Program Overview
At Eastern Kentucky University, we offer you the chance to study at the only four-year police studies program in Kentucky, and one of the few in the country. Here you will study under internationally renowned professors who write the books other colleges are using in their curriculums. You will meet law enforcement professionals from around the country who will help prepare you for the reality associated with your chosen career.
Career Opportunities
- State and Local Law Enforcement (State Police, County Sheriff’s Office, City Police)
- Federal Law Enforcement (ATF, FBI, Secret Service, Park Service, Fish and Wildlife)
- State and Local Corrections (Probation, Parole, Prisons, Jails)
- Federal Corrections (Bureau of Prisons, Probation and Parole)
- Bailiff
- Corporate / Industrial Security Services
- Crime Policy Analyst
- Crime Scene Investigators
- Criminologist
- Customs Agent
- Private Investigator
- State and Federal Courts
- U.S. Military Services
Bachelor’s Degree
Total Curriculum Requirements: 120 Hours
37 hours: Gen Ed. / Univ. Requirements
24 hours: Core Courses*
24 hours: PLS Electives
6-9 hours: Supporting Courses
26-29 hours: Free Electives
Associate Degree
Total Curriculum Req: 64 Hours
37 hours: Gen Ed. / Univ. Requirements
15 hours: Core Courses*
12 hours: PLS Electives
Minor
Total Curriculum Req: 18 Hours
9 hours: Core Courses*
9 hours: CRJ 101, PLS 103, PLS 414 (PLS Electives – Upper Division)
*Indicates core course requirement in course descriptions below.
Core Courses
CRJ 101 – Introduction to Criminal Justice*
A general overview of the criminal justice system including a description of the major agencies; police, prosecution, courts, and corrections, and analysis of their interdependence in the criminal justice process.
CRJ 331 – Criminological Theory
Overview of crime and its control. Examines law making, law breaking, and the social response from theoretical perspectives including social, economic, cultural, symbolic, phycological, and biological. Includes historical and contemporary developments.
CRJ 388 – Research Methods
Overview of the research process, with emphasis on finding, using, and evaluating criminal justice research. Examination of both quantitative and qualitative social science research methods and procedures appropriate to the study of crime policy and criminal justice.
CRJ 400 – Criminal Justice Statistics
Analytical and statistical concepts and procedures relevant to crime and criminal justice data. Includes quantitative and qualitative techniques.
PLS 103 – Police Order Maintenance & Crime*
Overview of police functions and responsibilities at the local, state, and federal levels. Police operations are examined relative to effectiveness in crime control, delivery of services and maintenance of order.
PLS 326 – Ethical Decisions and Police*
Police conduct is examined relative to ethical and legal principles. Application of federal and state civil, criminal and administrative law including civil rights issues.
PLS 414 – Social Forces and Policing Society*
Examines the history and evolution of policing the United States with an emphasis on the political, social, cultural, legal, and organizational forces that have molded that history. The roles and functions of police in America are examined in detail within the context of race, class, and gender.
PLS 415 – Contemporary Police Strategies*
Review of contemporary police issues, programs, and strategies. Detailed analysis and evaluation of police practices, including impact on the relationship between the police and the community. Assessment of police reform measures and accountability mechanism.
Electives
Choose from any of the electives listed below:
PLS 103 Police, Order, Maintenance, and Crime
PLS 216 Criminal Law
PLS 220 Criminal Investigation
PLS 315 Police Administration and Management Criminal Evidence
PLS 316 Ethical Decisions and Police
PLS 330 Topics in Police Studies
PLS 349 Applied Learning in Police Administration Terrorism / Counterterrorism
PLS 380 Police in Popular Media
PLS 385 Police Related Violence
PLS 401 Multi-Culturalism and Policing
PLS 403 Homicide
PLS 408 Policing and Technology
PLS 410 Policing and Community
PLS 414 Social Forces and Policing Society
PLS 415 Contemporary Police Strategies
PLS 416 Criminal Procedure
PLS 420 Surveillance and Society
Students may also choose elective courses from Criminal Justice (CRJ) to meet the Police Studies elective requirement.
Information based on EKU’s 2023-24 course catalog and is subject to change.