UNIVERSITY OF JUSTICE

Bachelors of Science in Pre-Justice

Elevate your academic journey with Pre-Justice: Foundational Studies, a dynamic program designed to equip aspiring justice professionals with the intellectual tools and practical skills to excel in advanced legal and justice education. Tailored for students eager to make an impact in the evolving justice landscape, this curriculum blends rigorous academic exploration with real-world applications, fostering the analytical agility, ethical grounding, and strategic vision required for leadership

Year-Round Admission

The University of Justice operates on a continuous cycle to meet the mission-readiness of our students.

• Submission Timeline: Applications are reviewed 365 days a year.

• Document Tracking: Utilize our "Command Portal" to track transcripts, recruiter endorsements, and medical clearances in real-time.

• Evaluation & Feedback Cycle: Applicants receive a decision and a personalized "Degree-to-Service" roadmap within 14 business days of file completion.

• Strategic Planning: New cohorts launch every 8 weeks, allowing for rapid integration into the program.

  Admission Requirements

  
  

  The academic requirements for a Degree in Investigation Services serve as the primary filter to identify candidates capable of handling the rigorous cognitive and ethical demands of the field. Before you can engage with the practical or clinical components of the program, you must demonstrate a consistent level of academic performance and provide a comprehensive record of your previous educational history. This standard ensures that all students possess the writing, analytical, and critical thinking skills necessary for legal and investigative work.

  Grade Point Average Standards

• A minimum overall Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale is the baseline requirement for entry into this program. This cumulative GPA includes all college-level coursework completed prior to application. However, the program places a higher emphasis on your core coursework. You must maintain a 2.5 GPA specifically in subjects related to criminal justice, sociology, political science, or other foundational social sciences.

  The 2.5 threshold is a non-negotiable standard for most Texas-based investigative programs. It reflects your ability to process complex information and meet deadlines, which are essential traits for an investigator. If your GPA falls slightly below this mark, some institutions may offer a probationary entry or require you to retake specific core classes to demonstrate competency before full matriculation into the investigation major.

  Educational Foundation and Prerequisites

  A high school diploma or a General Educational Development (GED) certificate is the mandatory prerequisite for all applicants. This serves as the legal and educational floor for higher education in Texas. If you are applying directly from high school, your final transcripts must show completion of the state’s recommended curriculum, including a focus on English, social studies, and basic sciences.

  For transfer students or those returning to education, the program requires official transcripts from every post-secondary institution attended. These documents are used to verify that you have completed the necessary general education credits and to determine which previous credits may apply toward the Investigation Services degree. It is your responsibility to ensure these transcripts are sent directly from the issuing institution to the admissions office.

  The Application Components

  The application process is designed to evaluate more than just your grades; it serves as your first "case file." You are expected to submit a complete package that demonstrates attention to detail and professional communication. Missing documents or failure to follow specific submission instructions can be grounds for immediate disqualification, mirroring the strict procedural requirements of the investigative profession.

  1. Official Transcripts: You must provide sealed or electronically verified records of all previous academic work.

  2. Standardized Test Scores: While some institutions have moved toward test-optional policies, many still require SAT or ACT scores. These scores help the admissions committee gauge your readiness for the advanced reading and logic required in cyber and criminal investigation tracks.

  3. Personal Statement: This is a critical narrative document where you outline your motivations for entering the field of justice.

  4. Letters of Recommendation: Depending on the specific institution, you may be asked to provide references from instructors or professional supervisors who can speak to your integrity and work ethic.

  The Personal Statement

  The personal statement is your opportunity to distinguish yourself from other applicants by highlighting your commitment to justice and public service. In this document, you should clearly articulate why you have chosen Investigative Services and how your background aligns with the demands of the profession. Avoid broad, non-specific claims about wanting to "help people"; instead, focus on specific skills or experiences that demonstrate your suitability for investigative work.

  Admissions committees look for evidence of critical thinking, resilience, and an understanding of the ethical weight of a career in justice. Your writing should be precise, objective, and free of grammatical errors. In the context of this degree, the personal statement also serves as a writing sample. Since investigators must produce clear, accurate, and legally defensible reports, your ability to communicate complex ideas in writing is evaluated throughout the admissions process.

