Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Learn how the criminal justice system works with the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. You’ll form a deep understanding of its complex history, policies and societal implications.
The 123-credit Criminal Justice BA undergraduate program emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking so you gain an understanding of the nature of crimes, including why and how they’re committed. You’ll also learn to evaluate the effectiveness and fairness of the ways in which society prevents, controls and responds to crimes.
Through multidisciplinary coursework and practice-focused immersive opportunities, you’ll learn how the criminal justice system is tied to other areas of society, such as healthcare and education systems. You will study issues such as fairness in sentencing, mass incarceration, police legitimacy, victims’ rights and reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into society. Through Temple’s internationally renowned Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, you’ll have the unique opportunity to meaningfully understand the lives of prisoners.
Students who earn the Criminal Justice BA are not only informed members of society, but are well prepared for advanced education in a range of fields that address criminal justice issues, such as law, public health, social work, public policy and sociology. They are also prepared for careers in criminal justice fields, including government and law enforcement agencies, public defense, victim and criminal advocacy organizations, and more.
