Minor in Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice is the study of both domestic and international structures, functions, behaviors, and public policies related to the apprehension, prosecution, sentencing, and incarceration of offenders.

About This Program

Criminal Justice is an extensive field of study that can lead to career possibilities in politics, homeland security, criminology, business, forensic science, and social work.

 wooden table displaying a judge's gavel and a small statue of "Blind Lady Justice," symbolizing the concept of criminal justice.

The Minor in Criminal Justice requires 18 semester hours to complete.


Students must complete CCJ 2010 (3), and fifteen (15) credit hours of 3000 level or above electives in criminal justice.

CCJ 2010 Introduction to criminal justice, is prerequisite for all electives in criminal justice.

A grade below a “C” will not be accepted for credit toward the minor.


Why Minor in Criminal Justice?

By partaking in a minor degree program, you are going above and beyond the bare minimum. When you're searching for jobs after graduation, that extra effort can impress potential employers. Having a minor in an area relevant to them is an added bonus.

 
Understanding of the Legal System: A minor in criminal justice provides insights into the legal framework, including laws, policies, and procedures related to crime, law enforcement, and the justice system. This knowledge can be beneficial for individuals considering careers in law enforcement, legal professions, or related fields.
 
Career Opportunities: Having a minor in criminal justice can enhance your qualifications for various career paths within the criminal justice system, such as law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, criminal law, forensic science, and homeland security. It can also open doors to related fields like social work, counseling, or public administration.
 
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Skills: The study of criminal justice involves analyzing complex situations, understanding different perspectives, and developing solutions to problems. These critical thinking and problem-solving skills are valuable in various professions and can be applied to diverse real-world scenarios.
 
Preparation for Advanced Study: For students considering graduate studies in criminal justice, law, or related fields, having a minor in criminal justice can provide a solid foundation. It demonstrates a focused interest in the field and can complement studies in other disciplines.
 
Personal Interest and Awareness: Even if not pursuing a career directly related to criminal justice, studying the subject can increase awareness of social issues and the functioning of the legal system. This can contribute to informed citizenship and a deeper understanding of societal challenges.

 

 

Example career paths with a 'Criminal Justice' minor include combining it with a major in...

 

 


 

 

 

Blue illustration of a brain with various neural connections, symbolizing the complexity of psychology. Hands cradling a small globe surrounded by colorful paper cut out people, illustrating unity and interconnectedness worldwide.

 

 

 

Psychology: With a major in psychology and a minor in criminal justice, you could pursue careers in forensic psychology, working in correctional facilities, conducting psychological assessments for law enforcement agencies, or providing counseling services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system.

Sociology: a sociology minor can broaden a psychology major's career options by providing skills and knowledge relevant to various fields, including social services, community advocacy, public health, and social research. It can also be beneficial for psychology majors interested in pursuing graduate studies in areas such as social psychology, community psychology, or sociology.


 

 

 

A smiling black male, dressed in professional attaire, stands outside a building and holding an open notebook

A man holding a laptop in a server room, surrounded by tech equipment


 

 

 

Political Science: A major in political science combined with a minor in criminal justice can prepare you for roles in public policy analysis, working with government agencies on criminal justice reform initiatives, or pursuing careers in law, including criminal law or legal advocacy.

Computer Science/Information Technology: Combining a major in computer science or information technology with a minor in criminal justice can lead to careers in cybersecurity, digital forensics, or developing software and technology solutions for law enforcement agencies and criminal justice organizations.

 

Minor in 'Criminal Justice' Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Qs)


Q: How does a criminal justice minor enhance my skills and knowledge?
A: Problem-Solving in Real-World Contexts: Criminal justice coursework often involves case studies, simulations, or field experiences that allow you to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios. This practical approach develops problem-solving skills relevant to careers in law enforcement, legal advocacy, and social services.

