This Vision is supported by: 

an extensive portfolio of distinctive undergraduate programs, focused master’s and specialist degrees and a select number of nationally recognized doctoral programs; 
scholarly and creative endeavors of the highest order;
academically challenging teaching, fully connected with research and public service; innovative academic planning that focuses on society’s changing needs, student outcomes and the appropriate integration of technology; 
an educational environment that develops culturally literate, self-assured, technologically sophisticated, productive citizens who are prepared to lead, to inspire and to preserve the great traditions of our democracy.

The Core Values to which the University adheres are:

respect for one another; 
cooperation; 
intellectual and spiritual growth; 
creative imaginings; 
pride in a job well done.

Bowling Green State University is dedicated to providing quality academic programs in a learning environment that promotes academic and personal excellence in students, as well as appreciation of intellectual, ethical and aesthetic values. Wisdom, sound judgment, tolerance and respect for other persons, cultures and ideas are the hallmarks of an educated person and the characteristics that the University hopes to develop in its students.

About BGSU online

BGSU has accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools to offer full degree programs online. Major University Opportunity as close as your computer.

Online education opportunities at BGSU enable students to take classes entirely online and complete accredited Degree programs without ever having to set foot in a physical classroom. BGSU ONLINE courses offer students personal interaction with their instructor, collaboration with classmates, and a first rate education conducive to their schedule and convenience.

Academics

BGSU is a dynamic, innovative academic environment that challenges you to open yourself to new ideas, learn in an integrated context and continually grow and achieve.

Challenge Yourself

• More than 200 undergraduate majors and programs
• Seven undergraduate colleges
• Masters and doctoral level programs
• Honors program, nationally ranked cooperative education program

Nationally Respected, Personally Vested Faculty

• 884 full-time faculty committed to teaching and research
• 80 percent of full-time faculty hold the highest degree in their field

Comfortable Class Size

• In fall semester 2004, 94 percent of all freshman-level classes had fewer than 50 students and 75 percent had fewer than 30 students

Students and Faculty

• More than 21,000 students, including 2,000 at BGSU Firelands in Huron, Ohio
• 19:1 student to faculty ratio
• Students from 49 states and 75 countries
• Average ACT for entering freshman is 22; average high school GPA is 3.25
• Ethnic and racial minority students made up about 19 percent of the entering fall 2005 class
• 884 full-time faculty (nearly 80 percent with the highest degree in their field)

Degree Programs and Learning Resources

• More than 200 undergraduate majors and programs on the main campus; 8 bacalaureate and 14 associate degree programs at BGSU Firelands
• Library system with 6 million items and electronic access to research materials worldwide

BGSU History and Traditions

Established in 1910 as a teacher-training institution, Bowling Green held its first classes in 1914, but it was not until the following year that the first two buildings - now University Hall and Williams Hall - were ready for use. Student enrollment for that initial year totaled 304, with a faculty of 21.The first bachelor’s degrees were awarded in 1917.

In 1929, the functions of Bowling Green were expanded to provide four year degree programs in the College of Education and the College of Liberal Arts. The College of Business Administration and graduate programs were added in 1935, the year in which Bowling Green attained full university status. In 1947, the Graduate School was formed, and BGSU awarded its first doctoral degree in English in 1963.
 
Beginning in 1946, extension programs of the University were offered in Sandusky, Ohio. During the next two decades, course offerings there were expanded and in 1965 a regional campus of the University was established to serve Erie, Huron, and Ottawa counties. That campus is now Firelands College, located in Huron, Ohio. Firelands College, which opened for classes in 1967, offers career and technical education leading to associate degrees in 14 areas, as well as the first two years of baccalaureate degree programs.   

In the 1970’s, three new colleges were added to the University’s curricular offerings. In 1973, the College of Health and Human Services was established to provide degree programs in specialized areas in various health and community service fields. In 1975, the School of Music was expanded into the College of Musical Arts, and in the same year the Graduate School became the Graduate College. The School of Technology was granted college status in 1985.

Special Features and Opportunities 
An intense internship requirement is one of the program's strengths. Contact is maintained with numerous agencies that accept interns on a regular basis. Internships may be arranged with law enforcement agencies, correctional institutions, probation/parole authorities, private security operations, prosecutors' and public defenders' offices, the local courts and some federal agencies. Feedback from both the agencies and the interns has consistently verified the value of "in-the-field" study to a well-rounded education.

