Traditional Undergraduate
Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (BACJ)
Associate & Minor Available
Credits
122
Course Length
16 weeks (semester)
Delivery Method
Traditional On-Campus, Lancaster
Study Criminal Justice at LBC | Capital
If you have a passion for bringing restorative justice into the world through your career and relationship with Christ, the criminal justice program at Lancaster Bible College could be the perfect major for you.
When you study criminal justice at LBC, 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 this impactful field. Through academic rigor and hands-on training, Christian professionals in LBC’s criminal justice program teach students how to live out the gospel in society, excel in their chosen fields and strengthen their faith for the work to which God calls them.
Areas of Focus include:
Forensic Investigation, Victim Advocacy, Law Enforcement, Political Science
Program Cost
Admissions Process
Where LBC Students Have Interned
- Media Relations, County Sheriff’s Department
- K-9 Unit, County Police Department
- Legal Intern, County Public Defender’s Office
- Paralegal for a law firm
- County District Attorney Forensic Unit
Can I Transfer Credits?
Yes! Read about LBC’s transfer policy
Other Program Sections
Associate of Arts (AACJ) – 61 credits
Minor – 15 credits
See bottom of this page for more information
Bachelor's Program Scope
Criminal Justice (122 Credits)
Bible & Theology Core 43 Credits
Arts & Sciences Core 37 Credits
Criminal Justice Core 42 Credits
View the Academic Catalog for the complete curriculum plan, course descriptions and program details.
Meet an LBC Criminal Justice Grad
Jack always wanted to be a police officer. Learn why he earned his degree at LBC before entering the police academy.
Program Distinctives - What makes this LBC program unique?
At LBC, students will engage with the American court system, criminal law procedure, law enforcement and rights of both victims and those charged with crimes, not only as part of an academic curriculum but also as an extension of God’s love for mankind. As the body of Christ, Christians are to called to act as the hands and feet of Jesus as His ambassadors of redemption in a broken world. In the criminal justice system specifically, we do this by restoring wholeness to victims, restoring offenders to society and restoring families to healing. In training students to become biblically grounded professionals in criminal justice, our program focuses on the three “C’s”:
- Christ-Centered and Biblical Worldview – Students in LBC’s Criminal Justice Program will learn the history and function of major areas of the criminal justice system and examine and compare current practices with biblical principles while continually reflecting on restorative justice.
- Commitment – Students in LBC’s criminal justice program will be part of smaller classes that provide intentional one-on-one time with faculty.
- Community Connections – LBC’s criminal justice program connects students to leaders in many fields of criminal justice through classroom activities, chapel talks, onsite visits throughout Lancaster and surrounding counties, and internships with local organizations.
Career Paths
The criminal justice bachelor’s degree prepares students for a wide range of technical and/or ministry contexts. Here is a sampling of careers and opportunities this degree affords:
- Corrections Officer
- Criminal Investigator*
- Police Officer*
- Paralegal
- Private Security Officer
- Legislative Aide
*Requires additional schooling or training
Program Goals – In this program, students will…
- Develop and integrate their biblical worldview into the criminal justice system.
- Evaluate how the three major components criminal justice – law enforcement, courts and corrections – ensure equal justice and humane treatment.
- Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments.
- Synthesize practical experience within the criminal justice program curriculum.
- Apply ethical principles of criminal justice to guide professional practice in pursuit of restorative justice.
- Identify as a criminal justice professional and conduct oneself accordingly.
Core Courses for a Criminal Justice Student
CRJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
CRJ 102 Introduction to Law Enforcement
CRJ 202 Corrections and Punishment
CRJ 203 American Judicial System
CRJ 211 Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice
CRJ 304 Criminology
CRJ 310 Constitutional Law and Criminal Procedure
CRJ/POL 320 Criminal Law
CRJ 415 Soul Care for the Criminal Justice
CRJ 470 Criminal Justice Internship I
CRJ 471 Criminal Justice Internship II
CRJ/HUM 422 Race, Class and Criminal Justice
Visit the catalog for the complete listing and descriptions.
Other Criminal Justice Programs Options
Associate Degree Program Plan
| Credits | |
| Bible & Theology | 18 |
| Arts & Sciences | 18 |
| Criminal Justice | 18 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Total | 61 |
View the Academic Catalog for the complete curriculum plan, course descriptions and program details.
Minoring in the Program
These are the required courses for a minor in Criminal Justice (15 credits)
- CRJ 101 Intro to Criminal Justice (3)
- CRJ 203 American Judicial System (3)
- CRJ 211 Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice (3)
- CRJ ____ Criminal Justice Elective (3)
- CRJ ____ Criminal Justice Elective (3)
View the Academic Catalog for details.