If there was ever a time we need people to be well-versed in criminology and the legal system, it is now. The racial justice protests of 2020 demonstrated the critical need for those who can knowledgeably contribute to the conversations, take action, and pursue justice following the example of Christ.
The core values of our program are social justice and service, and we provide an education that backs up those values. Jesus served, so we serve. It’s as simple as that. And we seek to “walk humbly, love mercy, live justly” (Micah 6:8) as contributors to the criminal justice professions.
If you want to make a difference through public service – be it a career in law enforcement, the courts and correctional systems, social welfare, or related private industries – consider a minor in criminal justice, which provides broad information about criminology and the legal system for those interested in careers related to crime and victimization.
The 18-credit-hour curriculum can be completed by students majoring in any field, but it is particularly relevant for individuals completing degrees in sociology, social work, political science, computer science or psychology.
What Will I Study?
George Fox’s criminal justice course of study consists of classes that explore:
Factors that contribute to crime
Major institutions of the criminal justice system, such as the courts, police, and corrections, including their strengths and flaws
Contemporary programs leading to restorative justice for communities, institutions and individuals
The interface of drug use, mental health and criminal behavior
This course will provide students with an introduction and synopsis of the system of criminal justice operated in the United States today. The course will provide an overview of the philosophy of criminal law, theories of deviance and of the nature and extent of crime in America. The theory, structure, and operation of each of the principle components of the Criminal Justice System (i.e., law enforcement, courts, and corrections) will be examined in detail.
A study of the causes and nature of juvenile delinquency, the development of the juvenile court, probation, and other rehabilitative programs.
Prerequisite: SOCI 150 Principles of Sociology or instructor's permission.
This course will cover the theological and historical backgrounds of alternative systems of justice, and the criminological principles undergirding a variety of restorative justice programs, particularly community policing, problem-solving courts and community corrections, and will apply an international comparative component as well as a study the programs’ effectiveness.
Prerequisite: SOCI 150 Principles of Sociology or instructor permission.
This course focuses on substance abuse and mental health within American society, with a special emphasis on the connection to the criminal justice system. Students will learn about the major DSM-V mental disorders and treatment for mental illness. Substance addiction, treatment, and the social impact drugs on society will be examined. An overview of current issues involving mentally impaired persons in the U.S. criminal justice system will also be explored.
Prerequisites: SWRK 180 Introduction to Social Work, SWRK 331 Human Behavior in the Social Environment, and SWRK 391 Social Work Practice I or declared minor in criminal justice.
The origins, evolution, structure, and present functions of state, county, and city government, with particular reference to Oregon. Special attention is given to the rising problems of urban government and regional planning.
A general study of the role of law and the legal profession in American life, and a survey of the major topics addressed by the law. Attention also is given to the values promoted by our legal system and the Christian's interaction with it.
A study of the unique physical, intellectual, personality, social, and moral developmental changes during the period of adolescence.
Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
A survey of the major theorists of personality and their theories. Included are psychoanalytic, dispositional, phenomenological, and behavioral theories. An integrative approach will involve synthesis of important elements of theory and Scripture.
Prerequisite: PSYC 150 General Psychology.
This course focuses on the Supreme Court's interpretation of the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment. Special emphasis is placed upon the religion clauses of the First Amendment.
Sara Eccelston
My education at George Fox has been fundamental to shaping the way I understand the world and make decisions about how to live. I learned the important connections between power structures in society and theories to understand it all, and heard a Christian voice in the midst of sometimes hopeless statistics. My professors helped me to think critically, encouraged my questions, taught me how to research and gave voice to the parts of society that are often overlooked.
Job Outlook
Graduates from criminal justice programs are employed at municipal, county, state, and federal levels of government throughout the United States, serving in positions such as probation officers, parole officers, police officers, law enforcement personnel, juvenile workers, private security, correctional institutions, and human services. Many students ultimately go on to graduate school, including law school.
According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 5 percent from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations. Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 13 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations. Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