Criminal justice majors are encouraged to become part of an active criminal justice organization that provides excellent speakers, trips and social functions for members. A chapter of the criminal justice honorary, Alpha Phi Sigma, provides recognition of outstanding criminal justice students.

Why Criminal Justice at Bowling Green State University? 
The Criminal Justice program at Bowling Green offers a number of advantages to its majors.

Small major and small classes
Unlike other Universities, which may have between 400 and 1200 Criminal Justice majors at one time, Bowling Green has only 175 Criminal Justice majors. Small program size translates into more personal interactions with fellow students and with the Criminal Justice faculty. Indeed, most CJ classes have 30 or fewer students. This allows for increased student-faculty contact and better in-class discussions and projects.

Connected students and faculty
Criminal Justice courses are open only to CJ majors. This guarantees that all examples and discussions are directly relevant to the students. It also helps build a feeling of camaraderie and enhances interaction between students with similar interests and goals.

Experiential component
A required field placement/practicum/internship brings what is learned in the classroom into the 'real world.' Students see the application of what they have learned. At the same time students make valuable contacts which are useful in securing future employment. Field placements are available throughout the U.S. Unlike other CJ programs, which only require 100-200 internship hours, Bowling Green's CJ program requires 480 internship hours. This is one of the most rigorous CJ internships in the country.

Student organizations
There are two student organizations affiliated with the CJ program. The Criminal Justice Organization (CJO) is open to all students on campus with an interest in the criminal justice system. The organization brings speakers to campus every other week during the academic year representing graduate schools, law schools, local, state, and federal agencies, and private security firms. CJO also coordinates field trips and social gatherings.

The second organization is the Epsilon Mu chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma (the National Criminal Justice Honor Society). Students who meet the eligibility criteria are invited to join this prestigious organization. Membership is a sign of high achievement and an indicator of student success, both of which are important to many employers.

Prepare to lead
Take the next step in your criminal justice career with BGSU"s Master's of Criminal Justice Program. This high-caliber program will equip you for leadership roles in criminal justice agencies, as well as provide a solid base for the pursuit of a doctoral degree.

Learn from the best
Bowling Green's highly qualified faculty are well respected nationally in their field and bring real-world experience to their teaching. Their areas of specialization include victimology, police organizations, corrections, juvenile justice, criminal law, crime prevention, and more. The program's small class settings foster a dynamic relationship with these professionals.

Expect quality and flexibility

• Nationally recognized faculty
• Courses timed to fit your schedule
• Part-time or full-time study
• A 33 semester-hour program
• The choice of completing a thesis or comprehensive exam for graduation
• The flexibility to complete the program in one calendar year full-time or two calendar years part-time

Required courses

• Criminal Justice Processes and Institutions
• The Nature of Crime
• Research Methods in Criminal Justice
• Data and Statistical Analysis in Criminal Justice
• The Organization and Management of Justice

Elective Courses

• Seminar in Contemporary Policing
• Seminar in Contemporary Juvenile Justice
• Seminar in Contemporary Corrections
• Intermediate Sanctions and the Community
• Seminar in Court Administration
• Criminal Justice Policy Analysis
• Race, Gender and Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice
• Seminar in Criminal Justice Ethics
• Deviant Behavior
• Theories of Juvenile Delinquency
• Sociology of Violence
• Sociology of Law
• Public Administration and Public Policy
• Public Personnel Administration

The Criminal Justice Program provides students with excellent academic training and experience through our classes and internship program. The program is designed to prepare students to take and active role in criminal justice and to also prepare students for continued trainining.

Since its inception in 1972 the Criminal Justice program has established a national reputation as one of the best four-year programs in Criminal Justice. Follow the links below to learn more about our department.

The Criminal Justice program at Bowling Green State University produces graduates who can critically assess issues and use that ability to impact the criminal justice system. Students are prepared for a wide range of post-graduation endeavors. Many students successfully pursue graduate degrees in criminal justice and law, as well as public administration, sociology and counseling. Students also distinguish themselves by taking jobs with federal, state and local agencies involved in criminal justice.

A 1988 study by the Police Executive Research Forum provided a good description of the University's criminal justice program. It noted that police agencies do not want higher education to provide technical training. Instead, agencies need students who can look at issues critically, make informed judgments and decisions, have an understanding about human nature and social arrangements, recognize cultural diversity, understand basic research, and communicate effectively.