Q: Can I minor in criminal justice if my major is in a different field?
A: Yes, you can minor in criminal justice even if your major is in a different field. Minoring in criminal justice can provide you with a foundational understanding of the legal system, law enforcement, and criminology, which can complement your primary field of study and enhance your qualifications for certain career paths.

Q: Can I pursue graduate studies in criminal justice with a minor in the field?
A: Yes, you can pursue graduate studies in criminal justice with a minor in the field. While graduate programs typically require a bachelor's degree for admission, they generally do not specify the specific major or minor required. Instead, they may look for applicants who demonstrate a strong academic background, relevant coursework, and a genuine interest in the field of criminal justice.

Criminal Justice Minor Requirements

 

A minor in criminal justice requires eighteen (18) credit hours in criminal justice courses.

Students must complete CCJ 2010 (3), and fifteen (15) credit hours of 3000 level or above electives in criminal justice.

CCJ 2010 Introduction to criminal justice, is prerequisite for all electives in criminal justice.

A grade below a “C” will not be accepted for credit toward the minor.

  • CCJ 2010 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3) required
  • CCJ 3117 Theories of Criminal Behavior
  • CCJ 3129 Multicultural Perspectives Adolescence and Adolescent Development
  • CCJ 3621 Patterns of Criminal Behavior
  • CCJ 3934 Junior Seminar Criminal Justice
  • CCJ 4031 Cases in Corrections
  • CCJ 4360 Contemporary Issues in Corrections
  • CCJ 4662 Race, Class and Justice
  • CCJ 4670 Women and Crime
  • CCJ 4703 Qualitative Field Research Methods
  • CCJ 4905 Directed Independent Study
  • CCJ 4930 Special Topics: Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement
  • CCJ 4932 Contemporary Judicial Issues
  • CCJ 4933 Special Topics: Juvenile Law
  • CCJ 4935 Special Topics: Law and Social Control
  • CCJ 4936 Special Topics: American Criminal Procedures
  • CCJ 4937 Special Topics: Patterns of Criminal Behavior
  • CCJ 4938 Special Topics: Environmental Law and Crime
  • CCJ 4939 Special Topics: Qualitative Field Research Methods
  • CJC 4164 Community Corrections
  • CJE 4065 Police and Society
  • CJJ 3010 Juvenile Delinquency
  • CJJ 3544 Youth Management, Community Organization, and Advocacy
  • CJJ 3545 Social Problems of Youth
  • CJL 3510 American Court System
  • CJL 4012 Penology
  • CJL 4050 Juvenile Law
  • CJL 4064 American Criminal Law
  • CJL 4065 American Criminal Procedure
  • CJL 4565 Law & Social Control

 

Program Faculty

Name Email Phone
Dr. Phyllis Welch
Chair, Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice
phyllis.welch@famu.edu (850) 599-3316 
Dr. Keith Parker
Professor

keith.parker@famu.edu

(850) 599-8285
Dr. Ray Robertson
Professor

ray.robertson@famu.edu

(850) 599-8541
Dr. Felecia Dix-Richardson
Associate Professor

felecia.dix@famu.edu

(850) 599-8857
Attorney Kenya Washington Johnson
Associate Professor

kenya.washington@famu.edu

(850) 561-2225

Dr. Lee Bushong
Assistant Professor
lee.bushong@famu.edu (850) 599-8541
Mr. Roscoe Turnquest
Instructor
roscoe.turnquest@famu.edu (850) 412-7568
Ms. Kristen Bowen
Instructor
kristen.bowen@famu.edu (850) 561-2258
Major Carl Bennett

carl.bennett@famu.edu

(850) 599-3995
Dr. Annie Thompson
Assistant Professor
annie.thompson@famu.edu (850) 599-8475
Ms. Kathleen Baker
Assistant Professor

kathleen.baker@famu.edu

(850) 599-3316
Dr. Jeremiah Bailey
Adjunct Professor

jeremiah.bailey@famu.edu

(850) 599-3316