Criminal Justice (CJ)

CJ 201. Introduction to Criminal Justice. 3 Credits.

An undergraduate study and overview of the criminal justice system emphasizing the "system," its legal actors and its political constraints. Designed for the beginning student in law enforcement, criminology, corrections, sociology, social welfare, government and pre-law. F,S.

CJ 210. Introduction to Policing. 3 Credits.

Introduces the student to the specific field of law-enforcement agencies. Provides an overview of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. Reviews the coordination requirements of the system. Prerequisite: CJ 201. F,S.

CJ 220. Introduction to Courts. 3 Credits.

This course will examine the historical background, the traditions, and the legal principles that underlie the courts as an integral component of the American system of criminal justice. Both differences and similarities inherent within the State and Federal Court processes will be examined, and the procedures through which the criminal courts uphold the basic rights and liberties of all U.S. citizens, both victims and the accused, will be explored. Focus will be placed on understanding the respective roles of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, police officers, probation officers, and other court-related personnel in the criminal court process. Prerequisite: CJ 201 or Legal Studies minor. F,S.

CJ 270. Introduction to Corrections. 3 Credits.

This course describes the corrections system as part of a larger criminal justice system. Students will be introduced to the history and practice of corrections from earlier forms of physical punishment to jail, probation, intermediate sanctions, prisons, parole, and the death penalty. Special topics in the field will also be addressed as appropriate. Prerequisite: CJ 201. F,S.

CJ 302. Women, Crime, and Criminal Justice. 3 Credits.

This class will explore the changing roles of women as offenders, as victims, and as professionals in the criminal justice system. Attention will be directed toward empirical findings, conflict theory insights, and the feminist perspective within the discipline. The basic goal of this course is to respectfully enhance understanding of the importance of gender equality within the field of criminal justice and to encourage self-examination of habitual modes of thinking and acting. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, and CJ 270; or WGS major/minor. S.

CJ 320. Cybersecurity Law and Investigations. 3 Credits.

Cybersecurity Law and Investigations will explore the regulatory, legal, and policy framework of cybersecurity. More specifically, this course will examine laws and policies to reduce cyber threats and address cyber privacy concerns. This course will provide students with a framework for understanding state and federal laws and regulations that govern this emerging field, as well as investigative techniques and strategies for investigation and enforcement on a global scale. S.

CJ 330. Criminological Theory. 3 Credits.

This class will provide an overview of a variety of criminological theories. Attention will be directed toward the study of the major theoretical schools of thought which have influenced the discipline of criminology. The basic goal of this course is to help the student develop an understanding of and appreciation for the insights gained by examining crime and criminals through different theoretical frameworks. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, and CJ 270. F,S.

CJ 340. What Works in Policing, Sentencing, and Corrections. 3 Credits.

This course will focus on the development and identification of evidence-based practices and programs (a.k.a., EBP) in criminal justice. A review of practices and programs in each area of the justice system will be explored including the juvenile justice system, policing, sentencing, and corrections. The course will rely heavily on systematic reviews of the empirical literature from which criminal justice practices and programs are deemed as effective, promising, or ineffective. This will include a review of work conducted by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention (OJJDP), the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), and other governmental efforts to promote empirically-justified programs. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, and CJ 270. On demand.

CJ 341. Criminal Law. 3 Credits.

This course covers the fundamentals and foundations of American criminal jurisprudence with an emphasis on common law definitions of crimes and modern requirements for the criminalization of behavior, statutory laws. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, and CJ 270; or Forensic Science major; or Legal Studies minor. F,S.

CJ 342. Criminal Procedure. 3 Credits.

This course covers requirements of the American system of criminal procedure, especially regarding the legal requirements of search and seizure, interrogation, right to counsel, and eyewitness identifications. Special attention is given to the relationship between the 4th , 5th , 6th , 8th , and 14th amendments to the U.S. Constitution and the development of the law of criminal procedure. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, and CJ 270; or Forensic Science major; or Legal Studies minor. F,S.

CJ 350. Correctional Alternatives. 3 Credits.

This course is designed to explore and evaluate intervention strategies developed in the criminal justice system as alternatives to institutional corrections in the sentencing of adjudicated persons. Among these options this course looks for community corrections, parole, house arrest, restitution, community service, and the development of intervention strategies in support of the dispositions. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, and CJ 270. S.

CJ 351. Police Administration. 3 Credits.

Principles of police administration and organization for a modern police agency. Included are planning and development of organizations, direction, goal identification, etc. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, and CJ 270. F.

CJ 352. Criminal Investigation. 3 Credits.

An overview and examination of basic principles and techniques in the criminal investigations procedures and the rules of the law of evidence in criminal court proceedings. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, and CJ 270; or Forensic Science major with junior/senior standing. F.

