Plan of Study – Criminal Justice

Note: A Semester Hour (s.h.) is a unit of academic credit representing an hour of class (such as lecture class) or three hours of laboratory work each week for an academic semester. Most courses are two, three or four semester hours.

Criminal Justice: Minor

Minor Courses (Minimum of 21 semester hours required.)

CJ 1020 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 s.h.)

An overview of the criminal justice system in the United States. The history of law enforcement; the political, sociological, and philosophic background of police functions, the courts and corrections system; constitutional problems as they relate to the police function; and the use of recent technology in criminal justice is explored.

CJ 1210 Introduction to Corrections (3 s.h.)

An overview of the post-correctional process as a function of the criminal justice system in contemporary society; the development of correctional philosophy, theory, history and practice; a description of institutional operation, programming and management; special populations; the effects of institutionalization upon individuals; alternatives to incarceration; survey of career opportunities. Prerequisite: CJ 1020.

CJ 1550 Police Process & Community Relations (3 s.h.)

An overview of the police function and responsibility at the local, state and federal level. Examination of the philosophy, history, character, structure, function, and complexity and limitations imposed on law enforcement in a democratic society. Police operations examined relative to effectiveness in crime control, delivery of service, and order maintenance. Prerequisite: CJ 1020.

CJ 2350 American Judicial Process (CJ*/PSC) (3 s.h.)

Analysis of the American state and federal court systems; history, traditions, and philosophy underlying the American system of justice; legal systems and law; court structures and roles: judges, prosecutors, attorneys, litigants; and the adjudication process: arrest to arraignment, trials, juries, and sentencing.

CJ 3210 Principles of Criminology (CJ*/FOR/SOC) (3 s.h.)

Study of the incidence, type, causes, and theories of adult deviant behavior. Emphasis is placed upon current crime trends and statistics and the processes involved in dealing with crime.

CJ 3230 Juvenile Justice (CJ*/SOC) (3 s.h.)

Theories of causation and prevention of delinquency; role of the courts, policy prevention programs, institutions in the control, and prevention of juvenile delinquency.

CJ 4450 Interviewing and Investigative Report Writing (3 s.h.)

The art of interviewing and interrogation and the comprehensive skills necessary for the integration and documentation of information that is obtained from a wide variety of sources. Prerequisite: CJ 1020. At the completion of the course, students will be able to: 1. Complete a comprehensive police report. 2. Analyze the laws of criminal investigation. 3. Apply interview techniques in a given investigative context. 4. Apply criminal interrogation techniques in a given investigative context.