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.
| OCC Associate Degree | |
|---|---|
| Associate in Arts (AA) | *Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement (AAS) |
| Associate in Science (AS) | *Emergency Medical Services (AAS) |
| Associate in General Studies (AGS) | *Fire Fighter Technology (AAS) |
| Criminal Justice-Generalist Associate in Applied Science (AAS) | Oakland Police Academy (with associate degree) |
| *Criminal Justice-Corrections (AAS) | Fire Academy (with associate degree) |
| *Criminal Justice-Crime Scene Investigation (AAS) | |
| Other degree programs are possible but may exceed 120 total credits. |
*Waives WSU College of Liberal Arts and Sciences minor requirement. Due to the requirements associated with these programs, the total amount of credit earned will likely exceed the minimum bachelor's degree requirement.
Earn the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA) - Satisfies Wayne State University's General Education Requirements
| Goal/Area of study | Oakland Community College Course | Credits | WSU Equivalent |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Composition | ENG 1510 Composition I - ENG 1510E and 1510S is also acceptable | 3 | ENG 1020 |
| ENG 1520 Composition II | 3 | ENG 3010 | |
| Mathematics | See MTA; approved Mathematics | 5 | See advisor |
| Social Science | See MTA; approved Social Science | 3 | See advisor |
| See MTA; approved Social Science | 3 | See advisor | |
| Fine Arts/Humanities | *ARB, FRE, GER, ITA, JPN, SLI or SPA 1510 (see MTA) | 3 | See advisor |
| See MTA; approved Humanities/Fine Arts | 3 | See advisor | |
| Natural Science | See MTA; approved Natural Science | 4 | See advisor |
| See MTA; approved Natural Science with lab | 4 | See advisor | |
| Criminal Justice Pathway Courses | CRJ 1010 Intro to Criminal Justice | 3 | CRJ 1010 |
| CRJ Electives (Any CRJ course) | 12 | See advisor | |
| **ARB, FRE, GER, ITA, JPN, SLI or SPA 1530 (second language, same language) | 4 | See advisor | |
| Total Credits | 50 |
**All students 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: 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) | 50 |
| Associate degree requirements and additional electives * -See advisor for course recommendations based on associate degree requirements, educational interests, and career goals. | 10-30 |
| 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. See advisors for more information.
| 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) | 4-24 |
| TOTAL WAYNE STATE CREDITS | 40-60 min. |
| TOTAL WAYNE STATE and TRANSFER CREDITS | 120 min. |
Primary contacts
Oakland Community College
Counseling Office
oaklandcc.edu/counseling
248-341-2000
Transfer Student Success Center
transfer@wayne.edu
313-577-2487
Notes
- You can review how all courses transfer using the course equivalency tool. For a self-service, customized WSU degree audit, please visit https://wayne.edu/transfer/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 Oakland Community College will need to be taken at WSU.
- These pathways do not replace the importance of Oakland Community College and Wayne State academic advising. The pathway provides a general roadmap to degree completion.
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.