Criminal Justice

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.

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

• 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.

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.