If you feel a calling to help ensure law and order in your community, earning your bachelor's in criminal justice can help you achieve your goal. With the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program at Indiana Wesleyan University, you can prepare for a wide variety of criminal justice careers in law enforcement, corrections, and the broader justice system. Whether you want to work in law enforcement agencies, court services, correctional facilities, military or intelligence services, the private sector, or pursue tracks in law school, NGOs, or other public service and advocacy sectors, this criminal justice degree provides a solid foundation for success.
IWU accomplishes its mission by preparing each student to become a world changer through an integrated experience of intellectual challenge, spiritual growth, and leadership development—equipping students for global engagement. As we send criminal justice students into an increasingly complex and interconnected world, understanding criminal behavior, criminal law, and national security dynamics is more important than ever. When Jesus sent out the twelve disciples in Matthew 10, he warned them that they would be “sheep among wolves,” and that they should therefore be shrewd but also innocent (Matthew 10:16). “Shrewd but innocent” could be the mantra for what we hope to accomplish in the Criminal Justice Department.
Why Pursue My Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice at IWU?
There are several benefits to pursuing your degree in criminal justice at IWU. We provide a full system of student services, from tech support to tutoring and financial aid guidance, to help you succeed in this criminal justice program. Criminal justice majors at IWU learn from experienced professionals who integrate classroom learning with biblical truths, creating a Christ-centered environment that encourages spiritual growth. You will also develop vital skills in critical thinking, problem solving, and communication that prepare you for many careers in the criminal justice field.
At IWU, our criminal justice administration program is designed to give you both a foundational understanding of the legal system and real world experience. You’ll be involved in personal, practical learning experiences, while learning from faculty members who are professionals in law enforcement, corrections, and the court system.
What Will I Learn in this BS in Criminal Justice Program?
This major in criminal justice is a residential program designed to equip you with practical experiences that build confidence and leadership skills. You will learn from faculty with years of professional experience in a variety of criminal justice jobs, including police officers, criminal investigators, and corrections officers. Coursework spans a comprehensive spectrum of topics, including criminal investigations, forensic science, corrections, policing, and crime analysis.
What Makes IWU Different?
IWU has provided education for more than 100 years.
Faith-integrated curriculum and a commitment to changing the world.
Center for Student Success for counseling, tutoring, and more!
IWU surpasses the national averages in a number of important educational benchmarks, including, but not limited to: higher than average graduation and career outcome rates. Plus, compared to the national average, IWU students receive their education with lower than average student debt!
Coursework for this criminal justice bachelor's degree program covers how to:
Develop the critical thinking and procedural skills to perform functions effectively within the criminal justice process
Communicate with diverse communities and individuals using strong communication skills to seek positive outcomes
Understand key differences in the justice system from a global perspective
Integrate biblical perspectives into a virtuous career in criminal justice
These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence. For a full list of courses required to complete your degree, please visit the course catalog. Click on a course below to view the description.
CRJ-100,CRJ-181,CRJ-246,CRJ-268,SOC-210,MAT-305,CRJ-461,PSY-355,SOC-482,CRJ-485,CRJ-490
Associate Degree
Bachelor’s Degree
Attendance at graduation exercises is expected. Please notify Registration and Academic Services if you need to graduate “in absentia” and will not be present for the ceremony.
Students may receive one degree only per commencement. A student who is enrolled in two majors with different degrees may select which major is considered the first major so that the appropriate degree will be awarded at the ceremony. Students meeting requirements for more than one degree must apply for and participate in two different ceremonies. Any university-approved dual degree program is an exception to this policy.
Indiana Wesleyan University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org, 312-263-0456. Other accreditations and associations of Indiana Wesleyan University are available at www.indwes.edu/about/iwu-profile/accreditation.
