Minor in Criminal Justice

Hours: 21 On-Campus Online

About

The Minor in Criminal Justice at Fort Hays State University offers students a strong foundation in the structure, processes, and key players of the criminal justice system. Designed to complement a variety of majors, the program enhances career prospects in areas such as law enforcement, corrections, legal studies, and public administration.

The curriculum explores essential topics like criminology, criminal law, and the roles of justice system partners. What distinguishes this minor is its focus on experiential learning through internships and research opportunities. Students gain practical skills and insights guided by award-winning faculty, preparing them for advanced study or diverse careers in the criminal justice field.

Why pursue a Minor in Criminal Justice at Fort Hays State University?

FHSU offers a flexible and comprehensive Minor in Criminal Justice designed to prepare students for the evolving demands of the field. The program combines foundational theory with practical experience, equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed for success in a variety of criminal justice careers.

What sets this program apart is its integration of current topics, innovative teaching methods, and access to award-winning faculty with real-world expertise. Students benefit from personalized mentorship and can complete the minor through on-campus or fully online coursework, allowing them to align their studies with individual interests and career goals. This blend of academic rigor, practical learning, and flexibility distinguishes this minor as a leading option for those pursuing a background in criminal justice.

Who is this program for?

The Minor in Criminal Justice is designed for students who want to enhance their significant fields of study with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. It mainly benefits those pursuing advocacy, corrections, law enforcement, legal, and public administration careers.

Individuals aiming for legal professions
Those pursuing public administration roles
Students majoring in related fields, such as sociology or psychology
Anyone seeking to understand the criminal justice system
Students interested in law enforcement or correctional careers

Learning Outcomes

The Minor in Criminal Justice is designed to provide students with essential skills and knowledge for success in the field. Combining theoretical coursework with practical experience, the program prepares students to critically evaluate and address complex issues within the criminal justice system.

Understand Criminal Justice Systems

Students will gain a thorough understanding of the criminal justice process, including the roles of law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections. This foundational knowledge prepares students to navigate and influence various aspects of the criminal justice system.

Analyze Criminal Behavior

The program emphasizes the importance of understanding criminal behavior and societal responses to crime. Students will develop the ability to critically analyze and interpret criminal activity, using this knowledge to inform policy and practice.

Apply Legal Knowledge

Students will acquire a comprehensive understanding of criminal law and legal procedures. This knowledge enables them to apply legal principles in practical contexts, whether in law enforcement, legal professions, or public administration.

Ethical Decision Making

The minor instills a strong sense of ethical reasoning and decision-making. Students will learn to evaluate the ethical implications of actions within the criminal justice system, preparing them to make informed and morally sound decisions in their professional careers.

Real-World Applications

The Minor in Criminal Justice prepares students for real-world applications through a balanced curriculum of theoretical coursework and hands-on experience. Covering key topics such as criminology, criminal law, community corrections, and law enforcement procedures, the program offers a strong foundation for various careers in the field.

Experiential learning is a core component, with opportunities for internships, research projects, and fieldwork. These activities allow students to apply their knowledge in practical settings while building essential skills in problem-solving, analysis, and ethical decision-making. Graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Stay Ahead of the Curve

This minor is designed to stay current with the evolving demands of the field by incorporating the latest advancements and trends into the curriculum. Students explore contemporary topics such as cybercrime, forensic technology, and de-escalation techniques, gaining the knowledge needed to address today’s complex criminal justice challenges.

The program emphasizes ongoing learning and adaptability, encouraging students to engage with current research and participate in innovative projects. Its dynamic, responsive curriculum equips students to lead and adapt in a rapidly changing criminal justice landscape, giving them a competitive advantage in the job market.

Hands-on Activities

The Minor in Criminal Justice incorporates a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities that enrich students' academic experience and provide real-world application. Students have the option to complete internships with law firms, court services, non-profit organizations, and local or federal law enforcement agencies. These internships offer firsthand exposure to the daily responsibilities of criminal justice professionals and allow students to apply classroom knowledge in practical settings.

In addition to internships, students may participate in faculty-led research projects exploring topics such as criminal behavior, justice policies, and community advocacy. These experiential learning opportunities not only deepen students’ understanding of the criminal justice system but also help them develop valuable professional skills and connections that support their future career success.

