Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice With a Concentration in Homeland Security

Focus your criminal justice education in homeland security and counterterrorism

Program length: 32 months
100% online classes you can take right at home
Transfer up to 90 approved credits
Rolling admissions: start your degree when it’s right for you
Become qualified for entry-level jobs in homeland security

Waived enrollment fee Classes start July 12th

Build a career keeping our country safe

Our nation’s freedom depends on educated professionals passionately defending its citizens from threats both at home and abroad.

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with courses focused on homeland security and counterterrorism allows you to develop the skills and knowledge needed to ensure our country’s safety and security.

Learn online in Herzing’s Everywhere Classroom: on your schedule, at your pace
Dedicated class topics unique to this concentration vs. our general criminal justice degree: fire service, cybersecurity, domestic and international terrorism, critical incident stress management, and risk assessment
Learn from experienced faculty and industry experts who bring their insights and practical knowledge into the virtual classroom
Qualified students can earn dual credit towards a Master of Business Administration (MBA)

Earn the education you need to join the ranks of behind-the-scenes heroes ensuring Americans are free to wake up every day and pursue their dreams. A career making a real impact in the lives of every American IS possible with Herzing University.

Classes Start July 12th

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Curriculum

Classes & curriculum details

In addition to core criminal justice courses, this program also delves into criminal psychology and investigation, narcotics and financial crimes. In their homeland security coursework, students explore such critical areas as fire science, terrorism, emergency management, and incident stress management. Today, this knowledge of homeland security and public safety strategies is very valuable to any criminal justice-related career.

All classes are delivered online.

Program	Months*	Credits
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice With a Concentration in Homeland Security and Counterterrorism	32	120

*Average number of months for students to complete program
Program availability varies by location

Required Courses in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security

All courses, 72.00 semester credit hours, are required.

CJ 105 - Introduction to Criminal Justice 3.00

This course provides instruction on the components of the American criminal justice system: courts, police, and corrections. Students will utilize critical thinking skills to discern the balance between individual rights and public order as they pertain to the criminal justice process. Students must demonstrate knowledge of the criminal justice system and processes through examinations, assigned papers, and reports. Additionally, students will participate in field and classroom experiences created to explore the various career opportunities within the criminal justice system.

CJ 115 - Criminal Law 3.00

This course covers the key components of criminal law and its enforcement. While the primary focus is substantive criminal law, other topics include an overview of the criminal law process, defenses, and jurisdiction of the courts. The primary emphasis is on substantive criminal law, including its statutory codification. The course will examine crimes against persons, property, and peace and order in detail and analyze the essential elements and burdens of proof required for a conviction.

CJ 120 - Introduction to Criminology 3.00

The course is a theoretical study of crime, its causes, and crime prevention and control. The student will examine the field of criminology and obtain an appreciation for how research models are used to better understand and explain criminal behavior and society's response to it.

CJ 130 - Introduction to Law and Judicial Process 3.00

This course covers the major structures, basic legal concepts, and legal procedures that regulate the criminal court system. The course also examines the roles of key participants and the effect of Appellant and Supreme Court decisions on the criminal law process.

CJ 140 - Report Writing and Communication 3.00

This course is designed to introduce the student to verbal and written law enforcement communication. The course provides knowledge, skills, and practice in the areas of interviewing, interrogation, and report writing.

CJ 200 - Introduction to Corrections 3.00

This course covers the basics of corrections, including historical events and social issues which have shaped our current systems. This course also covers functions of corrections today including contemporary prison populations, custodial structure, prisoner rights and legal issues, capital punishment, community corrections programs, and developing issues.

CJ 220 - Ethics in Law Enforcement 3.00

This course covers the basics of public administration and the ethical issues of public service.

CJ 230 - Evidence Forensics 4.00

This course covers the law model and types and current rules of evidence acquisition.

CJ 240 - Patrol Procedures 3.00

In this course, the student will study the mindset of a prepared officer. The student will learn how officers are trained to be objective in observation techniques and advanced patrol procedures that are conducive to officer survival.

CJ 250 - Juvenile Justice 3.00

This course will bring the student with an interest in public safety and criminal justice into the American juvenile justice system. The student will learn about the laws and procedures that govern the way juveniles are handled by the police and the court, the reasons for them, and how to apply them in the everyday discharge of the law enforcement officer's duty. This course covers the basics of juvenile justice, from entry into the system by way of law enforcement to prosecution, rehabilitation, and corrections.

CJ 300 - Criminalistics 4.00

This course covers the nature of physical evidence with a study of the current technologies available to crime laboratory personnel.

CJ 310 - Criminal Investigation 4.00

This course is an introduction to criminal investigation and the investigative process. Current issues in criminal investigations will be studied along with true case studies.

CJ 320 - Civil Liability in Public Safety 3.00

This course provides a study of all aspects of civil liability in the performance of public safety functions. It examines sources of civil liability exposure for public safety officers and their agencies. The course examines tort theory, vicarious liabilities, immunities, and damages as they apply to public safety entities and their personnel. The course will also examine similarities and differences between state and federal forums.

CJ 400 - Criminal Psychology 3.00

The psychology of crime is a subdivision of the general field of forensic psychology. This course introduces and explores the concept of criminal behavior using an interdisciplinary approach with a primary focus on the psychological perspective. This study will include human nature theories as well as psychological criminology and criminal profiling.

