Lubbock Christian University

Current website version is for 2023-24 school year

The PDF will is accessable for the 2024-25 version untill this page can be updated.

Faculty

  • Jill Johnson Ph.D., LMSW, Chair
  • Craig Allen, M.S.
  • Jeana Culbert, Ph.D., LMSW-IPR
  • Jennifer Dabbs, Ph.D.
  • Tony Parnell, LCSW, ACSW, LCPAA

Degrees

To earn a degree, students must complete the curriculum and meet other requirements for a degree listed in the academic policy section of this catalog.

Current website version is for 2023-24 school year

The PDF will is accessable for the 2024-25 version untill this page can be updated.

Criminal Justice

The purpose of a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice is to prepare students to deal with the challenges of a career as a criminal justice professional in a changing society. The criminal justice program will instill in students a comprehensive knowledge of the criminal justice system while educating them to be critical thinkers who can communicate their thoughts effectively in oral and written form. The curriculum will familiarize students with facts and concepts while also teaching them to engage in ethical behavior when applying this knowledge to related problems and changing situations. Graduates from this program will be members of professional organizations dedicated to selfless public service and will be vital in maintaining peace and curtailing lawlessness in our society. Criminal justice graduates find gainful employment in law enforcement, security, the courts, and correctional facilities. Graduates with a degree in criminal justice may find employment in juvenile and adult probation, municipal and county law enforcement, private security, hospital security, investigations, and warrant offices. Many graduates continue their education in law school or other graduate school. Minimum employment requirements in law enforcement generally include the following:

  • Be at least 21 years old
  • Have no convictions for Class A misdemeanor or felony offense
  • Have no convictions for Class B misdemeanor offense in the past 10 years
  • Possess good mental and physical health
  • Meet varying eyesight standards
  • Have good moral character
  • Possess a valid Texas driver’s license with minimum violations

The criminal justice degree is designed to meet the standards established by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS). ACJS encourages baccalaureate programs to reflect a balanced presentation of a broad scope of criminal justice studies. The criminal justice degree focuses specifically on the five core areas identified by ACJS:

  • Criminal justice and juvenile justice processes–law, crime, and administration of justice
  • Criminology–causes of crime, typologies, offenders, and victims
  • Law enforcement–police organization, discretion, subculture, and legal constraints
  • Law adjudication–criminal law, prosecution, defense, and court procedures and decision-making
  • Corrections–incarceration, community-based corrections, and treatment of offenders

Criminal Justice Transfer Credit

To be considered for criminal justice transfer credit, courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher and must be of similar content and level. Courses taken at other institutions are evaluated by the Director of Criminal Justice to determine if and where they will be applied to the criminal justice degree plan. Courses taken five or more years prior to transfer may not be approved for major or supporting course. Transfer credit for CRJ4333 (Professionalism and Ethics in Criminal Justice) and CRJ4140 (Senior Assessment Seminar) is not accepted and must be completed in residence.

Admission to the Criminal Justice Program

Students interested in the criminal justice major must see the criminal justice faculty for academic and career advising. Any student may enroll in CRJ2301 (Introduction to Criminal Justice). However, only students admitted to the criminal justice program are permitted to graduate with a degree in criminal justice. Once CRJ2301 is complete, criminal justice majors must apply for admission to the criminal justice program. To be considered for admission, students must have:

  • Minimum overall GPA of 2.00;
  • Completed of ENG1301 and 1302 earning grade of C or higher in each;
  • Completed of CRJ2301 earning grade of C or higher;
  • Submitted written application for admission to the criminal justice program;
  • Provided a reference from LCU faculty member who is not a criminal justice faculty member; and
  • Provided a personal reference.

When requirements are met, the criminal justice faculty will consider the application and grant or deny admission to the program. Students are informed of the decision by email. Applicants refused admission may appeal in writing to the criminal justice faculty.

Current website version is for 2023-24 school year

The PDF will is accessable for the 2024-25 version untill this page can be updated.

