Criminal Justice Studies

In addition to applied and experiential classes that provide practical and “hands-on” knowledge, selected humanities courses in sociology, psychology, anthropology, and philosophy provide interpretations of issues involving crime and society that can only be found in a true liberal arts education. Faculty in the program have been selected because of their vast experience in the criminal justice field, from criminal profiling to police and correctional administration and law.

The Criminal Justice Studies program emphasizes a social justice perspective on the understanding of crime and society. Coursework prepares students for careers and graduate work in the field of criminal justice by grounding their education in a broad liberal arts background. In addition to giving students research skills, theoretical insights, and practical experiences where these skills and insights can be applied, the program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding crime. A required internship experience helps ground students in the real world of criminal and legal issues.

1. Students will demonstrate knowledge of the biological, psychological, and sociological origins of criminal behavior.
2. Students will identify connections between theory and research in the construction of scientific knowledge.
3. Students will demonstrate proficiency with fundamental data analysis.
4. Students will be able to express sociological ideas, as they apply to criminal justice issues, clearly and coherently both in writing and in oral presentations.
5. Students will demonstrate an ability to apply knowledge, skills and professional behavior in an internship experience.

• A completed online application form.
• Credentials & Transcripts: Undergraduate applicants who have attended post-secondary schools, colleges, universities, or professional institutions outside the United States must submit their academic records to SpanTran or World Education Services, Inc. (WES) for a course-by-course evaluation.
• Language Proficiency: TOEFL: The minimum scores are: Paper-based test 550, Internet based test 79 or 80, or Computer based test 213, MELAB: Obtain a score of 78 or higher, IELTS: Obtain a score of 6.0 or higher. Duolingo English Test: Obtain a score of 105 or higher (The Duolingo English Test is an online English proficiency test that can be taken online, on-demand, in under an hour for only $49. The test is taken via a computer with a camera and includes a proficiency score, video interview, and writing sample which are shared with Bellarmine University when you send your results. Certified results are available within 48 hours of the test session).
  1. Language training at an approved center.
  2. Prior educational experiences in TOEFL Exempt Countries. Students who have a secondary or high school diploma earned in TOEFL exempt countries have met the requirement. Additionally, international students who have completed at-least one year of full time university study or its equivalent (i.e., a minimum of 24 earned credit hours or its equivalent and earned a 2.0 GPA) in an exempt country have met the requirement.
  3. ACT or SAT. Students for whom English is a second language and have outstanding language skills may submit either ACT (21 composite or higher) or SAT (1060 or higher) scores in lieu of other evidence.
  4. Proof of Funding: A bank statement or letter of commitment demonstrating ability to fund the cost of attending Bellarmine University for one academic year.
  5. Letter of Recommendation: Applicants must obtain at-least one letter of recommendation from a prior teacher, professional academic counselor, or another individual who’s professional standing is appropriate to access the student’s ability to succeed in college and who is aware of the student’s language skills.