Criminal Justice (BACJ)
Credential: Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Majors: Criminal Justice, Biblical Studies
Certification/Licensure: This program is not intended to lead to licensure.
Location: Lancaster
Program Director: Jevon Thompson, DM
Program Mission Statement: The Criminal Justice Program aims to equip students to be a redemptive presence in a broken world, promoting biblical justice and the love of Christ within law enforcement, the judicial system, and correctional institutions.
Program Description: The Criminal Justice Program at Lancaster Bible College (LBC) serves three primary purposes: advancing the college's mission, addressing the needs of students, and enriching the LBC community. By placing students in public spaces related to Criminal Justice, the program enables them to serve Christ in new areas while pursuing a degree that prepares them for careers in government, ministry, and the private sector. Additionally, the program connects LBC with local leaders, raises awareness of societal injustices, and enhances community service efforts.
Program Learning Outcomes: As a result of this program, students will:
1. Develop and integrate their biblical worldview into the system of Criminal Justice.
2. Evaluate how the three major components of the Criminal Justice system – Law enforcement, Courts, Corrections – ensure equal justice and humane treatment.
3. Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments.
4. Synthesize practical experience with the Criminal Justice Program curriculum.
5. Apply ethical principles of criminal justice to guide professional practice in pursuit of restorative justice.
6. Identify as a Criminal Justice Professional and conduct oneself accordingly.
Areas of Focus: Forensic Investigation, Victim Advocacy, Law Enforcement, Political Science.
Experiential Learning: Learning placements are included in CRJ 470 and CRJ 471 for a total of 240 internship hours in an area of professional interest. These placements are done in-person as arranged by the program or by the student in consultation with one of the professors.
Curricular Structure and Degree Requirements
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Curriculum Structure
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Credits
|
|
LBC Foundation Studies Courses
|
4
|
|
Bible & Theology Core Courses
|
30
|
|
Arts & Sciences Core Courses
|
31
|
|
Major Courses
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42
|
|
Exploration Studies – Elective Courses
|
15
|
|
Program Total
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122
|
LBC Foundations (4 credits)
Bible & Theology Courses (30 credits)
| BTH 101 | Foundations for Biblical and Theological Studies | 3 |
| BIB 103 | Creation & Covenants: OT I | 3 |
| BIB 104 | Israel's Life & Literature: OT II | 3 |
| THE 223 | Christian Narrative I: Creation & Fall | 3 |
| THE 224 | Christian Narrative II: Redemption & Consummation | 3 |
| BIB 203 | Life of Christ: NT I | 3 |
| BIB 204 | Early Church: NT II | 3 |
| Bible Elective - BOT or BNT | 3 |
THE
| Theology Elective | 3 |
| THE 320 | Christianity and Culture | 3 |
Arts & Sciences Courses (31 credits)
| LAN 101 | Academic Writing, Research, and Rhetoric | 3 |
| LAN 104 | Public Speaking | 3 |
LIT
| Literature Core (100/200 Level) | 3 |
HIS
| History Core (100/200 Level) | 3 |
SCI
| Science Core (100/200 Level) | 3 |
SCI
| Science Lab (100/200 Level) | 1 |
MAT
| Math Core (100/200 Level) | 3 |
| SOC 101, PHI 201, SOC 203, HUM 212, or POL 202 | 3 |
| Arts & Sciences Elective (300 or 400) level | 3 |
| Arts & Sciences Elective (300 or 400) level | 3 |
| Arts & Sciences Elective | 3 |
Criminal Justice Courses (42 credits)
Exploration Studies (15 credits)
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
| Elective | 3 |
Pre-Law Specialization (21 credits)
The Pre-Law Specialization requires the following courses:
| CRJ 308 Foundations of Legal Study & LSAT Prep |
| CRJ 203 American Judicial System |
| PHI 201 Introduction to Philosophy |
And four of the following in place of Exploration Studies/electives:
Program Director: Jevon Thompson, DM
Dr. Jevon Thompson is a professional with a background in law enforcement, having served as a police officer in the state of Maryland. His extensive experience in the field has provided him with invaluable insights into criminal justice and community safety. Currently, Dr. Thompson holds the position of Associate Professor at Lancaster Bible College.
Faculty:
Greg Wahl, Detective
Matthew Gullion, MA
Dawn Sutphin, JD
Jevon Thompson, DM
Rufus Tolbert, MS
Michael Evans, PhD
Greg Griggs
Misty Harroun
Charles Pugh