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

  1. University Core (45 hours)
    • BIB1310  Introduction to the Old Testament
    • BIB1320  Introduction to the New Testament
    • BIB3305  Christian Heritage
    • BIB3310  Christian Life
    • COM2340  Communication for the Professional
    • ENG1301  Composition Studies
    • ENG1302  Composition and Literature
    • PSY1300  General Psychology
    • HIS2301  History of the United States I
    • HIS2302  History of the United States II
    • ESS1200  Personal Fitness and Wellness
    • MAT1311  College Algebra
    • 3 hours from BIO, CHE, NRC, or PHY
    • ENG3308  Technical Writing
    • UNI1170  University Seminar
    • 3 hours from
      • GOV2301  National Government
      • GOV2302  Texas State and Local Government
    • UNI2000  University Skills
  2. Major (37 hours)
    • CRJ2301  Introduction to Criminal Justice
    • CRJ2302  Fundamentals of Texas Criminal Law
    • CRJ2303  Criminal Investigation
    • CRJ2304  Legal Aspects of Law Enforcement
    • CRJ2305  Courts and Criminal Procedure
    • CRJ3301  Criminology
    • CRJ3302  Juvenile Delinquency
    • CRJ3312  Violent Offenders
    • CRJ3322  Social Deviance
    • CRJ3324  Corrections, Probation and Parole
    • CRJ4140  Senior Assessment Seminar
    • CRJ4313  Legal Writing and Analysis
    • CRJ4333  Professionalism and Ethics in Criminal Justice
  3. Supporting Courses (21 hours)
    • SOC1300 General Sociology
    • 18 hours from
      • CRJ3311  White Collar Crime
      • CRJ3321  Understanding Sexual Offending
      • CRJ4324  Crime Analysis and Crime Mapping
      • CRJ4325  Forensic Computer Examination
      • CRJ4326  Terrorism and Homeland Security
      • CRJ4327  Cyber Crimes
      • CRJ4328  Death Penalty
      • CRJ4329  Gangs
      • GOV4305  Constitutional Law
      • PSY3326  Crisis Intervention
      • PSY4321  Forensic Psychology
      • PSY4322  Drugs, Alcohol, and Society
      • SWK3310  Statistics
      • SWK3314  Family and Community Violence
      • SWK3320  Social Research Methods
  4. Electives (17 hours)
  5. Total (120 hours)

Note: CRJ4140 and CRJ4333 must be taken at the university.

Bachelor of Arts in Law Studies

  1. University Core (45 hours)
    • BIB1310  Introduction to the Old Testament
    • BIB1320  Introduction to the New Testament
    • BIB3305  Christian Heritage
    • BIB3310  Christian Life
    • COM2340  Communication for the Professional
    • ENG1301  Composition Studies
    • ENG1302  Composition and Literature
    • 3 hours from
      • PSY1300  General Psychology
      • SOC1300  General Sociology
    • HIS2301  History of the United States I
    • HIS2302  History of the United States II
    • 3 hours from
      • GOV2301  National Government
      • GOV2302  Texas State and Local Government
    • ESS1200  Personal Fitness and Wellness
    • MAT1311  College Algebra
    • 3 hours from BIO, CHE, or NRC
    • PHI2304  Introduction to Philosophy
    • UNI1170  University Seminar
    • UNI2000  University Skills
  2. Major (39 hours)
    • CRJ2302  Fundamentals of Texas Criminal Law
    • CRJ2304  Legal Aspects of Law Enforcement
    • CRJ2305  Courts and Criminal Procedure
    • CRJ4333  Professionalism and Ethics in Criminal Justice
    • CRJ4313  Legal Writing and Analysis
    • 6 hours upper level HIS
    • GOV3325  History of Law
    • GOV4305  Constitutional Law
    • COM4321  Advanced Public Speaking and Rhetorical Analysis
    • 3 hours from:
      • COM4341  Communication and Conflict
      • COM3372  Intercultural Communication
    • 3 hours from:
      • GOV3314  Comparative Politics and Development 
      • GOV3323  American Foreign Policy and International Relations
      • GOV3331  U.S. and Texas Public Policy
      • GOV3341  American Public Administration
      • GOV4306  Political Theory
    • HUM4380  Senior Research
  3. Supporting Courses (24 hours)
    • ECO2301  Macroeconomics
    • ENG3307  Classical and Contemporary Rhetoric
    • SWK2320  Social Justice
    • 3 hours from:
      • SWK2340  Diversity
      • PSY2340  Psychology of Diversity
    • 12 hours from
      • BUA4301  Business Law
      • Upper-level ENG, HIS, HTH, or PHI
  4. Electives (12 hours)
  5. Total (120 hours)
  6. Note: CRJ4140 and CRJ4333 must be taken at the university.

Current website version is for 2023-24 school year

The PDF will is accessable for the 2024-25 version untill this page can be updated.

Social Work

The Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) program at the university. Therefore, graduates are eligible to sit for the social work licensing exam to become Licensed Bachelor Social Workers (LBSW). Additional information for programs leading to licensure or certification can be found here. Types of agencies where BSW graduates often find employment are foster care and adoption, hospitals, schools, military services, child and adult protection, substance abuse, criminal justice, mental health, hospice, home health care, aging, victim services, community outreach, and various other agencies. BSW graduates are experiencing a high rate of admission into Master of Social Work programs and are most often granted advanced standing, shortening the length of the master's program to around 40 hours.

