Legal Studies and Criminal Justice Program
Providing courses of study both in Legal Studies and Criminal Justice, the Legal Studies Program is one of four programs housed in the Human Behavior, Justice and Diversity Department. Legal Studies and Criminal Justice are two disciplines within the Legal Studies major. Students can elect to pursue either or both disciplines. The major in Legal Studies requires coursework totaling 35-36 credits, whereas the Criminal Justice concentration offers a comprehensive curriculum of 54-55 credits.
Certificate Programs
The Legal Studies program partners with the Center for Continuing Education (CCE) to offer several certificate programs. Degree-seeking students may complete certificate requirements as part of their elective coursework while non-degree-seeking students can earn certificates directly through CCE. All certificates are awarded in coordination with CCE. Contact the Center for Continuing Education for more information.
Learning Goals of the Legal Studies and Criminal Justice Program
Goal 1: Communication Readiness
Students develop strong written and oral communication skills adapting their messages effectively for different audiences and purposes
Goal 2: Critical and Analytical Reasoning
Students analyze legal and justice issues by recognizing bias, evaluating evidence, and applying diverse perspectives to complex problems.
Goal 3: Ethical and Reflective Judgment
Students evaluate ethical dilemmas in legal and justice settings, considering professional responsibilities, structural power, and implications for systemic change.
Goal 4: Professionalism and Collaborative Practice
Students demonstrate professionalism, leadership, and the ability to engage constructively across diverse legal and justice environments.
Goal 5: Real World Legal and Justice Application
Students apply legal reasoning, advocacy, and community-based approaches to real-world issues while examining how shifting societal values shape the development of law and the criminal justice system.
Faculty
Chrusciel, Dr. Meg - Assistant Professor, Legal Studies/Criminal Justice
Pennington, Dr. Caleb - Teaching Assistant Professor, Legal Studies/Criminal Justice
Sem, Jen - Teaching Assistant Professor, Legal Studies/Criminal Justice
