Overview

Columbia Southern University's Bachelor of Science in psychology with a criminal justice concentration explores how psychological concepts and theories are connected to criminal justice. This criminal psychology bachelor's degree focuses on the practices of the criminal justice system, as well as central theories and approaches to criminology and victimology. The program uses the latest research and technology to give students a well-rounded understanding of the psychological aspects of law enforcement, as well as how to effectively engage with criminals and victims. This bachelor’s degree in criminal psychology can be completed online, providing flexibility and convenience to those who want to pursue a career in forensic psychology or criminal justice.

Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography and degree field, affect career outcomes. CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.

Program Description

The Bachelor of Science in Psychology degree program provides theoretical coverage in the science of psychology, while introducing critical skills necessary to function proficiently in applied service provision settings. The degree program provides a general survey of psychology and builds upon an integrated foundation of general and applied science, research methods, human relations, learning, emotions, behaviors, and development.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students should be able to do the following:

• Integrate individual perspective with psychological concepts and theories in written work.
• Analyze aspects of ethics and multicultural diversity as they relate to practice in the psychological profession.
• Apply psychological concepts, theories, and appropriate tests and measures to real-world cases and situations.
• Critique scholarly articles from peer-reviewed psychology journals with regard to strengths and weaknesses of research design, content, and generalizability.

Criminal Justice Concentration

Enables students to develop an understanding of how psychological concepts and theories apply to criminal justice and related fields. Emphasis is placed on the practices of the criminal justice system, central theories and approaches to criminology and victimology, and how mental illness impacts crime and the criminal justice field.

Concentration Outcomes

• Explain how psychology and criminal justice are related
• Assess the impact of crime on victims