Criminal Justice (BS)
What is Criminal Justice?
A degree in criminal justice critically examines the nature of crime and how the system responds to and attempts to manage crime. We prepare students intellectually and ethically to understand the complexities of crime, make communities safer, and ensure justice. Our program offers students opportunities for field experience internships, community-engaged research, and analytic writing, preparing them for professional roles or advanced study in graduate or law school.
What can I do with a Criminal Justice Degree?
Career options in criminal justice are virtually limitless, and many CJ majors earn careers in law enforcement, the courts, corrections, or a variety of non-profit organizations that serve the criminal justice system. Additionally, many continue on to graduate school earning a master's, doctoral, or Juris Doctor.
| Associate Degree | |
|---|---|
| Associate in Arts (AA) | *Law Enforcement (AAS) |
| Associate in Science (AS) | *Corrections (AAS) |
| Associate in General Studies (AGS) | *Public Administration (AA) |
| *Corrections Associate in Applied Science (AAS) | Other degree programs are possible but may exceed 120 total credits |
*Satisfies the WSU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences minor requirement.
Earn the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) - Satisfies Wayne State University's General Education Requirements
| Goal/Area of study | Jackson College Course | Credits | WSU Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Composition | ENG 131 Writing Experience I | 3 | ENG 1020 |
| ENG 132 Writing Experience II | 3 | ENG 3010 | |
| Mathematics | See MTA: approved mathematics | 4 | See advisor |
| Social Science | CRJ 111 Intro to Criminal Justice | 3 | CRJ 1010 |
| See MTA; approved Social Science | 3 | See advisor | |
| Fine Arts/Humanities | Foreign Language** Pick one: FRN 131, GER 131 or SPN 131 | 4 | 1 of 2 foreign language |
| See MTA; approved Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 | See advisor | |
| Natural Science | See MTA; approved Natural Science | 3 | See advisor |
| See MTA; approved Natural Science with lab | 4 | See advisor | |
| Criminal Justice Pathway Courses | CRJ Electives - Any CRJ courses | 12 | See advisor |
| Foreign Language** Pick one: FRN 132, GER 132 or SPN 132 | 4 | 2 of 2 foreign language | |
| Total Credits | 46 |
**All students pursuing a degree in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences must successfully demonstrate language proficiency equivalent to the two-course sequence in a single foreign language. Proficiency is demonstrated by completing courses numbered 1010 and 1020 in one of the following subject area codes: ASL, ARB, ARM, CHI, FRE, GER, GKA, GKM, HEB, ITA, JPN, LAT, POL, RUS, SPA, SWA, and UKR.
| Transfer Credit Summary | Credits |
|---|---|
| Pathway and Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) | 46 |
| Associate degree requirements and additional electives * -See advisor for course recommendations based on associate degree requirements, educational interests, and career goals. | 14-34 |
| Total Transfer Credits | 60-80 |
*The range of credit hours allows for earning credentials, such as certificates, or additional transfer credit while completing an associate degree. Some course(s) not included in the pathway may satisfy Wayne State requirements.
Jackson College recommendations: Law Enforcement (AAS) or Corrections (AAS)
| Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice | Credit |
|---|---|
| CRJ 2550 Race, Crime, & Justice | 3 |
| CRJ 3550 Research Methods in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CRJ 3800 Criminological Theories | 3 |
| CRJ Electives (3000-level or above; See WSU advisor) | 12 |
| Forensic and Investigation Minor (see advisor; other minors are available but may require additional credits) | 15 |
| Total Credits | 36 |
| Wayne State credit summary | Credit |
|---|---|
| Major and minor | 36 |
| Wayne State electives and/or additional degree enhancements (see WSU advisor) | 3-23 |
| TOTAL WAYNE STATE CREDITS | 40-60 min. |
| TOTAL WAYNE STATE and TRANSFER CREDITS | 120 min. |
Notes
- You can review how courses transfer using the course equivalency tool for other acceptable equivalences. For a self-service, customized WSU degree audit, please visit https://wayne.edu/transfer/community-college/tess
- Wayne State requires a minimum of 30 credits in residency.
- The pathway allows multiple associate degree options with the flexibility to customize your degree path. The minimum eligibility to participate in the Wayne State Transfer Pathways is a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above, Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA), and an associate degree (earned or Reverse Transfer). See transfer credit guidelines.
- All college-level (non-developmental), non-duplicated courses with a 2.0 (C) grade point average (GPA) or above will be considered for transfer credit. Earned credit will transfer as 1) direct course equivalency, 2) major/department credit, or 3) elective credit. Credits not earned at JC will need to be taken at WSU.
- These pathways do not replace the importance of JC and Wayne State academic advising. The pathway provides a general roadmap to degree completion.
Primary contacts
Jackson College
Navigator Team
517-796-8425 | jcadvising@jccmi.edu
Transfer Student Success Center
313-577-2487 | transfer@wayne.edu
Criminology and Criminal Justice Department
313-577-2705 | Undergraduate advising | crj@wayne.edu
Career insights
This tool provides a broad overview of how major selection can lead to careers and is provided without any implied promise of employment. Some careers will require further education, skills, or competencies. Actual salaries may vary significantly between similar employers and could change by graduation, as could employment opportunities and job titles.