Social Work Program Goals

  • Prepare students for research-informed generalist social work practice with individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations;
  • Cultivate practitioners that are guided by the values and ethics of the social work profession; and
  • Develop social workers who understand the forms and mechanisms of oppression and discrimination and the consequential need to advocate for economic and social justice, human rights, and respect for all people.

Social Work Program Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

  • Identify as a professional social worker and conduct oneself accordingly;
  • Apply social work ethical principles to guide professional practice;
  • Apply critical thinking to inform and communicate professional judgments;
  • Engage diversity and difference in practice;
  • Advance human rights and social and economic justice;
  • Engage in research-informed practice and practice-informed research;
  • Apply knowledge of human behavior and the social environment;
  • Engage in policy practice to advance social and economic well-being and to deliver effective social work services;
  • Respond to contexts that shape practice; and
  • Engage, assess, intervene, and evaluate with individuals, families, groups, organizations, and communities.

Social Work Transfer Credit

To be considered for social work transfer credit, courses must be completed with a grade of C or higher and be of similar content and level. Courses taken from programs not accredited by CSWE and courses taken 5 or more years ago must first be evaluated by the Director of Social Work. Transfer credit for SWK 4610 and SWK 4620 is not accepted.

Admission to the Program

Students interested in the Social Work major must see the Social Work faculty for academic and career advising. Any student may enroll in the pre-professional course, SWK 2300. However, only students admitted to the Social Work program are permitted to enroll in SWK 3301, 3302, 3303, 4610 or 4620. Once SWK 2300 is complete, Social Work majors must apply to be admitted to the program. In order to be admitted, students must:

  • An overall GPA of 2.00;
  • Completed ENG 1301 and ENG 1302 earning a grade of C or better in each course;
  • Completed SWK 2300;
  • Completed a written application for admission;
  • Provided a reference from a non-social work faculty member; and
  • Provided a personal reference.

When the above requirements are met, the Social Work faculty will consider the application and grant or deny admission to the Social Work Program. Students will be informed of the decision by email. Applicants refused admission may appeal.

Field Placement

A vital part of the social work program is a 400 hour field placement, which is a required internship completed in the semester prior to graduation. Students complete the internship in a social service agency under the supervision of an experienced social worker. Social work students are required to successfully complete the 400 hours in field in a timely manner, consistent with field practice policy and procedure. It is each social work student's responsibility to plan in advance for the field experience in order to ensure that they will have ample time to complete all field requirements. The vast majority of available and viable field agency sites are capable of accommodating students on a full-time basis during traditional business hours. Options for field sites will generally be limited to these types of agencies. Each student must arrange, in advance, to participate in the field experience on a full-time basis. Failure to do so may prevent a student from advancing in, or completing, the social work program.

Admission to Field

Students are evaluated for readiness before beginning field. Only students meeting this criteria will be admitted into field:

  • Successful completion of all other courses required for the social work degree;
  • Minimum overall GPA of 2.00;
  • Minimum 2.0 GPA in social work courses;
  • Minimum 2.5 average in SWK 3301, 3302, and 3303;
  • Evaluated favorably by the Social Work faculty in professional ethics, values, and behavior using the NASW Code of Ethics;
  • Successful completion of UNI2000;
  • Submission of the Field Placement application; and
  • Successful oral interview with the Director of Field Education.

The 2.5 average in the social work practice courses, SWK 3301, 3302, and 3303, will serve as a measure for determining student potential to engage in effective social work practice. The practice courses provide opportunities for students to demonstrate practice skills. If students have at least an average of 2.5 in those courses, it is assumed they have demonstrated the potential to engage in effective social work practice. Within these practice courses, and other social work major courses, social work faculty also evaluate student ability to recognize and demonstrate social work ethics and behavior. Ethics assignments required throughout the social work curriculum are used as the primary measure for evaluating student knowledge and demonstration of social work values, ethics, and behavior. Ethics assignments required throughout the social work curriculum are used as a measure for evaluating student knowledge and demonstration of social work values and ethics. Social work faculty also formally evaluate social work students on the demonstration of professional behavior in each upper level social work course.

Faculty evaluation of field readiness will occur after the Field Placement Application is submitted. Students are notified of the decision in writing. Students denied admission to field may appeal the decision. If field criteria are met, students meet with the Director of Field Education to discuss guidelines for field and to identify field placement sites. After successful completion, enrollment in SWK 4610 and 4620 is permitted. Students must have the prior permission of the Director of Social Work to take additional courses while enrolled in field.

