Criminal Justice

Gain a thorough understanding of the policies, procedures, and history of the U.S. criminal justice system.

With the exception of students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, any IU student enrolled in a baccalaureate program may pursue a minor in criminal justice. Students who successfully complete the requirements will have the minor conferred with their degree.

A minimum GPA of 2.3 is required in courses taken specifically for the minor. At least 9 of the 18 credit hours must be taken on the IUPUI campus. During their final term of enrollment, students must also apply to have the minor conferred with their degree by completing the O’Neill Graduation Application.

O’Neill students earning an O’Neill minor may double count two minor courses.

Declare intention to pursue minor

Criminal Justice minor curriculum (18 credit hours)

Required courses (6 credit hours)

• SPEA–J 101 The American Criminal Justice System
• SPEA–J 201 Theoretical Foundations of Criminal Justice Policies

Criminal Justice core courses (6 credit hours), choose two:

• SPEA–J 202 Criminal Justice Data, Methods, and Resources
• SPEA–J 301 Substantive Criminal Law 
• SPEA–J 305 Juvenile Justice 
• SPEA–J 306 The Criminal Courts
• SPEA–J 321 American Policing 
• SPEA–J 331 Corrections
• SPEA–J 439 Crime and Public Policy 

Electives (6 credit hours minimum)

Take two other criminal justice courses ("J" prefix). These two courses may be selected from the list above, but may not duplicate courses already taken for the minor. At least one of these two courses must be at the 300 or 400 level. However, students may select only one of the following courses to help them meet this requirement: J370, J380, J470, or J480.