Criminal Justice Policy
Strengthen Communities
Are you interested in careers in law enforcement and other professions involving the criminal justice system or criminal justice advocacy and reform movement? Do you want to explore the political dynamics and policy implications of crime, law enforcement, and the justice system? If so, the Criminal Justice Policy concentration in Political Science is for you. The interdisciplinary coursework is designed to empower graduates with a firm understanding of the sociopolitical and governmental factors and processes that impact criminal justice policies and outcomes, as well as the social, political, and legal contexts that shape crime and the operation of law enforcement organizations
The Political Science-Criminal Justice Policy degree requires a total of 42 credit hours: 18 hours in the Government & Criminal Justice Core, and an additional 24 hours from elective categories that include course options in political science, history, psychology, family science, and legal studies.
Additional Opportunities
Political Science, BS - Concentration in Criminal Justice Policy Curriculum
This information is presented for informational purposes. In the event of a discrepancy between this page and the Undergraduate Bulletin, the Bulletin should always be used.
General Education Curriculum
In keeping with The W's Mission, the General Education Program provides students with the skills, knowledge, and values they need to become independent, productive members of society in our continually changing world.
The W's General Education Program provides a foundation in the liberal arts that includes knowledge in the historical, literary, aesthetic, scientific, and cultural traditions that shape the world, and fosters skills that allow students to become civically responsible life-long learners ready to adapt to new challenges.
All students who complete the Mississippi University for Women general education program will demonstrate:
- Critical Thinking
- Effective Communication
- Cultural Literacy
- Quantitative & Technology Skills
- Understanding of Self, Global Societies, & the Natural World
- Life-Long Learning
Bachelor of Science Requirements
Students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree must complete the following courses in their academic program:
- 8 semester hours of Laboratory Science
- 3 semester hours of Mathematics MA 113 (or higher)
- 6 semester hours of Science and/or Mathematics
- 3 semester hours of additional mathematics above MA 113 or computer applications/programming course
A total of 20 hours is required, and students may not double count credit hours in the above categories.
Major Courses
- POL 101 - The Study and Practice of Politics
- POL 150 - American Government
- POL 209 - Politics of Criminal Justice
- POL 309 - Protest and Policing
- POL 395 - American Constitutional Law
- POL 490 - Internship/Practicum
Political Science Electives
Select three of the following Political Science Electives:
- POL 203 - Social and Political Analysis
- POL 250 - World Politics
- POL 300 - Genocide Studies
- POL 380 - US Foreign Policy
- POL 390 - Southern Politics
- POL 475 - Terrorism
- POL 490 - Internship/Practicum
Legal System Electives
- PSY 222 - Psychology and the Legal System
- PLG 250 - Evidentiary Basics
- PLG 395 - Legal System Response to Child Maltreatment
And choose one of the following:
Social Foundations Electives
Select one of the following Social Foundations courses:
- SOC 201 - Principles of Sociology
- FSC 306 - Individuals & Families in Societies
Social Dynamics and Problems Electives
Select one of the following Social Dynamics and Problems Electives:
- FSC 316 - Family Violence
- HIS 358 - Revolution, Drugs, and Development: Perception and Reality in Latin America
- PSY 370 - Social Psychology
- FSC 392 - Families in Crisis and Rehabilitation
- FSC 401 - Families and Public Policy
- PSY 407 - Psychology of Criminal Behavior
Total Hours Required for a BS in Political Science with Concentration in Criminal Justice Policy: 120 Semester Hours