Department of Politics, Justice, and Society

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Criminal Justice (CJ)

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice introduces students to the many aspects of the nation’s complex criminal justice system, while giving them a strong background in the liberal arts. The Criminal Justice major investigates causes and prevention of criminal behavior, as well as the meaning and application of justice, the legal process, law enforcement, court management and correctional treatment. A minor in Criminal Justice is also available.

This degree program is designed to provide theoretical and practical knowledge for students interested in professional careers in traditional criminal justice fields such as corrections, courts, police and probation; in administrative positions in the field of criminal justice and law enforcement; and in law and paralegal occupations. Unlike many other criminal justice programs offered at other institutions, this program weaves aspects of diversity matters across the curriculum and retains a humanistic approach to studying crime, justice, punishment, legal procedures, and enforcement. Additionally, the Criminal Justice Capstone, as well as other program experiences, provides the opportunity for students to engage in individualized and meaningful criminal justice research with a faculty mentor.

A distinguishing element to the Rockhurst University Criminal Justice program is that students have the option to pursue either a minor or certificate in paralegal studies. This option provides students with an additional professional credential: a Certificate in Paralegal Studies. As the profession has become increasingly more recognized and diversified, paralegals with a variety of skills and backgrounds are being sought. Therefore, the certificate is complementary to a major in Criminal Justice. Students have other minor courses of study available to them as well.

Global Studies (GS)

The Global Studies major is interdisciplinary in scope and is designed to give students a working knowledge of world systems (cultural, political, economic, and historical), competency in a second language sufficient for use in study, dialogue, diplomacy and travel, and the opportunity for international experience or in-depth local work on international issues, so that graduates are prepared to assume leadership roles in the 21st century.

Political Science (PS)

Political science is the systematic study of the individual’s relationship with government. It investigates the nature and purpose of government, the principles on which it rests, the justification of political authority, the legal and moral aspects of that authority and the nature and development of the great human freedoms. Courses offered deal with these concerns in the American as well as foreign and international political systems.

The approach combines the practical with the theoretical so that contemporary political issues can be better understood. Political science course work is useful for those who are oriented toward elective, appointive and administrative positions at all levels of government as well as for those interested in politics as an avocation. It can also help prepare students for graduate studies in law and the social sciences as well as for business, journalism and broadcasting careers.

Sociology (SO)

The discipline of Sociology focuses on understanding how society and culture act as social contexts shaping human identity, understanding, and relationships. Studying sociology develops one’s capacity to think critically about the social embeddedness of one’s own and other’s behavior. Additionally, as a social science, sociology explicitly attends to the scientific analysis of the social causes and consequences of social inequality and other major social justice issues. Sociological course work provides students with the opportunity to examine closely the meaning and implications of economic, gender, racial/ethnic, and/or age inequalities – and the mechanisms for social change.

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