Law Enforcement
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 levels. 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.