Degrees Offered:
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Criminology and Criminal Justice Sciences Major
Overview
Since 1998, Barton’s Criminology and Criminal Justice Sciences (CCJS) program has been educating students to be critical thinkers with strong communication skills. Our CCJS 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 CCJS 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 also have the opportunity to begin graduate study during their junior year, if they choose to pursue the 3+2 accelerated graduate program. Students can earn both a B.S. and M.S. degree within 5 years of initial enrollment.
Invest in Your Success at Barton College
Course Information
The CCJS major first takes the introductory course in Criminology and Criminal Justice Sciences, building upon the strength of Barton College’s many academic and professional programs. Our distinguished faculty teach a variety of Criminology and Criminal Justice courses, in subjects such as:
- Forensic Science
- Criminal and Constitutional Law
- Policing
- Juvenile Delinquency and the Juvenile Justice System
- 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
- Women and Criminal Justice
The Barton Program
Barton’s Criminology and Criminal Justice Sciences 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, CCJS 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 CCJS majors receive intensive exposure through 400 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 CCJS Majors Are Successful
Nearly 30 percent of Barton students majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice Sciences are members of Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society. Many CCJS majors go on to complete graduate studies at top-ranked schools such as the University of Maryland or to law school. Barton’s CCJS program has a nearly 100-percent internship completion rate with over 50 criminal justice agencies and related organizations. CCJS 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.