  Submission Timelines and Review

  Texas institutions typically operate on a rolling or semester-based admission cycle. It is vital to submit all materials well in advance of the priority deadlines to ensure your file is reviewed for the upcoming cohort. Once your application is complete, it undergoes a holistic review process. The committee assesses the balance between your academic record, your standardized test performance, and the qualitative insights provided in your personal statement.

  Successful applicants receive a formal letter of admission, which often includes a checklist for the next phase of the program: pre-clinical and training requirements. It is important to remember that admission to the university is the first step, but remaining in the Investigation Services program requires maintaining the GPA standards throughout your four years of study. Failure to maintain a 2.5 in core investigative courses can result in removal from the specialized tracks or the inability to secure a 400-hour internship placement later in the program.

  
  

  Required Prerequisites

  * BIOL 1306: Biology for Science Majors I & BIOL 1106: Biology for Science Majors Lab I

  * BIOL 1307: Biology for Science Majors II & BIOL 1107: Biology for Science Majors Lab II

  * ENGL 1301: First Year Writing I

  * ENGL 1302: First Year Writing II

  *CHEM 1311: Chemistry I & CHEM 1111: Chemistry I Lab

  * CHEM 1312: Chemistry II & CHEM 1112: Chemistry II Lab

   CHEM 2323: Organic Chemistry I & CHEM 2123: Organic Chemistry I Lab

  * PHYS 1301: General Physics I & PHYS 1101: General Physics I Lab

  * PHYS 1302: General Physics II & PHYS 1102: General Physics II Lab

  * Core: HIST 1377-US History to 1877

• BCHS 3304: Biochemistry*

•  CHEM 2325: Organic Chemistry II & CHEM 2125: Organic Chemistry II Lab

• MATH 1342 or MATH 3339 or other Statistics*

Degree Plan

This curriculum outline is designed for a Pre-Justice degree program. It balances core legal theory, criminology, sociology, and practical skills.

Duration: 4 Years (8 Semesters) + 1 Summer Session + 1 internship 400 hrs

Total Credits: 42 Courses.

Core Distribution:

Foundational Liberal Arts (10)

Justice & Law Core (20)

Electives/Specialized (10)

Physical/Tactical Training (2)

Internship (1)

Year 1: Foundations of Justice

Semester 1

Main Course:

CJUS1001: Introduction to Justice Studies (Systems overview)

PHIL1002: Ethics and Moral Philosophy (Foundations of right/wrong)

POLS1003: American Government (Structure of the state)

ENGL1004: Academic Writing (Legal research/briefing skills)

SOCL1005: Introduction to Sociology (Study of human behavior)

Semester 2

CJUS1101: Criminological Theory (Why people commit crimes)

HIST1102: Constitutional History (Evolution of the US Law)

PSYC1103: Forensic Psychology (Mind of the offender)

COMM1104: Public Speaking (Oral advocacy skills)

MATH1105: Statistics for Judicial Analysis (Data analysis)

Year 2: Law and Procedure

Semester 3

CJUS2201: Criminal Law (Elements of crimes and statutes)

POLS2202: Police Accountability and Civil Liabilities

CJUS2203: Juvenile Justice (Youth diversion and law)

ECON2204: Economics of Crime (Impact on society/budget)

PSYC 2205: Mental Health & Forensic Psychology

JAPA 2401: Judicial Anatomy and Physiology I (Structure of the human body in forensics)

Semester 4

CJUS2301: Criminal Procedure (Search, seizure, and arrests)

CJUS2302: Law Enforcement Operations (Tactics and patrol)

POLS2303: International Relations (Global law perspective)

PHIL2304: Logic and Critical Thinking (Argumentation)

PJ-FIN-2334: Financial Jurisprudence & Court Payments (Understanding the mechanics of court-ordered financial settlements, restitution, and the legal framework of debt recovery.)

