The Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare individuals academically in the behavioral, natural and social science perspectives, as well as for further study in graduate or professional schools in any of these fields. The program provides intensive study in areas of criminal justice theory, research methodology and data analysis, criminal law, organizational functioning, and program planning. The program strives to promote understanding of key criminal and legal issues of contemporary urban society and respect for racial, ethnic, cultural, and gender diversity. By incorporating a multidisciplinary social, behavioral and natural science approach to undergraduate study, the program provides two important benefits for the student. First, it encourages the development of an interrelated perspective with regard to the study of criminal justice. This perspective facilitates a more comprehensive focus on the connections among the endeavors of crime prevention, law enforcement, adjudication, and punishment. Secondly, the program is designed to encourage the development of effective analytical and problem-solving skills that will equip professionals with the intellectual capacity necessary for a variety of positions in criminal justice.

The total number of units required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice is 120 units, of which 60 units are in the major. Consult with an advisor for the specific number of units required in all areas of the degree including GE and free electives.

Limitations on Transfer Credit

Students intending to transfer to Cal State L.A. from a community college to continue work toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice are advised to complete general education requirements and any lower division core courses equivalent to those in the Cal State L.A. curriculum prior to transferring. Students are advised to contact the school for information on transfer agreements between Cal State L.A. and specific community colleges.

Requirements for the Major 

A total of 120 units is required for the Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, including a minimum of 60 units for the major. All students must complete a required core of twenty-one (21) units in lower division courses. The total upper division requirement includes twenty-four (24) units of upper division criminal justice courses and fifteen (15) elective units. CRIM 3010 is a prerequisite to all upper division courses. All upper division courses are restricted to declared Criminal Justice majors. Students minoring in Criminal Justice and other majors seeking electives may be admitted to upper division courses by permit. See Undergraduate Studies: General Information for details about the General Education and other requirements that constitute the units outside the major.

All students must see an academic adviser for the school before beginning the program. Further, all students must receive approval from the undergraduate director before making any changes in the major program. Students are strongly encouraged to meet regularly with the academic adviser concerning criminal justice degree requirements. Students must earn a “C” or higher in all other courses used to meet major curriculum requirements. Students who receive a “C-” or lower in the same course twice or in two separate courses within the upper or lower division core will be required to change their major.