About Criminal Justice, B.A. at CSUSB
Understand Crime. Shape Justice. Create Change.
If you’re passionate about making communities safer, supporting fairness, and understanding the causes of crime, the B.A. in Criminology & Criminal Justice at Cal State San Bernardino is for you.
What You’ll Learn
This program combines theory, research and real-world application to prepare you for a career that matters. As a student, you will:
- Study the nature, causes and impact of crime in society.
- Explore how the criminal justice system operates, from law enforcement to courts and corrections.
- Learn why people offend and how society and the law respond.
- Gain skills in scientific research and evidence-based practices to inform policy and reform.
- Examine the realities and misconceptions of criminal justice, including systemic inequities and failures.
Careers in Criminal Justice, B.A.
If you’re interested in a career in law enforcement, probation, parole, pretrial services, victim advocacy, corrections, juvenile justice, reentry coordination, social work, social service agencies, research and policy, whether in the public or private sector, the B.A. in Criminology & Criminal Justice degree could be a good fit for you.
The courses you take will also prepare you to continue your education to earn a master’s degree.
Sample Courses
Theories of Crime and Delinquency
This course follows the evolution of theoretical criminology with a focus on measurement, patterns, causes and social explanations of criminal and deviant behaviors.
Research Methods in Criminal Justice
In this introduction to scientific methodology and research designs you’ll learn how to conduct basic and applied research in criminal justice. The course emphasizes a scientific approach, survey methodology and concepts of evaluation design.
Crime Prevention
You’ll learn how to analyze criminal acts, focusing on patterns and how these acts can be prevented. This course covers topics such as problem-oriented policing, situational crime prevention, crime analysis, environmental criminology, crime risks, and crime prevention through environmental design.
Meet Professor Brian Levin, Esq.
Opportunities for Students
Working in the justice system means building trust with the people you serve — and strong communication is essential. At Cal State San Bernardino, the Department of World Languages and Literatures, in collaboration with the School of Criminology & Criminal Justice, offers the Certificate in Criminal Justice Spanish to help you do just that.
What You’ll Learn
This program prepares you to:
- Develop oral and written competency in professional Spanish
- Gain cultural understanding of the diverse Hispanic communities you’ll serve
- Strengthen your ability to connect with non-native English speakers in criminal justice settings
Why It Matters
With one of the largest Hispanic populations in the nation, California needs justice professionals who can bridge language and cultural gaps. This certificate gives you the tools to:
- Enhance your career opportunities in law enforcement, courts and corrections
- Better serve and advocate for Spanish-speaking individuals and families
- Stand out as a professional committed to equity and inclusion
Similar to Criminal Justice, B.A.
With more than 50 undergraduate degress at CSUSB, we offer a variety of programs that reflect the Coyotes' passion for learning. Check out where your curiosity will take you at CSUSB.