Criminal Justice/Social Work Dual Major (BA)
Bachelor of Arts
Dual Major – Criminal Justice and Social Work
Individuals can achieve their Bachelor of Arts degree with a criminal justice and social work dual major. Through this distinctive degree program, students can strengthen their employability, particularly in today’s environment, and earn advanced standing in pursuit of a Master of Social Work degree. Most importantly, this educational path allows students to complete their master’s degree in less time with a significant cost savings.
In many U.S. cities, the criminal justice system is re-examining its purpose and duties. With a diverse population of individuals from various cultural, ethnic and economic backgrounds, the criminal justice system must first examine and then fulfill its duties while working to prevent crime and further prevent recidivism.
Graduates who have earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and social work can gain employment in the public and private sector as probation and parole officers, juvenile justice counselors and social workers. With the increased demand for healthcare and social services, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts continued growth in social work employment. In its annual Occupational Outlook Handbook, the U.S. Department of Labor projects a 12 percent employment growth for social workers by the year 2024, faster than the average for all occupations.
Depending on the school attended, graduates who have earned a degree in criminal justice and social work can expect to achieve their master’s degree up to a year sooner. Lourdes graduates with this distinctive bachelor’s degree can choose to achieve their Master of Social Work degree in just 39 credit hours rather than the required 57 credit hours for those with non-advanced standing.
