Criminal Justice

The baccalaureate degree program in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, community and institutional corrections, court services, and other criminal justice-related areas as well as for admission to law school.  It also provides students with the fundamentals for advanced study in graduate school.

Philosophy and Mission Statement

The philosophy of Kentucky State University’s criminal justice education program centers on preparing students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers, and effective practitioners within the criminal justice system.  Effectiveness within the criminal justice system requires a commitment to social justice, criminal justice reform and due process.  Our program prepares students to promote the essential tenants of the criminal justice system to prevent crime, protect life and property, preserve peace, safeguard civil liberties, maintain order and ensure liberty and justice for all.  

Program Requirements

To satisfy the requirements for the Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice, a student must complete a minimum of 120 semester credit hours including the University’s Liberal Studies requirements.  The required courses include 45 semester credit hours of Criminal Justice courses and 9 semester credit hours of support courses.  The  required  courses  in  Criminal  Justice are CJE 101, 215, 220, 320, 325, 330, 335, 340, 345, 350, 410, 420, 430, 433, and 434. The remaining 3 semester credit hours are a Criminal Justice elective to be selected based on the student’s area of interest.  Required support courses are SOC 203 and 305; ENG 216 or BUA 204.

Contact:  Dr. Frederick Williams at frederick.williams1@kysu.edu