Justice Studies - Criminal Justice Concentrations

Not all programs are offered for completion at each campus or through Berkeley College Online®. Please review the academic program pages (https://berkeleycollege.edu/academics/index.html) for information on where each program is offered. Additionally, all students may be required to take some courses at another campus or online. The Internship courses are only offered online.

Students who are enrolled in a Bachelor of Science degree program in Justice Studies-Criminal Justice are encouraged to complete a concentration.

Students may select one of the following seven Justice Studies-Criminal Justice Concentrations:

Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Forensics

A concentration in Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Forensics is for students who:

  • Want to obtain knowledge and an overview of crime scene investigation and forensic analysis to assist students in meeting the minimum requirements for this profession.
  • Are interested in entry-level forensic science jobs/positions that combine the work of many fields, including chemical and biological analysis, crime scene investigation, laboratory technician work, and medical examination.

The CSI Forensics Concentration consists of the following four courses:

  • JUS2225 Criminal Investigations- 3 Credits
  • JUS3330 Crime Scene Investigation- 3 Credits
  • SOC4422 Forensic Psychology- 3 Credits
  • NTS4402 Digital Forensics- 3 Credits

SAMPLE PROGRAM SEQUENCE - CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION CONCENTRATION

Cyber Security

A concentration in cyber security is for a student who:

  • Wants to develop competency and practical knowledge to work with various issues related to cybercrime or cyber security.
  • Desires a critical understanding of the technological needs, threats, and cybersecurity weaknesses.
  • Wishes to obtain an entry-level position in a rapidly growing and in-demand field with unlimited potential.

The Cyber Security Concentration consists of the following four courses:

  • ITM3300 Fundamentals of Network Security- 3 Credits
  • NTS3308 Systems Security and Auditing- 3 Credits
  • JUS4403 Cyber Crime- 3 Credits
  • NTS4402 Digital Forensics- 3 Credits

SAMPLE PROGRAM SEQUENCE - CYBERSECURITY CONCENTRATION

Investigations and Security

A concentration in investigation and security is for a student who:

  • Wants to develop competency and practical knowledge to work with various issues related to criminal and civil investigations.
  • Seeks to learn the principles and theories associated with security.
  • Is interested in advancing their current career to address the continuously changing needs of today’s security requirements.

The Investigations and Security Concentration consists of the following four courses:

  • JUS2225 Criminal Investigations- 3 Credits
  • JUS4402 Private Security Management- 3 Credits
  • JUS4404 White Collar Crime- 3 Credits
  • JUS4407 Global Security- 3 Credits

SAMPLE PROGRAM SEQUENCE - INVESTIGATIONS AND SECURITY CONCENTRATION

Homeland Security

A concentration in homeland security is for a student who:

  • Wants a career in federal government, emergency preparedness, policing, or security.
  • Is interested in the theoretical and practical contemporary issues related to Homeland Security.
  • Currently works as a first responder (i.e. EMS, firefighter, etc.)
  • Wishes to apply for a wide range of positions within the federal and local government.

The Homeland Security Concentration consists of the following four courses:

  • NTS2215 Introduction to Emergency Management- 3 Credits
  • JUS3302 Homeland Security- 3 Credits
  • JUS3314 Introduction to Intelligence- 3 Credits
  • JUS3315 Terrorism- 3 Credits

SAMPLE PROGRAM SEQUENCE - HOMELAND SECURITY CONCENTRATION

Police Studies

A concentration in police studies is for a student who:

  • Is exploring a career in law enforcement.
  • Is passionate about community service and public safety.
  • Wishes to make a positive impact on their community.
  • Is currently in law enforcement or public safety and seeking opportunities for advancement.

The Police Studies Concentration consists of the following four courses:

  • JUS2225 Criminal Investigations- 3 Credits
  • JUS3301 Police Administration and Management- 3 Credits
  • JUS3302 Homeland Security- 3 Credits
  • LAW3320 Constitutional Law- 3 Credits

SAMPLE PROGRAM SEQUENCE - POLICE STUDIES CONCENTRATION

Pre-Law
A concentration in Pre-Law is for students who:

  • Are interested in exploring legal careers in the criminal justice field by developing basic legal knowledge and skills.
  • Are interested in exploring a law degree upon graduation.
  • Career paths for a Pre-Law Concentration include government and public service focused on legal compliance, criminal investigations, criminal defense, and policy analysis, and jobs in the private sector such as corporate compliance.
  • Please note, while the Pre-Law concentration provides a solid introductory foundation to the law, it is not meant to be comprehensive. Berkeley offers an associate and bachelor’s degree in Legal Studies for students interested in detailed legal instruction needed to become a paralegal or prepare for a law school curriculum.

The Pre-Law Concentration consists of the following four courses:

  • LAW1100 Introduction to Law- 3 Credits
  • Three Upper-Level Electives (3000/4000) selected from the following list- 9 Credits
    • NTS4403 National Security Law or any 3000/4000 LAW course except LAW4430 (Advanced Legal Research, Writing, and Advocacy, which requires LAW2210 as a prerequisite and a grade of C or better in ENG1105 and ENG2205) unless otherwise permitted by the Legal Studies Chair

SAMPLE PROGRAM SEQUENCE-CONCENTRATION IN PRE-LAW

Social Justice

A concentration in social justice is for a student who:

  • Desires a broad background to focus their coursework on topics of social change, social inequality, and social justice. Areas such as civil rights, gender-based violence, immigration; public policy, and issues concerning marginalized populations.
  • Is interested in equal access to a clean environment, education, employment, healthcare, food, legal protection from discrimination, and economic opportunity.

The Social Justice Concentration consists of the following four courses:

  • JUS2235 Juvenile Justice- 3 Credits
  • HUM3355 Social Justice Issues- 3 Credits
  • SOC3320 Gender, Race, and Class- 3 Credits
  • SOC3360 Law and Society- 3 Credits

SAMPLE PROGRAM SEQUENCE - SOCIAL JUSTICE CONCENTRATION

Social Welfare

A concentration in social welfare is for a student who:

  • Is passionate about working with vulnerable populations, transforming lives to help children & families thrive.
  • Wishes to develop an understanding of the impact of trauma, poverty, and substance abuse on society.
  • Wants to comprehend the underlying systemic issues related to disproportionality and disparities faced by communities.

The Social Welfare Concentration consists of the following four courses:

  • LAW2235 Immigration Law- 3 Credits
  • SCI3301 The Science of Addiction and Obsession- 3 Credits
  • SOC3320 Gender, Race, and Class- 3 Credits
  • SOC3332 Understanding Social Behavior- 3 Credits

SAMPLE PROGRAM SEQUENCE - SOCIAL WELFARE CONCENTRATION