Is Criminal Justice a Bachelor of Science?
Definition of Criminal Justice
Criminal justice is an academic field that focuses on the study of the justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. It is a broad and multidisciplinary field that draws on concepts and principles from sociology, psychology, political science, economics, and other social sciences. Criminal justice is often confused with related fields such as law or criminology, but it is distinct from them.
Is Criminal Justice a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)?
The Short Answer: Typically, a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice is awarded as a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.).
Why?
While it may seem counterintuitive, criminal justice programs often fall under the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) category, rather than Bachelor of Science (B.S.). Here’s why:
- Social science orientation: Criminal justice, like sociology, psychology, and political science, is primarily concerned with understanding social phenomena, behaviors, and processes. These fields often use qualitative and interpretive approaches, which are typically more characteristic of the social sciences.
- Analytical and critical thinking skills: Criminal justice programs place strong emphasis on developing critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills. While science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields often focus on mathematical models and empirical research methods, criminal justice programs typically prioritize these skills in a social context.
- Integration with other disciplines: Criminal justice programs often incorporate aspects from other fields, such as law, psychology, and sociology. This multidisciplinary approach is more in line with the humanistic and social science disciplines that often fall under the Bachelor of Arts umbrella.
Comparison of B.A. and B.S. Degree Programmes
| Characteristic | Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) | Bachelor of Science (B.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Humanistic and social science subjects | Scientific and quantitative methods |
| Emphasis | Critical thinking, analytical skills, and communication | Mathematical models, empirical research, and experimentation |
| Research methods | Qualitative and mixed methods | Quantitative methods |
| Curriculum | Courses in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, etc. | Courses in chemistry, biology, mathematics, etc. |
Other Bachelor’s Degrees Related to Criminal Justice
In some cases, a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree in a specific area within criminal justice may be awarded, such as:
- Forensic science: This field combines sciences like biology, chemistry, and physics to analyze physical evidence in criminal investigations.
- Criminal investigation and forensic analysis: This field focuses on the collection and analysis of evidence for forensic purposes.
- Police science: This field concentrates on the study of police procedures, tactics, and strategies.
Why Are Some Criminal Justice Programs Labeled as B.S. Programs?
It is not uncommon for institutions to label their criminal justice programs as Bachelor of Science (B.S.) even though they are primarily concerned with social sciences. Some possible reasons:
- Practicality and relevance: Institutions may be trying to emphasize the hands-on, practical applications of criminal justice knowledge and skills, which are more traditionally associated with STEM fields.
- Curricular composition: In some cases, the curriculum may incorporate courses from the natural sciences or mathematics, leading the program to be labeled as B.S.
- Administrative decisions: Some institutions may choose to use a B.S. designation due to administrative or curricular considerations that are unrelated to the actual focus of the program.
In Conclusion
In summary, criminal justice is typically not a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) program. It falls under the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) category due to its multidisciplinary nature, emphasis on social science subjects, and focus on developing analytical and critical thinking skills. However, there are some exceptions where programs with a stronger scientific focus or practical applications may be labeled as B.S. degrees. Ultimately, the classification of a program is important, but it does not necessarily define the substance of the degree.