What You’ll Learn:

Fundamental criminology concepts
Criminal justice system operations
Critical thinking and analysis
Ethical considerations in criminal justice
Legal procedures and policies

How You’ll Learn:

Engaging in online and on-campus courses
Practical application through internships
Research opportunities with faculty
Interactive class discussions
Hands-on projects and case studies

Courses

The core curriculum consists of 21 credit hours, combining foundational and specialized coursework. Students begin with introductory classes that establish a solid understanding of criminal justice principles and criminological theories, creating a strong academic base for more advanced study.

Elective options allow students to focus on specific areas of interest such as forensic science, juvenile justice, and criminal investigations. This flexibility enables students to align their coursework with their individual career goals. The curriculum is both comprehensive and adaptable, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for a wide range of roles within the criminal justice field.

CRJ 101: Introduction to Criminal Justice

This course is a survey of the process for managing and controlling crime and criminal offenders across the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections.

CRJ 200: Criminology

In this course, students will survey the causes and effects of criminality and of the means taken to cope with criminal behavior. Emphasis on the social context of crime, with special attention given to economic and political factors.

CRJ 375: Serial Predators

This course explores the field of behavioral evidence analysis, referred to as criminal profiling, as it applies to understanding repeat and violent offenders.

Discover the full Minor in Criminal Justice course listing by visiting the Academic Catalog.

Career Prospects

The Minor in Criminal Justice graduates are well-prepared for various careers in the criminal justice field. The program provides a solid foundation in criminal justice principles and practical skills, enabling graduates to pursue diverse and fulfilling career paths.

Paralegal

Paralegals assist attorneys by conducting legal research, drafting documents, and organizing case files. This role demands strong organizational skills and knowledge of legal procedures, making the Minor in Criminal Justice valuable preparation.

Probation Officer

Probation officers monitor and support individuals on probation, ensuring compliance with court orders and aiding their rehabilitation. This role requires strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to helping others make positive life changes.

Crime Analyst

Crime analysts analyze crime data to identify trends and support law enforcement in crime prevention and investigation. This role requires strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data, making it an ideal career for graduates with a minor in criminal justice.

Corrections Officer

Corrections officers supervise incarcerated individuals, maintain order within correctional facilities, and support rehabilitation efforts. This role requires strong communication skills and effective management of challenging situations.

The Best Value in Higher Education Anywhere

Fort Hays State University prides itself on quality education at an affordable price. Students in this program can expect to pay approximately $3,055.95* (on-campus) or $3,975.75* (online) per semester.

*Estimated cost based on 15 credit hours at the Undergrad resident/regional tuition rate ($203.73/credit hour) for on-campus courses, or the FHSU Online Undergrad tuition rate (265.05/credit hour) for online courses. Actual price may vary depending on course load and location. Tuition and Fees are subject to change as they are approved by the Kansas Board of Regents each year.

Ready for the next step?

Our faculty would be excited to talk to you about how our department programs can help you explore your interests and prepare you for a variety of rewarding careers.

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Related Programs

Fort Hays State University offers several related programs that provide additional specialization and career advancement opportunities. These programs complement the Minor in Criminal Justice and allow students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.

FAQ

What career opportunities are available with a Minor in Criminal Justice?

Graduates can pursue careers in legal professions, public administration, law enforcement, and more. The minor complements various majors, enhancing career prospects across multiple fields.

How flexible is the Minor in Criminal Justice program?

The program offers on-campus and online courses, allowing students to choose the learning modality that best fits their schedules and personal commitments.

What practical experiences are included in the program?

Students can engage in internships, research projects, and fieldwork, gaining real-world experience and applying their classroom knowledge in practical settings.

How does the program integrate the latest trends in criminal justice?

The curriculum includes contemporary issues such as victim advocacy, mental health issues in the criminal justice system, and community corrections, ensuring students stay current with advancements in the field.

What support is available for students in the program?

Fort Hays State University provides academic advising, career counseling, and access to faculty mentors, ensuring students receive the support they need to succeed.

Information about the School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology

FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology brings together a diverse range of programs dedicated to preparing students for impactful careers in law enforcement, leadership, and social sciences. Our integrated approach allows students to develop critical skills across these disciplines, fostering an environment where future leaders and professionals are equipped to address complex societal challenges. The Criminal Justice programs offer flexible online and on-campus options, focusing on law enforcement, corrections, and legal systems with a strong emphasis on leadership and integrity. The Leadership programs develop essential organizational skills through interactive coursework and internships, supported by the Leadership Studies Association and VALUE program. Sociology programs delve into social life, behavior, and community issues, emphasizing research and critical thinking. Together, these programs foster cross-disciplinary learning, empowering students to lead and innovate within their communities and beyond.

