Course Overview!

The Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology at Ball State University is a two-year program designed to provide students with a foundational understanding of criminal justice theories and practices. The curriculum emphasizes the application of theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios, preparing students for mid-level management positions within the field. Students develop professional skills through interactions with peers, faculty, community members, and criminal justice professionals. The program balances core criminal justice coursework with electives, allowing students to tailor their education to specific interests within the broader field. The program also includes instruction aimed at helping students develop professional conduct and ethics.

Course Structure

The Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology program requires a total of 60 credit hours. The first year focuses on core criminal justice and criminology courses, establishing a solid base in the subject matter. The second year involves more advanced coursework within the field, accompanied by elective options allowing for specialization according to individual interests and career goals. Specific courses include Introduction to Criminal Justice, Introduction to Criminology, Race, Gender, and Crime, Decision Making and Ethics, and Criminal Law. A complete course listing and description can be found in the university's course catalog. The program aims to equip students with a well-rounded theoretical and practical knowledge base suitable for various roles within criminal justice.