Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminal Justice
Dubuque, USA
BA
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
TUITION FEES
USD 33,500 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* annual full-time rate
Key Summary
About: The BA in Criminal Justice at Loras College blends liberal-arts study across criminal justice, social work, sociology, psychology and political science. You’ll study law, ethics, research and policy, do experiential work like police ride‑alongs, courtroom observation and internships; complete field instruction that applies classroom learning. Faculty help shape your coursework and research; students present at regional conferences.
Career Outcomes: Graduates enter law enforcement, community‑based corrections, federal probation, attorney, state trooper, police officer, sheriff’s deputy, Customs and Border Protection, nuclear security, or assistant professor; they pursue graduate study or law school and work in corrections, probation, policy, research and teaching.
The Loras College Criminal Justice major draws upon the perspectives of a number of academic disciplines, including criminal justice, social work, sociology, psychology, and political science. Students who graduate from Loras with a Criminal Justice degree are able to apply their knowledge, assess the consequences of alternative courses of action, and make decisions based upon appropriate, legal, social, and ethical considerations. The Criminal Justice learning experience culminates in a field instruction component that puts into practice much of the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom.
Student Experience
Criminal Justice courses include traditional classroom activities and experiential components such as police ride-along, courtroom observations, field trips, and presentations by criminal justice professionals. Majors receive individual assistance in designing their educational experiences. Criminal Justice students regularly present their research at the Midwest Criminal Justice Association meetings. Internship opportunities include a wide variety of settings at city, county, and state agencies throughout the Midwest.
Many graduates are employed in traditional criminal justice careers including law enforcement and community-based corrections. A significant number of students also pursue graduate-level education or law school programs.
Loras College not only values and provides quality education in the classroom but also understands the importance of real-world experience when it comes to being prepared for life after graduation. The Criminal Justice program provides a variety of opportunities for students to get involved in their area of interest.
Student Learning Outcomes – Criminal Justice
- Students will reflect on diversity and differences through writing and speaking.
- Students will exhibit a working knowledge of CJ policies and professional standards
- Students will illustrate the components and functions of the CJ system.
- Students will apply knowledge of CJ systems and criminological theories.
- Students will describe factors in conformity and deviance.
- Students will explain the value of contributing knowledge to the community.
“What can you do with a Criminal Justice degree?”
As a Criminal Justice major, you will be prepared for a variety of interesting careers:
- Law Enforcement
- Community-Based Corrections
- Assistant Professor
- Federal Probation
- Attorney
- State Trooper
- Police Officer
- Sheriff’s Deputies
- Customs and Border Patrol
- Nuclear Security