BA in Criminal Justice - Law and Justice in Reno United States | University of Nevada, Reno

Students earning a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice pursue a social science degree that equips them for careers in justice fields, advanced academic studies, or legal education. This Criminal Justice program is ideal for those seeking comprehensive knowledge about the justice system, legal frameworks, and societal justice concepts. Rather than functioning as vocational training, this academically rigorous major emphasizes the legal, ethical, managerial, and behavioral dimensions of justice systems. The degree offers two distinct tracks. All participants must finish a foundational curriculum providing broad exposure to criminal justice structures. The Criminal Justice Major specifically examines system components and their management, criminology theories, and topics involving diversity, misconceptions, and ethics. The interdisciplinary Law and Justice Specialization explores legal frameworks and justice principles in diverse societies, featuring classes in legal policy, practical legal research and writing, and cross-disciplinary subjects like philosophy.

Graduates will develop the ability to:
recognize common misconceptions about criminal justice while gaining substantive knowledge of societal challenges and solution-finding in diverse communities.
apply both quantitative and qualitative social science methodologies to effectively interpret research data and evaluate programs.
develop advanced analytical and writing capabilities for critical analysis, program development, and assessment, while integrating knowledge from multiple theoretical perspectives.
establish strong ethical foundations from various philosophical systems to navigate complex professional scenarios with integrity.
engage in ongoing self-evaluation to function effectively as thoughtful practitioners within America's diverse racial, ethnic, gender, and socioeconomic landscape.