Criminal Justice and Criminology

Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)

Overview

Since 1998, Barton’s Criminal Justice and Criminology (CJC) program has been educating students to be critical thinkers with strong communication skills. Our CJC program exposes students to all aspects of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, the courts, corrections, juvenile justice and criminal and constitutional law. We emphasize instructional methods that integrate policy and professional practice with theory and research, by combining rigorous scientific study with practical applications.

Special Features

Criminology has evolved into one of the most interesting and fastest-growing disciplines in higher education. As criminologists we are dedicated to the scientific study of crime while seeking application of both scholarly and professional knowledge in the prevention and control of crime and juvenile delinquency. The CJC program at Barton College extends the scientific study of crime to include lawmaking and the practice of criminal law, as well as the study of law enforcement, judicial and correctional policies and programs. Students learn about operating practices and behaviors of the major actors in the criminal and juvenile justice system, including police, prosecutors, judges, juvenile court counselors, defense attorneys, probation and correctional officers and related treatment professionals.

Course Information

The CJC major first takes the introductory course in Criminology and Criminal Justice, building upon the strength of Barton College’s many academic and professional programs. Our distinguished faculty teach a variety of Criminal Justice and Criminology courses, in subjects such as:

• Forensic Science
• Criminal and Constitutional Law
• Policing
• Juvenile Delinquency
• Criminology
• Courts and the Legal System
• Corrections
• Prevention of Crime and Delinquency
• Criminal Justice Administration
• Terrorism
• Organized and White Collar Crime
• International Crime
• Investigation of Complex Crime
• Victims and Victimology
• Women and Criminal Justice
• Community Corrections

The Barton Program
Barton’s Criminal Justice and Criminology Program produces strong “generalists” who

• Have a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system
• Become prepared for the scientific study of crime, and
• Benefit from specialized coursework (e.g., forensic science, terrorism)

Some pursue a second major or a minor in Psychology, Biology, Political Science – Pre-Law, and Business, or other disciplines.

Field Instruction Assignments

During their senior year, CJC majors complete a minimum of 10 semester hours of field instruction with agencies and organizations that may lead to that important first position of their professional career.

Barton’s CJC majors receive intensive exposure through 420 contact hours of “hands-on” experience in real-world criminal justice settings, such as

• North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation
• North Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention
• North Carolina Department of Corrections (Probation and Institutional)
• North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission
• U.S. Department of Justice, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Prisons, and the Marshals Service
• U.S. Customs Service (now Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Department of Homeland Security)
• The City of Wilson Police Department
• Wilson County Sheriff’s Department
• The District Attorney Office (Wake and Wilson County)
• Wake County City-County Bureau of Investigation (forensic investigative agency)
• and many more

Barton’s Criminal Justice Majors Are Successful

Nearly 30 percent of Barton students majoring in Criminal Justice and Criminology are members of Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society. Many CJC majors go on to complete graduate studies at top-ranked schools such as the University of Maryland or to law school. Barton’s CJC program has a nearly 100 percent internship completion rate with over 50 criminal justice agencies and related organizations.  CJC majors are actively involved on campus and in the community, building friendships that will last a lifetime.

Basic Law Enforcement Training

Students intent on a law enforcement career and choosing the law enforcement academy option complete a rigorous, 16-week Basic Law Enforcement Training program at an accredited law enforcement academy. Successful graduates become certified, sworn police officers or sheriff’s deputies in North Carolina and often begin employment with a law enforcement agency and a four-year Bachelor of Science Degree from Barton College.