Bachelor of Arts - Criminal Justice Studies

Criminal Justice Studies is an interdisciplinary curriculum designed to provide perspective on crime and (in)justice at the local, regional, national, and international levels. The program is designed to provide a well-rounded, theoretical, and practical education necessary for careers in criminal justice and/or graduate work in law, criminology, or other areas.

The Criminal Justice Studies Major requires 37 hours of core and specialized classes including: Criminology, Critical Issues in Criminal Justice, Policing and Society Courts and Society, Punishment and Society, Juvenile Delinquency and Justice, Sociology of Deviance, Women and Justice, Race Ethnicity and Justice, and Methods of Data Collection and Analysis. Students have the choice of two substantive tracks of study, Criminal Justice or Justice studies. Specialized coursework includes options for study in such areas as violence and victimology, climate change and environmental justice, technology and society, and drugs and society. Social Justice and Service Learning, and Internships provide students with field service experience. Specialized work in law enforcement is available as well as certifiably as a Michigan police officer.

Pre-Professional Pathways

Pre-professional is a category for College of Arts and Sciences students at Western Michigan University who intend to enter a professional school after graduating with their bachelor's degrees. If you plan to enter a health profession or attend law school, WMU's pre-professional pathways offer the guidance, support, academic preparation and field experience you need to be successful. Please let your recruiter know if you are interested in one or multiple pathways. The options are: • Pre-chiropractic • Pre-dental • Pre-forensic science • Pre-law • Pre-medicine • Pre-naturopathic medicine • Pre-optometry • Pre-pharmacy • Pre-physical therapy • Pre-physician assistant • Pre-public health • Pre-veterinary • Pre-secondary education