Bachelor of Criminal Justice

Criminal Behavior

Who are criminals? How do they think? Why do they do what they do? Fully understanding criminal behavior, how to prevent the crime, predict future actions and assist in investigation, is the key to furthering your career in criminology. With TU’s criminal behavior program, you will be prepared to answer questions among offenders and how best the justice system can manage them.

The Bachelor of Criminal Justice in Criminal Behavior is designed to provide students with an understanding of unlawful behavior that extends beyond the yellow police tape. Students will be provided the education to work in fields such as prison systems, rehabilitation centers, police departments, courthouses, law firms, schools, government agencies or the private sector.

Individuals with this degree may also work in areas dealing with important legal activities that involve adults and minors. Students will study diverse areas of criminal behavior and come to understand common traits among offenders and how the justice system manages such individuals.

The major has a basis of forensic psychology, with a greater emphasis on the criminal justice system, especially for students who intend to work in fields such as law enforcement, institutional or community corrections, and public or private security.

Ohio Police Officer Training Academy (OPOTA)

To be a sworn police officer in Ohio, you must successfully complete the Ohio Police Officer Training Academy (OPOTA). Tiffin University partners with Terra State Community College to include the cost of the academy in tuition and can be earned in just one semester.

This unique training academy is state mandated for all police officers and covers firearms, legal administration, human relations, traffic, patrol, driving, subject control, investigations, civil disorder, physical conditioning and other aspects of law enforcement. Students apply direct, hands-on practice in the crime lab, firing range and police cruisers. With experienced, certified instructors and hands-on application, our students consistently achieve passing rates on the state-certified exam.

Once graduates of the program earn the certification, they are immediately eligible for full-time employment.

Testimonial

“Tiffin University gave me my best friend and pushed me to my highest potential. The OPOTA program put me ahead in the hiring process and my bachelor’s degree set me apart from other candidates.”

Cassidy Ralph
Hometown: Marion, Ohio
Graduation: Spring, 2019
Major: Bachelor of Criminal Justice in Law Enforcement
Position: Police Officer with the City of Marysville Division of Police

Core Curriculum of the School of Criminal Justice 18 hours

Criminal Behavior Major 45 hours

  • COR110 Correctional Strategies
  • COR420 Agency Management
  • ENF239 Applied Criminal Investigation and Criminalistics
  • ENF293 Criminology
  • FOR105 Victimology
  • FOR344 Psychology of Violence and Aggression
  • FOR365 Drugs and Society
  • FOR423 Case Management
  • PSY101 Introduction to Psychology
  • PSY360 Multicultural Issues in Society
  • PSY362 Abnormal Behavior
  • FOR310 Threat Assessment
  • SOC101 Introduction to Sociology
  • PSY250 Social Psychology
  • One Open Elective

Total Bachelor of Criminal Justice hours 121

This is a sample course sequence to illustrate course offerings for this major. Consult the official Academic Bulletin for detailed registration and advising information.

Online - Offered in two terms per semester starting in January, March, May, July, August and October

There are no related concentrations available.

Agency Management (COR420) – This course analyzes some of the distinct differences between public and private management. The theory of controlling, organizing, planning, directing and assembling resources is covered. Students will develop a course project designed to cover the concepts explored in this course.

Applied Criminal Investigation and Criminalistics (ENF239) – Emphasis on the investigation of specific crimes including, but not limited to, homicide, sexual assault, aggravated assault, robbery, burglary, theft, auto theft and arson. Students will be required to investigate a “mock” crime scene, collect and analyze evidence obtained and present their investigation in a “moot” court.

Psychology of Violence and Aggression (FOR344) – Course examines the changes in the methods, patterns, and meanings of violence. Special attention is paid to individual and collective violence in the streets, in schools, at home, within the media, by the police, by terrorists and by the military. The major theories explaining the causes of violence, and important research about attitudes toward violence and the showing of force to bring about change are reviewed.

Drugs and Society (FOR365) – Considers various types of drugs, dynamics of use, abuse, addiction, and recovery; social, legal, economic, and psychological impact on structure and function of society; current trends; diagnosis and treatment; prevention strategies.

  • Community Corrections
  • Institutional Corrections
  • Law Enforcement Officer
  • Private or Public Security

This program is still new, but we will update with new graduate information once available.

If you want to learn more about our online or on-campus programs for working adults, click here.

Testimonials

  • John Carpenter
    "I chose Tiffin University because of the curriculum, the online opportunities, and the fact that it is a brick-and-mortar school close to my home. I made many invaluable contacts through my TU experience."

    – John Carpenter

    John Carpenter

  • “I began my collegiate journey at Purdue University, where I was recruited out of high school. After a few years there I decided it was best if I left and went somewhere else. I didn't really explore many options outside if Tiffin. I knew the coaches here and knew that at the end of the day, even without athletics, I could see myself attending the university. I didn’t look at the size of TU as a deciding factor, I looked more at the people that were there and the quality of education and the product that was offered - and it was the best fit for me.”

    Coy Blair
    Class of 2017, MBA Graduation 2019
    Logan, Ohio

    Students in game room

  • TU helped grow my network and give me experience by meeting students from other cultures and countries, and learning from a range of professors. Anyone who wants to feel connected to their fellow students, to their personable professors, and the community, then TU is place for you.

    -Alexis Mohr '06

    TU helped grow my network and give me experience by meeting students from other cultures and countries, and learning from a range of professors. Anyone who wants to feel connected to their fellow students, to their personable professors, and the community

  • Ivan Santiago - Class of 2015
    "I chose TU because of its reputation for excellence, national recognition, many extracurricular opportunities and because it offers in a small, diverse college environment. I have learned the significance of academics, leadership, diversity, communication, and relationships. TU allowed me to get out of my comfort zone in order to lead and inspire. It has prepared me to make wise and imperative decisions that will benefit me in my career and my life.”

    – Ivan Santiago, Class of 2015

    Ivan Santiago - Class of 2015

  • Sean M Durocher - Class of 2015
    "Tiffin University was my top choice when searching for colleges. I knew with nationally recognized Criminal Justice Programs, I would receive the best education for my future career goals. Because my undergraduate experience was so positive and rewarding, I have pursued my Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice at TU working as a graduate assistant for First-Year Programs. As a GA, I have been able to give back to an institution that has given so much to me and my fellow classmates. Go Dragons!”

    – Sean M. Durocher, Class of 2015

    Sean M Durocher - Class of 2015

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