Criminal Record Implications

Many social service agencies do not allow volunteers and/or employees with criminal backgrounds. Therefore, it may be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to locate an agency where students with criminal backgrounds can complete their field placement. In which case, it becomes the primary responsibility of a student with a criminal background to secure an approved field placement in accordance with the social work degree plan. The State of Texas reserves the right to deny a license to any person entering the field of Social Work with a criminal history. Therefore, upon their graduation students having a criminal background may be denied licensure by the State of Texas for this or any other reason the State deems relevant. Licensure eligibility is the sole decision of the State of Texas.

Current website version is for 2023-24 school year

The PDF will is accessable for the 2024-25 version untill this page can be updated.

Bachelor of Social Work

The social work program does not give academic credit for life experience or previous work experience.

  1. University Core (45 hours)
    • BIB1310  Introduction to the Old Testament
    • BIB1320  Introduction to the New Testament
    • BIB3305  Christian Heritage
    • BIB3310  Christian Life
    • COM2340  Communication for the Professional
    • ENG1301  Composition Studies
    • ENG1302  Composition and Literature
    • PSY1300  General Psychology
    • 3 hours from
      • HIS2301  History of the United States I
      • HIS2302  History of the United States II
    • ESS1200  Personal Fitness and Wellness
    • MAT1311  College Algebra
    • BIO1300  Human Biology
    • ENG3308  Technical Writing
    • 3 hours from
      • GOV2301  National Government
      • GOV2302  Texas State and Local Government
    • 3 hours upper level ENG
    • UNI1170  University Seminar
    • UNI2000  University Skills
  2. Major (42 hours)
    • SWK2300  Introduction to Social Work
    • SWK2340  Diversity
    • SWK3301  Generalist Practice with Individuals and Families
    • SWK3302  Generalist Practice with Communities and Organizations
    • SWK3303  Generalist Practice with Groups
    • SWK3304  Social Welfare Policy
    • SWK3306  Social Work Ethics and Professional Behavior 
    • SWK3310  Statistics
    • SWK3311  Human Behavior in the Social Environment
    • SWK3320  Social Research Methods
    • SWK4610  Field I
    • SWK4620  Field II
  3. Supporting Courses (18-20 hours)
    • SOC1300  General Sociology
    • SWK2320  Social Justice
    • SWK3330  Maladaptive Functioning
    • 3 hours from
      • SWK3313  Interventions with Older Adults
      • SWK3314  Family and Community Violence
      • SWK3315  Social Work in Criminal Justice Settings
      • SWK3316  International Social Work
      • SWK4352  Special Topics in Social Work
    • 6-8 hours of foreign language and/or multicultural studies
  4. Electives (13-15 hours)
  5. Total (120 hours)

Current website version is for 2023-24 school year

The PDF will is accessable for the 2024-25 version untill this page can be updated.

Minor in Criminal Justice

(18 hours)

  • CRJ2301  Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • CRJ2305  Courts and Criminal Procedure
  • CRJ3301  Criminology
  • 9 hours from
    • CRJ3302  Juvenile Delinquency
    • CRJ3312  Violent Offenders
    • CRJ3322  Social Deviance
    • CRJ3324  Corrections, Probation, and Parole
    • CRJ4325  Forensic Cyber Evidence Examination
    • CRJ4326  Terrorism and Homeland Security
    • CRJ4333  Professionalism and Ethics in Criminal Justice
    • PSY4321  Forensic Psychology

Minor in Sociological Studies

(18 hours)

  • SOC1300  General Sociology
  • SWK2320  Social Justice
  • SWK2340  Diversity
  • CRJ3322  Social Deviance
  • 6 hours from:
    • SWK3314  Family and Community Violence
    • SWK/PSY3320  Social Research Methods
    • CRJ3301  Criminology
    • CRJ3302  Juvenile Delinquency
    • PSY3381  Social Psychology
    • PSY4342  Qualitative Research
    • HSC3313  The Family
    • HSC3322  Gender and Sexuality
    • HSC3328  Parenting
    • HSC4326  Family and Community
    • ESS3324  Sport in Society
    • COM3371  Group Communication
    • COM3372  Intercultural Communication
    • COM3374  Non-Verbal Communication
    • LIN4301  Sociolinguistics
    • REL3301  World Religions

Current website version is for 2023-24 school year

The PDF will is accessable for the 2024-25 version untill this page can be updated.