B.A. in Criminal Justice

The B.A. in Criminal Justice at Dallas Baptist University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, legal studies, and corrections. This program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills needed to address various issues in the criminal justice field. It emphasizes ethical and professional standards while fostering critical thinking and problem-solving abilities essential for careers in criminal justice.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the B.A. in Criminal Justice at DBU includes core courses in criminal justice theory, criminology, criminal law, and investigation techniques. Students also engage in studies on ethics, social justice, and the impact of crime on society. The program offers practical experience through internships and fieldwork, allowing students to apply their learning in real-world settings. Elective courses enable students to specialize in areas such as juvenile justice, forensic science, or corrections.

Research Focus: The research focus within the B.A. in Criminal Justice program at DBU is on understanding and analyzing crime patterns, criminal behavior, and the effectiveness of various criminal justice policies and practices. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects that explore issues such as crime prevention, rehabilitation, and the impact of legal reforms. The program supports students in developing research skills through coursework and independent research opportunities.

Industry Engagement: Dallas Baptist University emphasizes strong industry engagement through partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, legal professionals, and criminal justice organizations. Students benefit from guest lectures, workshops, and networking events with professionals in the field. These connections provide valuable insights into current practices and trends in criminal justice, enhancing students' practical knowledge and career readiness.

Global Perspective: The B.A. in Criminal Justice program incorporates a global perspective by examining international criminal justice systems, comparative criminology, and global crime issues. This approach helps students understand the complexities of criminal justice on a worldwide scale and prepares them to address transnational crime and collaborate with international organizations.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 71 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 48 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Overall score of 100.

Scholarships for International Students at Dallas Baptist University

International Students Scholarship: DBU offers merit-based scholarships to international students. These scholarships are typically awarded based on a student's academic achievements, such as high school GPA and standardized test scores. The amount of the scholarship varies and is renewable each year, provided the student maintains the required GPA.

DBU Academic Scholarships: International students may also be eligible for academic scholarships based on their academic performance. These scholarships are available to both undergraduate and graduate students. The scholarship amount depends on the student's GPA, test scores, and other academic criteria.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship: This scholarship is available to transfer students who are members of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. Eligible students can receive a scholarship that recognizes their academic achievements.

Leadership Scholarship: DBU values leadership qualities in its students. International students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills through extracurricular activities, community service, or leadership roles may qualify for this scholarship.

Church Matching Scholarship: DBU has a partnership with many churches and offers a Church Matching Scholarship. If a student's church contributes to their education, DBU matches that contribution, effectively doubling the amount of financial assistance.

DBU Christian Leadership Scholarship: This scholarship is available to international students who demonstrate a strong commitment to Christian leadership and ministry. Students with a passion for serving in a Christian ministry context may be eligible.

Athletic Scholarships: DBU has a competitive athletics program, and international student-athletes who excel in their respective sports may be considered for athletic scholarships. These scholarships are awarded based on athletic talent and performance.

External Scholarships: International students are encouraged to explore external scholarship opportunities offered by organizations, foundations, and government agencies in their home countries. DBU provides support and guidance in applying for these scholarships.

It's important to note that scholarship availability, criteria, and application deadlines may change from year to year.

Graduates with a B.A. in Criminal Justice from Dallas Baptist University are well-prepared to pursue diverse career paths within the criminal justice field. The program equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary for roles in various sectors, including law enforcement, legal services, and corrections. 

Law Enforcement Officer: Graduates can serve as police officers, sheriff’s deputies, or federal agents, where they will enforce laws, investigate crimes, and protect communities.

Probation or Parole Officer: This role involves supervising individuals on probation or parole, helping them reintegrate into society, and ensuring compliance with legal conditions.

Criminal Investigator: Also known as detectives, these professionals investigate complex cases, gather evidence, and solve crimes.

Correctional Officer: Working in jails or prisons, correctional officers maintain order, supervise inmates, and ensure the security of the facility.

Forensic Specialist: Graduates may work in forensic labs, analyzing physical evidence and contributing to criminal investigations.

Legal Assistant or Paralegal: These professionals support lawyers by preparing legal documents, conducting research, and assisting with case preparation.

Victim Advocate: Victim advocates provide support and resources to individuals affected by crime, helping them navigate the legal system and access necessary services.

Criminal Justice Researcher or Policy Analyst: For those interested in research, opportunities exist to analyze crime trends, evaluate policies, and contribute to criminal justice reform efforts.

Public Safety Manager: Graduates may work in emergency management or public safety, coordinating responses to crises and developing safety policies for communities.