Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

Lead with Purpose to Drive Impact

Apply Now Schedule Visit

Program Overview

The B.A. in Criminal Justice Studies is an interdisciplinary degree that prepares you for leadership in the criminal justice field. Through coursework spanning criminal justice, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and philosophy, you’ll gain a broad, critical understanding of crime, justice, and the social systems that shape both.

Why earn your Criminal Justice degree at Bellarmine?

Bellarmine’s Criminal Justice Studies program pairs a strong liberal arts foundation with real-world focus. Hands-on courses are enriched by perspectives from sociology, psychology, anthropology, and related fields, helping you think critically, act ethically, and lead with purpose.

You will learn from experienced, engaged faculty with professional backgrounds in policing, corrections, law, and criminal profiling, connecting theory to practice. Through community-based learning in Louisville, you will engage diverse communities, examine inequality within the justice system, and explore pathways toward meaningful reform.

Request Info Schedule Visit

criminal justice studies

At a Glance

Degree
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
School
College of Arts and Sciences
Modality
On Campus
Hours
120

 

Bellarmine student in classroom

Applied, Experiential Learning

Gain hands-on experience while building a strong liberal arts foundation in sociology, psychology, anthropology, and philosophy. Coursework emphasizes real-world application, critical analysis, and ethical reflection, preparing you to navigate complex social systems and contribute with purpose.

Louisville skyline

Required Internship Experience

Complete a semester-long internship in your chosen field, applying classroom knowledge in a professional setting. With faculty mentorship and guided reflection, you will strengthen career skills, clarify your goals, and build connections that support employment or graduate study.

50+

Study Abroad Destinations

12:1

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

99%

Alumni Success Rate

 

Program Highlights

The Criminal Justice Studies program emphasizes a social justice perspective on the understanding of crime and society. Coursework prepares students for careers and graduate work by grounding their education in a broad liberal arts background. In addition to research skills, theoretical insights, and practical experiences, the program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach to understanding crime. A required internship experience helps ground students in the real world of criminal and legal issues.

Internships

An essential component of the Criminal Justice Studies program is the required semester-long internship. This experience places you directly in your field of interest, where you gain practical skills, professional insight, and connections that support graduate study or employment. Students have interned with local and federal law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and defense offices, judges, corrections facilities, and nonprofit and social service organizations. A dedicated faculty coordinator assists with placement and provides guidance throughout the internship experience.

Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Anthropology (CJSA) Student Club: CJSA provides networking and professional preparation for students in criminal justice, sociology, and anthropology. Past events have included hosting trivia night at a local substance use disorder recovery center, writing empowering notes to youth with an incarcerated parent, and organizing a career roundtable with professionals in the field.

Faculty

Name Title Email Phone Office
Heather Pruss, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Studies hpruss@bellarmine.edu (502) 272-8241 Pasteur Hall 108A
Ainsley Lambert-Swain, Ph.D. Assistant Professor of Sociology alambert-swain@bellarmine.edu (502) 272-8172 Pasteur Hall 108C
Frank Hutchins, Ph.D. Associate Professor of Anthropology fhutchins@bellarmine.edu (502) 272-8393 Pasteur Hall 110A

Degree Requirements

Experiential Learning

FAQs

Why major in Criminal Justice Studies at Bellarmine?

Criminal Justice Studies at Bellarmine stands out for its strong social justice focus, grounded in the university’s commitment to human dignity and the public good. Through interdisciplinary coursework in criminal justice, sociology, psychology, anthropology, and related fields, you’ll gain a broad understanding of crime, justice, and equity as well as to think critically about how systems can improve. Hands-on experience is central to the program. Our robust internship network connects students with law enforcement, courts, corrections, nonprofits, and social service agencies. A faculty coordinator works closely with you to secure a full-semester placement aligned with your interests.

What will I study?

You’ll begin with foundations of the criminal justice system and theories of crime, then explore topics such as courts, corrections, and juvenile delinquency. Upper-level coursework includes a research methods class where you conduct your own study and a required internship. The major requires 34 credit hours; the minor requires 18. Faculty bring academic expertise and real-world experience, and many students collaborate with professors on research projects.

What can I do with this degree?

Graduates pursue careers in law enforcement, courts, corrections, probation and parole, private security, and nonprofit or social service agencies. Others continue to graduate school in criminal justice, sociology, social work, or attend law school.

Financial Aid

Explore Financial Aid

Program

Frank Hutchins, Ph.D.
Division Chair
 fhutchins@bellarmine.edu
 (502) 272-8393

Take Your Next Step

Start your Bellarmine story. Request information today.

Request Information

Come to campus and see what Bellarmine hospitality is all about.

Schedule Your Visit

Bellarmine University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.