B.A. in Criminal Justice and Human Security

The College of Public and International Affairs B.A. in Criminal Justice and Human Security degree allows students interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice to develop expertise in the international dimensions of public safety. Students in the degree may choose from one of three areas of concentration: Human Security Comparative Justice Criminology The degree requires two years of college-level study of a foreign language or demonstrated working competency in a foreign language. In addition to Spanish and French, students have the option of choosing from Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Korean and Russian. Interested students also have the option of earning a Master’s degree in Business Administration or in Global Development and Peace by completing a fifth year of study beyond the normal years. UB Criminal Justice track students are also encouraged to take courses in Martial Arts. Internships with law enforcement agencies are also available. Purpose and Objectives The B.A. in Criminal Justice & Human Security has the following objectives: To introduce the essential elements of criminal justice and provide the academic preparation needed for careers related to criminal justice, crime prevention, and law enforcement in an increasingly global society. To introduce the concept of Human Security, its emergence and implication, and to explore its impact on domestic and international security. To develop a cadre of security professionals who demonstrate the language skills and intercultural understanding required for effective law enforcement in today’s globalized society. To explore the role played in criminal behavior by socioeconomic inequities and societal injustice, resulting from domestic and non-domestic events. To explore implications of non-state actors for international crime and justice, in such areas as norm creation, deviance, terrorism, and crime prevention. To identify the role played by religious, ideological, and cultural views; ethnic and tribal identities; and inequality of power and privilege in rationalizing criminal behavior. To develop an integrated Criminal Justice and Human Security program that draws upon existing programs in sociology, political economy, martial arts studies, mass communication, and world religions. To prepare students for admission to graduate study in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security programs and for careers in domestic and international security To prepare students with the analytical and research skills necessary for a career or further education in the fields of Criminal Justice and Human Security. The program will define the emergence and implications of human security and explore its impact on both domestic and international levels. You will become part of a cadre of security professionals who demonstrate the language skills and intercultural understanding required for effective law enforcement in today’s globalized society. You will also be prepared for admission to graduate study in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security programs and for careers in domestic and international security. Career tracks: ATF Agent, CIA Agent, Coast Guard Officer, Corrections Officer, Crime Scene Investigation, Criminologist, Customs Agent, DEA Agent, FBI Agent, INS Agent, Police Officer, Probation Officer, Secret Service, Sheriff, U.S. Marshall.