Career Information

Mission Statement

The mission of the Criminal Justice Program is to be the leader in educating future criminal justice practitioners by providing students with the skill needed to critically examine the world around them, the ability to understand and embrace the diversity of the society in which they serve and live, and the continuing desire to learn more about themselves, society, and the criminal justice field.

Advantages of Criminal Justice at BGSU

Learn from the best

Most of our criminal justice classes are taught by full-time, highly qualified faculty who are well respected nationally in their field and bring real-world experience to their teaching. 

Connected students and faculty

Criminal Justice courses are open only to CJ majors. This guarantees that all examples and discussions are directly relevant to the students. It also helps build a feeling of camaraderie and enhances interaction between students with similar goals and interests.

Experiential component

The most extensive required field placement/practicum/internship of any program in the country brings what is learned in the classroom into the 'real world.' Students see the application of what they have learned and make valuable contacts which are useful in securing future employment. Field placements are available throughout the U.S.

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the graduate degree, students in Criminal Justice are expected to be able to:

• Students will be able to integrate theory and research with criminal justice practice.   
• Students will be able to develop effective programmatic or policy responses to emerging criminal justice issues.  
• Students will be able to appraise the general quality of criminal justice research and propose methods for improving this research.  
• Students will be able to write and effectively communicate at a level expected of someone in a criminal justice leadership position. 
  

Accreditation and/or Program/Cluster Review

Bowling Green State University [BGSU] is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.  BGSU has been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission since 01/01/1916. The most recent reaffirmation of accreditation was received in 2022 - 2023. Questions should be directed to the Office of Institutional Effectiveness.

The Criminal Justice program underwent Program/Cluster Review in 2021-22.

Professional Licensure (If applicable)

Bowling Green State University programs leading to licensure, certification and/or endorsement, whether delivered online, face-to-face or in a blended format, satisfy the academic requirements for those credentials set forth by the State of Ohio.

Requirements for licensure, certification and/or endorsement eligibility vary greatly from one profession to another and from state to state. The Criminal Justice program does not lead to professional licensure.

Gainful Employment (If applicable)

Under the Higher Education Act Title IV disclosure requirements, an institution must provide current and prospective students with information about each of its programs that prepares students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation.

The Criminal Justice program is not a recognized occupation that requires a Gainful Employment disclosure.