CJ 420 - Narcotics and Drug Abuse 3.00

This course evaluates drug policies, the war on drugs, drug abuse, and the legalization of drugs. This course analyzes and discusses complex ideas relating to drug enforcement within the criminal justice system.

FS 100 - Introduction to Fire Service 3.00

This course details the job of today's firefighter, beginning with the basic requirements of Firefighter I and II and including extensive information on subjects such as hazardous materials and terrorism.

HS 100 - Introduction to Homeland Security 3.00

This course provides a basic overview of homeland security, including the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, the homeland security transformation, homeland security strategies and initiatives, and legal issues related to homeland security.

HS 150 - Introduction to Cybersecurity 3.00

This course introduces students to the world of cybersecurity and its significance in protecting our nation. Special attention is given to cybercrime investigations, hackers, viruses, and prevention techniques. This course is designed for students working or seeking employment in the fields of homeland security and criminal justice.

HS 211 - Domestic Terrorism 3.00

This course examines domestic terrorism and extremist groups operating within the United States. Special attention is given to the topics of boarder security, jihadist networks, government organization and communication, and domestic policies.

HS 220 - International Terrorism 3.00

This course examines international terrorism and counter-terrorism techniques. Students will explore current issues relating to the war on terror, understand jihadi influences, and explore reputable threats to the United States. Special attention will also be given to the Department of Homeland Security and their ongoing challenge in combating and preventing terrorist threats.

HS 320 - Critical Incident Stress Management 3.00

This course covers both basic and advanced knowledge and the suggested skills required to provide effective group crisis intervention services. Students are introduced to the methods and techniques of crisis intervention employed by law enforcement officers.

HS 411 - Risk Assessment 3.00

This course explores the challenges and benefits of conducting threat and vulnerability assessments. Students will learn how to assess critical infrastructures, natural resources, and other possible terrorist targets. Emphasis will be placed on identifying threats, methods of assessing threats, analyzing targets, and implementing approaches to risk assessment.

PH 100 - Public Event Planning and Emergency Management 3.00

This course covers the basics on public event planning and the security involved before, during, and after the event. Scheduling and coordination is explained in depth.

Open Elective Courses

A minimum of 6.00 open elective semester credit hours is required. Qualified students will have the opportunity to elect to take masters-level courses as a part of the Dual-Credit Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Required Capstone or Internship

All courses, 4.00 semester credit hours, are required.

CJ 491 - Criminal Justice Capstone Project 4.00

This course allows students to analyze and apply knowledge to a real-life domestic criminal justice event. Students will complete a research paper relating to the event and apply knowledge gained throughout the criminal justice program. Students are required to make a professional presentation of their project highlighting their analysis and findings.

HS 494 - Internship 4.00

This is an elective course in programs that students take in their final semester. The career internship course is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in homeland security and its related fields. The outcome of the internship is an informed student fully apprised of the opportunities his/her degree program offers for professional growth. During the internship phase of training, the student will experience various aspects of working in the actual field in which the student has been educated. The internship is designed to provide the student with the opportunity to experience and participate in duties typical of a contemporary workplace setting. Student learning will center on observing experienced personnel as well as participating in actual hands-on procedures under close supervision of trained professionals.

Required Courses in General Education

Students enrolled in this bachelor's degree must complete a minimum of 36.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for specific information about courses within each discipline. 12.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications 9.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities (must include 3 semester credit hours of cultural diversity) 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics 3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Science 6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Personal and Professional Development

A minimum of 2.00 semester credit hours is required.

PD 121 - Professional Development I 1.00

This course is designed to introduce students to methodologies that will prepare them for academic and professional success. Topics include but are not limited to Canvas support, student support services, e-books, university policies, resumes, self-reflection, time management, goal setting, and strategies for anxiety reduction.

PD 202 - Professional Development II 1.00

This course provides an opportunity for students to critically examine their skills and develop a plan to further their career and own financial literacy. Topics include research, job searching, developing career documents, refining interview and communication skills, and creating a personal budget.

Dual Credit

Save time and money by earning dual credit

Students enrolled in Herzing University’s Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Homeland Security and Counterterrorism bachelor’s degree program can get a head start on earning a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

Qualifying undergraduate students may apply up to 12 credits toward an MBA degree.

HR graduates may choose one of several MBA concentrations, or consider our Dual Concentration option to add additional emphasis to your MBA credential.

U.S. News Best Online Bachelor's Degree Program 2021

Requirements

Criminal Justice program enrollment prerequisites

Prerequisites to enroll in the Herzing University Criminal Justice bachelor’s degree program in Homeland Security & Counterterrorism include:

Completion of a U.S. high school diploma, GED or equivalent
Meet and interview with a Herzing admissions advisor
Complete an enrollment application
Students seeking to enroll in the associate degree program will be required to meet special employment criteria prior to being admitted. For specific requirements please check with the Admissions Office.

Classes Start July 12th

Waived Enrollment Fee

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This program provides students with a comprehensive academic knowledge of public safety; including criminology, law enforcement, courts, fire science, corrections, and industrial security as it relates to the coordination of homeland security activities between public safety agencies at various levels of government as well as the skills and techniques used in these disciplines. This degree can also provide advancement opportunities for law enforcement personnel requiring a bachelor's degree when applying for or advancing within the profession. (Some states, including but not limited to Minnesota, require additional federal, state, local or private certification, licensing, and/or training academy completion to be eligible for employment in a homeland security, public safety, or law enforcement position.)

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