Requirements for Bachelor of Science Degree
The Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice prepares students for a variety of careers in the field of Criminal Justice. Graduates of the program may find employment as police officers, correctional officers, probation or parole officers, or counselors at the local, state, and federal level. The Criminal Justice curriculum offers a choice of concentrations in either Law Enforcement, Corrections or Forensic Investigation.
The program of study follows a recommended eight-semester format. Students should be aware that certain factors may require deviation from the recommended schedule, and that completion of the degree could require longer than eight semesters. Entering students, who have already completed an associate degree in criminal justice or the equivalent from an accredited institution may transfer in and be admitted at junior status in the particular specialization chosen. They can then earn the baccalaureate degree by completing the general studies program and those courses specified for the third and fourth year of the concentration. Up to 72 hours of credit from all regionally accredited community colleges may be applied toward the degree; all transferred hours will be entered on the transcript and will be calculated in a student’s GPA at Bluefield State University.
Academy Training
Students may petition for up to 13 credit hours upon successfully completing law enforcement training from an accredited, police academy or an accredited state or federal correctional academy by presenting a photocopy of a graduation certificate to the Registrar’s Office. Additional credits may be awarded in accordance with articulation agreements made by Bluefield State University and various institutions.
A certified law enforcement academy providing entry-level enforcement training, in-service, and specialty training with full-time staff of instructors possessing criminal justice expertise.
Academic Plan of Study
The following eight-semester recommended schedules are based on current course offerings in the programs. Please note that those Criminal Justice courses listed in the first, third, fifth, and seventh semesters are normally offered only during fall semesters. Those courses listed in the second, fourth, sixth, and eighth semesters are normally taught only during spring semesters. Students are advised to carefully check semester class schedule listings for availability of individual courses.
Law Enforcement Concentration
The Law Enforcement Major is designed to prepare Bluefield State College students for careers in federal and state law enforcement. It is particularly useful for those students seeking administrative positions in these fields. Graduates of this program may find employment in any of the many different law enforcement agencies in the United States or in the area of Homeland Security. The following courses must be taken in addition to the Criminal Justice Core.