Together, these programs create a robust educational experience that encourages cross-disciplinary learning and collaboration. Students are empowered to lead, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to their communities and the broader society. Whether you are passionate about justice, leadership, or sociology, FHSU’s School of Criminal Justice, Leadership, and Sociology provides the knowledge and skills necessary to make a lasting impact.

Student Organizations

While earning your degree is your primary goal, college offers much more than just attending classes. Get involved in extracurricular activities that help you develop leadership skills, learn more about your chosen career, and make a difference in your community.

Criminal Justice Club:Open to students pursuing a major, minor, or certificate in Criminal Justice, or majoring in Criminalistics, the Criminal Justice Club engages students in career specific opportunities for service, networking, and social activities. The club meets weekly during the academic year, with activities varying by semester based on student interest.
Delta Tau Omega: As a member of the Criminal Justice Club, students can join the FHSU Chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association, Delta Tau Omega, which allows members to participate in regional and national conferences. Attendance at these conferences includes competitions in written testing, mock crime scene, physical agility, scholarly research posters, the national research paper and scholarship competitions, and others. Students must maintain at least a 3.0 GPA in criminal justice coursework to be active in this organization.
Sociology Club: Open to all students and majors, the Sociology Club encourages research on topics that can improve the community. The club collaborates with the FHSU community and local Hays residents, hosts events for student engagement, and participates in community service projects. The mission is to deepen interest in sociology and its role in understanding society and improving the human condition.
Alpha Kappa Delta: Students majoring in sociology may be eligible for membership in Alpha Kappa Delta, the sociology honorary society. The society promotes scholarship and fellowship for students at both the graduate and undergraduate levels. Membership requirements include junior standing and a minimum 3.0 GPA in sociology, with at least 12 hours of sociology coursework.
Leadership Studies Association: The Leadership Studies Association exists to allow students to grow their leadership capacity through building relationships, developing skills, and challenging themselves to practice leadership. The association promotes opportunities for students to lead through various events and activities.

Additional Information

Criminal Justice Centers

National De-escalation Training Center:

Fort Hays State University’s Criminal Justice Program and University Police joined the National De-escalation Training Center (NDTC) in August 2020 as Region 2 Central Region Training Center. As a regional center, FHSU facilitates the only Level 3 de-escalation training available in the United States.

Level 1 training includes traditional techniques of procedural justice.
Level 2 provides basic crisis intervention.
Level 3 augments traditional de-escalation and crisis intervention with rapid personality identification.

The NDTC De-escalation: Principles & Practice course is evidence-based and has increased officer confidence in utilizing de-escalation skills in working with the public.

FHSU facilitates NDTC’s three training modalities, including an 8-hour online training, two-day face-to-face training, and a 32 to 40-hour train-the-trainer program. Due to significant federal financial support, all trainings can be provided at little to no cost to agencies. Scholarships may be available for agencies to train officers in the online course.

NDTC training is approved by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community-Oriented Policing Services (COPS) and certified by the International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST).

Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence:

The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence is a regional hub of collaborative research and service, housed in the Criminal Justice Programs at Fort Hays State University. The Center for Empowering Victims of Gender-based Violence aims to reduce the constraints facing survivors, to promote the freedom of economic independence, and to empower survivors to seize opportunity freely.

The center commits to providing sustainable support and improvement to help survivors break the cycle of violence and transform themselves from victims/survivors to social entrepreneurs.

The Center facilitates cross-disciplinary research focusing on the causes and control of gender-based violence in rural areas. It leads and facilitates collaborative networks for researchers to apply evidence-based approaches and to investigate best practices addressing gender-based violence in rural communities.

The Center establishes and develops academic-community collaborations through service-learning, research, assessment, and educational opportunities and policy recommendations that enhance the well-being of rural communities.

VALUE Program:

The Voss Advanced Leadership Undergraduate Experience (VALUE) is designed to develop the most promising undergraduates into powerful agents of change. This year-long program offers curricular and co-curricular experiences with three tracks: corporate leadership, civic/non-profit leadership, and scholarship/leadership research.

CNN Heroes Advisory Board:

The Sociology Programs emphasize real-world impact through training in projects designed to help those in need. A notable project involves collaboration with CNN Heroes, individuals recognized for their exceptional work in nonprofit organizations. The CNN Heroes Advisory Board, composed of these national heroes, provides insights and advice to students based on their successful experiences in the nonprofit sector.

Criminal Justice

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Criminal Justice