Criminal Justice Major

Faith Integration

SBU's criminal justice faculty is committed to a foundation of biblical truth and Christian faith within the academic curriculum. This foundation adds an important perspective in class discussions about the criminal justice system, society issues and ethics — allowing for a more thorough examination of the fundamental causes of crime and society's response to it. For example, the belief that everyone is created in the image of God and is loved by Him, and that the root of crime and related societal problems lies in the sin nature into which we are born impacts how we approach criminal justice issues.

This foundational freedom at all levels of study allows students to develop a more well-rounded understanding of the true nature of crime and justice, and gives students a fuller range of ideas to effectively address current issues within their criminal justice careers.

Faculty's personal Christian faith influences interaction with students on a daily basis. Faculty pray with students and genuinely care about them in and out of the classroom.

While all courses inherently integrate the Christian faith, the department of behavioral sciences also offers special classes specifically focused on faith integration, such as Psychology of Religion, Sociology of Religion, and Agape Love and Altruism.

The department has adopted 2 Peter 1:5-7 as its department verse: "For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love."