Criminal Justice

The criminal justice major emphasizes a multidisciplinary and experiential approach to crime, justice, and the reduction of violence. It is a liberal arts major, requiring students to think critically, contemplate and appreciate alternative viewpoints, and communicate effectively. It encourages students to take both an analytical and experiential approach to criminal justice.

Students who complete the criminal justice program may go on to careers in law enforcement, corrections, social services, the justice system, or law. Regardless of student career track, the study of criminal justice provides a deeper understanding of crime and justice in contemporary American society.

Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Criminal Justice Program should be able to:

• Articulate the purpose, structure, and function of the American criminal justice system.
• Discuss the roles of law enforcement, the courts and the corrections system and compare the common values each shares with the competing goals of crime control and due process.
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use of terminology and fundamental constructs necessary for competence in the field.
• Identify and evaluate basic theories of crime causation.
• Explain how research in criminology can result in changes in social policy and legislation.
• Identify the foundation of our system of laws and explain the philosophical underpinnings of criminal responsibility and punishment.
• Recognize that crime is defined by, and is a reflection of, societal attitudes and tolerances.
• Apply the concepts of justice, morality and ethics to law enforcement practice and the trial process.
• Demonstrate analytical and problem solving skills in reading and writing about issues in law and criminal justice.
• Articulate accepted standards of professional and ethical behavior.
• Produce written material that demonstrates a proficiency in composition, grammar, and proper documentation.

Programs

• Criminal Justice, A.A.
• Criminal Justice, B.A.
• Criminal Justice, Cybersecurity and Information Assurance Concentration, B.A.
• Criminal Justice, Homeland Security and Emergency Management Concentration, B.A.
• Criminal Justice, Human Services Concentration, B.A.
• Criminal Justice, Institutional and Community-Based Corrections Concentration, B.A.
• Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement Concentration, B.A.

• Criminal Justice Minor

Courses

• CJ 1110 - Introduction to Criminal Justice
• CJ 1130 (SO 1130) - Criminology
• CJ 2100 - Introduction to Cybersecurity and Information Assurance
• CJ 2320 - Criminal Justice Ethics
• CJ 3010 - Corrections
• CJ 3020 - Legal Issues in Cybercrime Investigations
• CJ 3030 - Concepts, Theories, and Practices in Homeland Security
• CJ 3110 - Juvenile Delinquency
• CJ 3140 - Criminal Law
• CJ 3150 - Victimology
• CJ 3170 (PS 3170) - Forensic Psychology
• CJ 3180 - Criminal Investigations
• CJ 3210 - Contemporary Law Enforcement
• CJ 3320 - Law Enforcement Supervision, Management, and Leadership
• CJ 3330 - Legal and Policy Issues in Corrections Administration
• CJ 3340 - Emergency Management
• CJ 3810 - Community Policing and Public Relations
• CJ 3910 - Terrorism
• CJ 4000 - Issues in Professional Practice: Criminal Justice
• CJ 4210 - Information System Digital Forensics Investigations
• CJ 4240 - Information System Security Policies and Procedures
• CJ 4320 - All Hazards Response, Mitigation, and Recovery
• CJ 4330 - Crime Mapping and Analysis
• CJ 4340 - Community-Based Corrections
• CJ 4610 - Restorative Justice