic Coordinator.
Requirements for the Criminal Justice Major & Minor:
Major:
The major in criminal justice consists of at least 36 hours (but not more than 50 hours will count toward the BS degree) ENGL 210 and ETHS 360 are additional requirements. Students must also satisfy requirements for the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (including the foreign language requirement) and the University requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree. Students must complete 21 hours of core courses and 15 hours of electives (there is a maximum of 6 hours total allowed in CJ 481 or CJ 483). Students may take 14 additional credit hours (general electives) beyond the 36 hours required for the major (for a total of 50 hours).
Minor:
The minor in criminal justice consists of at least 18 hours of criminal justice courses and must inclue CJ 191 and two of the following: CJ 391, 392, 394, and 593.
N.B.: CJ 191 is the prerequisite for all criminal justice courses. Courses numbered 600 and above require a minimum of 15 hours of criminal justice courses or Junior, Senior, or Graduate standing.
Core Courses (21 hours):
CJ 598 must be taken in the last two semesters of study. All other core must be completed before enrolling in CJ 598. ENGL 210 and ETHS 360 are additional requirements.
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CJ 191 | Introduction to Criminal Justice |
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CJ 391 | Corrections |
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CJ 392 | Law Enforcement |
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CJ 394 | Courts and Judicial Systems |
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CJ 407 | Introduction to Research Methods |
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CJ 593 | Crime Causation and Criminal Justice Policy |
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CJ 598 | Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice |
Electives (15 hours):
Information on electives forthcoming
Certificates in Criminal Justice
The certificate program in criminal justice are groups of related courses that address a special topic. Completion of these course indicates achievement in a specialized area.
They are designed to enhance the career needs of students desiring employment in the criminal justice system and of those individuals who are already employed in the criminal justice system and of those individuals who are already employed in the system and wish to further their knowledge in their particular field.
A certificate is not a substitute for an academic degree and will not qualify a person for a position which requires a degree. Individuals completing any one of the certificate programs are highly encouraged to continue their education at Wichita State University by choosing Criminal Justice as their major. The program offers the Bachelor of Science and the Master of Arts in Criminal Justice.
To begin course work on the certificate program, students must first be admitted to W.S.U. Also, a completed application must be filed with the undergraduate advisor. A certificate of completion will be issued to applicants upon meeting the requirements for the certificate program and will be posted to the student's official W.S.U. transcript.
Currently there are three certificates available in criminal justice emphasizing: corrections; forensic criminology; and law enforcement.
