Study Criminal Justice at LBC
Advocacy, Law and Justice in the Name of Christ
If you have a passion for bringing restorative justice into the world through your career and relationship with Christ, this just might be the major for you.
When you study criminal justice at Lancaster Bible College, you’ll gain the value of getting a Christian college education while learning the basic concepts of the legal system from three perspectives: police, courts and corrections. Designed to give students an overview of the criminal justice system by broadly studying the different aspects of the law enforcement, judicial and correctional systems, students will graduate prepared to enter the field of criminal justice. Plus, through this flexible program that’s created specifically for adults looking to start or complete their degrees, students can choose to study criminal justice completely online, only in class, or even do a combination of both! While our traditional undergraduate programs are geared toward 18 to 22-year-olds, the accelerated program is designed to meet the needs of adults who juggle their education around an already full schedule. Typical undergraduate students spend 45 hours per week for nine months to earn 30 credits. Through our accelerated program, we cut that weekly time commitment more than in half – thereby, helping you to achieve your goals even faster than you thought possible.
Why Study Criminal Justice at LBC?
- Fast & Flexible Schedule: The fast-paced schedule allows you to concentrate on one 6 week course at a time.
- Life Experience Credit: Earn college credits from our evaluation of your life experiences.
- Earn Your Degree Your Way: Study completely online, only in class or even do a combination of both!
- Accredited: Earn your degree from an accredited Bible college in PA.
- Experienced Faculty: Our program is taught by professors who have a passion to teach from their years of hands-on experience in the field.
- Integrate your Christian faith and calling with your professional skills and acumen.
Criminal Justice Concentrations:
- Legal Studies
- Forensic Investigation
- Law Enforcement
- Victim Advocacy
Bachelor (120 Credits)
General Electives:36 Credits
Criminal Justice:30 Credits
Biblical Studies:18 Credits
Electives:36 Credits
View the CATALOG for the complete curriculum plan, courses and more.
Bachelor | Associates
Associates (60 Credits)
General Education:18 Credits
Criminal Justice:18 Credits
Biblical Studies:18 Credits
Electives:6 Credits
A MINOR is also available. Check out the Course Plan
Sample Course Outline
CRJ101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
CRJ102 Introduction to Law Enforcement
CRJ202 Corrections and Punishment
CRJ203 American Judicial System
CRJ215 Soul Care for the CJ Professional
CRJ222 Juvenile Justice System and Administration
CRJ304 Criminology
CRJ310 Constitutional Law & Criminal Procedure
CRJ311 Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice
CRJ422 Race, Class and Criminal Justice
A Closer Look: Hear for the Director
Why should Christians be involved in criminal justice?
Program director, Dr. John Churchville, shares his perspective.
Jobs and Careers in Criminal Justice (*Requires additional schooling or training)
- Corrections Officer
- Criminal Investigator*
- Police Officer*
- Paralegal
- Private Security Officer
- Legislative Aide
- Victim Witness Advocate
- Public Policy Analyst
- Secret Service*
- Youth Advocate Worker
How Does the Adult Education Course Schedule Work?
The adult program consists of THREE terms:
- Fall: July–December
- Spring: January–June
- Summer: June-August
The fall and spring terms are comprised of 3 course sessions and the summer is comprised of 2 course sessions. A course session runs for SIX weeks or classes and runs back-to-back across all the weeks of the year. Exact dates for each term are available through the Adult Education Office
Students may choose to take their courses either in class, online, or both.
- In class
Students taking on-site classes come once a week for five weeks per course. Our courses typically meet on Tuesday* nights from 6 to 10 PM. During the sixth week of the course, the class does not meet so that students can complete their course work.
(*Philadelphia classes meets Monday through Thursday.)
- Online classes
Students taking online courses are not required to attend class at any time. Instead, they engage in collaborative learning through our learning management system. Learn more about studying online.
Meet the Recruiters
Determining What Courses To Take
Each student’s path to completion is unique, depending upon the courses you are transferring into the program. The curriculum plan above gives a broad picture of the required credits. If your transfer credits come from mostly one of those areas, you will need to take credits in the other areas. The remaining courses you need for graduation can best be determined after reviewing your transcripts. With flexible electives, Bible and Theology requirements, and General Education requirements, most students are able to transfer to LBC the maximum number of credits.
Credits for Prior Learning. Students can earn up to 30 life experience credits, through the Credits for Prior Learning evaluation process, which will often reduce the time to complete a degree. The life experience credit evaluation process is done after a student begins a program.
When Can I Start?
As soon as you are ready. LBC has 8 entry points per year meaning you are only ever a few weeks away till the next course starts.
Looking for Ways to Finance Your Degree?
Our LBC Financial Aid Office can help you navigate through the process. Learn more