Honors Work in Criminal Justice

All criminal justice majors who have completed the core courses and have a cumulative G.P.A. of 3.3 and a 3.5 in the major are encouraged to pursue the Departmental Honors Program. This is an opportunity for students to study important issues and problems in depth and to work closely with a faculty member.

In the P399 Honors Seminar, students do exploratory reading in an area of interest, select and develop a research topic, and write a prospectus for the Honors thesis. Typically the thesis is between 25 and 50 pages long. It can be based primarily on library research or can combine a literature review with data collection. P399 is usually taken during a student's junior year. A maximum of 6 hours credit may be earned for the honors thesis by registering for P499.

Please contact the undergraduate advisor for more information.

Alpha Phi Sigma

Alpha Phi Sigma is the national honor society for criminal justice. The society recognizes scholastic excellence by undergraduate and graduate students in the criminal justice sciences. To be eligible, students must have completed the five core criminal justice courses (P100, P200, P202, P290, and K300). Undergraduates must maintain a 3.2 cumulative GPA and a 3.2 in the criminal justice major.  The cost of the application is $45.00, plus $5.00 for the yearly chapter dues.  Applications can be picked up in the main CJUS office, SY 302.

Outstanding Senior Award

Each year the Department of Criminal Justice recognizes an outstanding graduating senior. A certificate is presented at our May reception for graduates. Eligibility requirements: graduating seniors only (May, Aug., Dec.); overall G.P.A. of at least 3.3 on a 4.0 scale; and a recommendation from a criminal justice faculty member.