Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice: Curriculum

Descriptive and inferential statistics, the logic of probability and hypothesis testing with emphasis on applications in social science research. Statistics covered include measures of central tendency, variability, association and tests of significance. Prerequisite: MAT 1050 or permission of department chair.

A study of the American criminal justice system to include the history, philosophy, responsibilities, and functions of the police, courts, and corrections components. Emphasis is placed on role expectations and interrelationships of the various components and the need to promote professionalism through education, training, and ethical standards.

The nature and types of delinquent and criminal behavior; the nature of the criminal and the crime; social, cultural, and psychological factors involved in illegal behavior; control and prevention; police, courts, probation, and correctional institutions.

This course examines the traditions and historical development of the law in America, emphasizing the judicial process. Topics include the types and sources of law, the structure and functions of the state and federal court systems, civil and criminal law procedure, and judicial governance with special attention placed on the U.S. Supreme Court.

A study of the post-conviction corrections process of the criminal justice system with a focus on the evolution of philosophies, programs, strategies, and policies. Emphasis will be placed on the current crisis in American corrections.

A study of the historic and current mission of the police in an urban society. Problems associated with law enforcement are evaluated from the perspective of the sociology of the urban sub-communities. Emphasis is placed on the police as an element within the criminal justice system and on innovative policing strategies.

This course covers the scientific method and research design, including an introduction to quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis. The student will develop an original research proposal.

The course will examine the multifaceted problems of criminal victimization. Special emphasis will be placed on definitions of victimization, characteristics of victims, treatment of victims in the criminal justice system, and efforts designed to alleviate the consequences of victimization. The role of victimology in the conduct of criminal investigations will be reviewed.

A study of the basic concepts, arguments, and methods of ethics as they apply to those who work in the field of criminal justice. Students will be introduced to the classic theories of normative ethics. Emphasis is placed on the case study approach and ethical decision-making. Prerequisite: Junior standing or permission of the department chair.

Senior level course focusing on a critical evaluation of policies and programs in the criminal justice system. Emphasis is placed on the preparation of a senior research paper with visual presentation. Prerequisites: JUS 2410, JUS 3090, (SOC 2200, MAT 2200, or PSY 2500), SOC 282, and JUS/SOC 3320 or permission of the department chair.

Experiential learning in an approved criminal justice agency for supervised practical experience through a ten-week placement at a criminal justice agency. The student is assigned duties and responsibilities approved by the faculty member and on-site supervisor. Minimum requirement of 120 hours in the field agency and participation in a weekly seminar. Supervision and evaluation is conducted by the faculty member and the on-site professional. Written reports and evaluations are required at the completion of the internship. Students must apply for the internship during early-registration prior to taking the course. ALL internships must be approved by the department chair prior to the beginning of the internship. Please note: students must register for the internship course during the same semester they are completing the internship. For example, you cannot register for an internship class in the fall for an internship completed over the summer. Prerequisites: junior standing and a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or higher or permission of the department chair.

This general introduction to the study of American government and politics focuses on the national level and on the actors and interests who contend for power and influence in Washington DC. Students will gain an understanding of the origins, structure, and operation of American government. Topics include American political culture, the framing of the Constitution, political parties, campaigns and elections, interest groups, the media, the Presidency, the Congress, the federal judiciary, and current issues of public policy

Introduction to the science of psychology. Substantive topics include the history of psychology, the biology of psychological processes, psychological development, perception, learning, memory, personality, and social psychology.

The science of human society with emphasis on description and analysis of society, culture, the socialization process, social institutions, and social change.