INDS B.A.: Criminal Justice
Spring 2026 Capstone
My INDS Degree
My degree plan is designed to prepare me for a career in criminal investigation. My coursework in constitutional law and civil rights will inform how I handle evidence and suspects, ensuring fairness and respect for individual rights. Forensic Anthropology will provide the tools to analyze and interpret physical evidence at crime scenes, while psychology courses will enhance my ability to assess witness statements and suspect behavior. By studying aggression, abnormal psychology, and social factors that influence crime, I will be well-equipped to conduct thorough and ethical investigations, grounded in legal standards and an understanding of human behavior.
Post Graduation Plans
After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in criminal investigation. My INDS degree gives me the flexibility to explore multiple paths, whether that’s earning a Crime Scene Investigation certificate, entering a forensic-adjacent role, or continuing my education through graduate school. The interdisciplinary nature of my degree means I’m not limited to one track, which I see as a strength in a field as broad as criminal justice.
Courses In My INDS Degree
✅Legal and Political Foundations: This area focuses on understanding the legal and governmental systems that shape criminal investigations. Through Political Science and related coursework, I will deepen my understanding of how constitutional law, civil rights, and public policy influence evidence collection, suspect rights, and law enforcement procedures. This foundation will ensure that my investigative work aligns with ethical standards and legal protocols, helping me navigate the legal landscape effectively. (POLI 230, 240, 432, 439, PHIL 356,POLI 432, AMST413)
✅Psychological and Social Influences on Criminal Behavior: This area focuses on the psychological, biological, and social factors that influence criminal behavior. Through courses in abnormal psychology, neuropsychopharmacology, and human behavior, I will learn about mental health disorders, drug effects, and social factors like race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status that can contribute to criminal activity. These courses will help me understand how psychological issues, aggression, and social environments influence behavior and criminal actions. (PSYC 285, 342, 390, SOWK 388, SOCY369)
✅ Criminal Investigation and Evidence Interpretation: This area provides an understanding of the techniques used in criminal investigations, focusing on collecting and interpreting both physical and testimonial evidence. Through courses in forensic anthropology, interviewing techniques, psychology, and the law, I will develop skills to examine human skeletal remains, conduct 3 effective interviews, and apply psychological insights to legal contexts. At the same time, Death and Dying adds an understanding of how cultural, religious, and emotional responses to death can inform investigative approaches in cases involving grief, suicide, or end-of-life decisions. Together, these courses will enable me to interpret both physical evidence and human behavior in criminal investigations, helping to analyze how psychological and sociocultural factors contribute to criminal actions and investigative processes. (ANTH 322, PSYC 324, 350, SOCY 359))
✅ Individualized Study: INDS and Research Methodology coursework will provide a framework to combine knowledge from various disciplines, such as political science, psychology, sociology, and others into a unified approach for my future career in criminal investigative work. Research methodology will teach me how to critically assess data, develop evidence-based investigative strategies, and conduct both qualitative and quantitative research. By mastering these areas, I will be able to evaluate criminal investigations more effectively, understand criminal behavior in greater depth, and contribute to more effective, evidence-driven solutions. (INDS 330, 335, 480, 490 PSYC 311, POLI 301)