JAPA 2402: Judicial Anatomy and Physiology II (Trauma and death investigation)

Summer Session (Electives)

PHED2901: Physical Education & Wellness (Conditioning for law enforcement)

22. WEAP2902: Weaponry & Safety Proficiency (Non-lethal/lethal handling)

Year 3: Advanced Legal Study

Semester 5

23. CJUS3401: Courts and Adjudication (The role of the judiciary)

24. CJUS3402: Evidence and Trial Advocacy (Rules of admissibility)

25. POLS3403: Administrative Law (Regulatory agencies)

26. CJUS3404: Victimology (Rights and needs of crime victims)

27. TECH3405: Cybercrime and Digital Forensic Investigation

Semester 6

28. CJUS3501: Corrections and Rehabilitation (Prisons/Probation)

29. CJUS3502: Legal Research and Writing (Case brief and memo writing)

30. POLS3503: Comparative Justice Systems (Global comparisons)

31. MILT 3300: Military Law & Chain of Command

32. CJUS3505: Conflict Resolution and Mediation

Year 4: Specialization & Internship

Semester 7

CJUS4601: Homeland Security and Emergency Management

CJUS4602: Private Security and Risk Assessment

LAW 302 – Advanced Foundational Torts & Contracts

JIP4603 :Intellectual Property: Copyrights and Patent Laws

Policing and Crime

REL/LAW 402 – The Jurisprudence of Religion (Integrating philosophy, faith-based ethics, and professional legal morality)

Summer : INTN4705: Internship (400 Hours) * Description: A supervised 400-hour placement in a legal office, police department, courthouse, or nonprofit agency. Students apply academic theories to real-world investigations, legal filing, and administrative justice tasks. Must be completed before graduation

Semester 8

CJUS4701: Seminar in Contemporary Legal Issues (Policy debates on Disability Rights and Litigation (JUS-DIS 101)

• Focus: Historical evolution of disability law, the ADA vs. Section 504, and defining "disability" in a legal context plus Case studies in civil rights litigation, landmark Supreme Court rulings, and the role of the DOJ in enforcement.

CJUS4702: Leadership in Justice Organizations

ELECTIVE: Advanced Research Seminar

ELECTIVE: Capstone Project (Synthesizing law and justice)

CJUS4804: Transitioning to Jurisprudence (Professional conduct)

Course Descriptions Summary

Foundation Courses: Focus on critical thinking, writing, and the sociological/political framework of the justice system.

Core Law Courses: Focus on the "Black Letter Law"—how the system functions, from the scene of the crime to the courtroom verdict.

Physical/Weaponry: Designed to build the physical stamina and safety awareness required for field-based justice careers.

Internship: The culminating experience providing hands-on exposure to legal professionals and institutional workflows.

Critical Thinking for Justice Advocacy: 

Dive into analytical frameworks to evaluate complex ethical dilemmas, legal arguments, and societal inequalities. Develop the ability to synthesize diverse perspectives and construct evidence-based solutions to contemporary justice challenges.

Research Mastery for Impact: Master both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, from data collection and statistical analysis to policy evaluation. Learn to transform raw data into actionable insights that drive reform and innovation in justice systems.

Justice Theory & Global Contexts: Explore foundational theories of justice—utilitarianism, restorative justice, social contract theory—and their practical implications. Examine historical milestones and modern debates, including systemic bias, human rights, and the role of technology in shaping equitable institutions.

Career Paths

Policy Development Manager: With strong research and analytical skills, students are prepared to shape public policy at local, state, or federal levels. As policy managers in justice departments or advocacy organizations, they design, evaluate, and manage initiatives that address systemic inequities and improve community safety.

Leverage research skills to assess policy outcomes and recommend data-driven reforms.

Collaborate with governments or NGOs to address issues like criminal justice reform or community safety.

Corrections & Rehabilitation Director

Transform correctional facilities into hubs of rehabilitation and reintegration.

Apply justice theory to develop ethical, trauma-informed management strategies.

Oversee program implementation for offender education, mental health support, and recidivism reduction.

Legal Operations Manager

Streamline the efficiency and ethics of legal institutions.

Utilize critical thinking to optimize workflows, manage case portfolios, and ensure compliance with legal standards.

Bridge legal teams and organizational goals in law firms, corporate legal departments, or judicial systems.

Why Choose Pre-Justice?

This program is your transformative foundation for advanced justice education and a career where leadership meets integrity. Whether you aspire to shape policy, manage justice systems, or drive innovation in legal operations, Pre-Justice empowers you to lead with clarity, courage, and a commitment to equity.

Start building the future of justice—one foundational concept at a time. Enroll today and unlock the skills to lead in a world where thoughtful action changes lives.