CJ 361. Victimology. 3 Credits.

This class will provide an overview of the literature and research concerning victimization. Attention will be directed toward current trends concerning the victim in the American criminal justice system, with particular emphasis on measuring victimization, fear of crime, the impact of victimization on the individual, and victims rights and compensation initiatives. The basic goal of this course is to help the student develop an understanding of the impact of victimization on the victim, those associated with the victim, the criminal justice system, and each of us as individuals. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, & CJ 270; or WGS major/minor. F.

CJ 365. Law and Society. 3 Credits.

This course explores legal ideals, deviations from those ideals, and the relationship between culture, social structure, and law. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, & CJ 270; or Legal Studies minor. F,S.

CJ 397. Cooperative Education. 1-2 Credits.

A practical work experience with an employer closely associated with the student's academic area. Arranged by mutual agreement among student, department, and employer. Students may be required to have a criminal background check performed with results deemed favorable by the field agency as a condition of their initial enrollment and/or continued enrollment in cooperative education credits. A total of 300 hours is typically required over the course of the semester per credit. Prerequisite: CJ 491 and instructor consent. Repeatable to 12.00 credits. S/U grading. F,S,SS.

CJ 399. Problems in Criminal Justice. 1-3 Credits.

Students study special topics under the direction and supervision of a member of the faculty. Repeatable to 12 credits in different topic areas. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, and CJ 270. Repeatable to 12.00 credits. On demand.

CJ 401. Administration of Criminal Justice Systems. 3 Credits.

This course is a senior capstone intended to integrate material across the criminal justice curriculum. The course explores various definitions of justice as those concepts bear on the criminal justice system as well as the political philosophical underpinnings of the American criminal justice system. Finally, the course evaluates criminal justice policies with respect to these principles of justice and philosophical foundations. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, CJ 270; senior standing; and CJ major. F,S.

CJ 430. Developmental Perspectives on Adolescent Problem Behavior. 3 Credits.

This course on developmental criminology provides the criminal justice student with an overview of theory and research on adolescence. Cognitive, emotional, moral, physical, and social developments from puberty to early adulthood will be discussed and related to the explanation of problem behaviors, e.g., substance use, delinquency, sexual activity, and school failure. Prerequisite: CJ 201, CJ 210, CJ 220, and CJ 270; or Chemical Dependency minor. On demand.

CJ 452. The Police Role in Society. 3 Credits.

The functions and role of police in society with a focus on contemporary issues in police organization and administration. S.

CJ 491. Orientation to Administrative Internship. 1 Credit.

This orientation class will provide you with an introduction to the internship and cooperative education processes. Attention will be directed toward polishing the thinking skills, ethics, and job skills necessary to obtain and maintain an internship, attend graduate school, and/or secure a work position. The primary goal of this course is to provide support and guidance to qualified students attempting to secure a criminal justice internship or cooperative education position. Students may be required to have a criminal background check performed with results deemed favorable by the field agency as a condition of their initial enrollment in internship or cooperative education credits. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. S.

CJ 493. Instructional Experiences. 1-3 Credits.

Students will receive training and practical experiences in providing instruction at the collegiate level. Such experiences include serving as an undergraduate teaching assistant or tutor for courses with a faculty mentor. Prerequisite: Junior or senior status and consent of instructor. F,S,SS.

CJ 494. Readings in Criminal Justice. 1-6 Credits.

Selected readings with oral and/or written reports. Prerequisite: CJ majors and minors only and consent of instructor. Repeatable. F,S,SS.

CJ 495. Undergraduate Research. 1-6 Credits.

Advanced experience as a research assistant/creative scholar working alongside graduate researchers/creative scholars or faculty. A total of 45 hours is typically required over the course of the semester per credit. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. F,S,SS.

CJ 497. Administrative Internship. 1-6 Credits.

On-the-job training in a criminal justice position with a final report and analysis of the agency by the intern. Students may be required to have a criminal background check performed with results deemed favorable by the field agency as a condition of their initial enrollment and/or continued enrollment in internship credits. Repeatable to 12 credits. Prerequisite: CJ 491 and instructor consent. Repeatable to 12.00 credits. S/U grading. F,S,SS.

CJ 501. Foundations in Crime and Criminal Justice. 3 Credits.

This class is a graduate level introduction to the criminal justice system. The class provides an in-depth examination of the present day structure, function, and history of the criminal justice system. Specifically, the flow of cases across various decision points from the police, through courts, to corrections is critically explored. F.

CJ 502. Theories of Crime. 3 Credits.

This course reviews theories of crime, from early historical perspectives through more contemporary perspectives. It engages students in a careful examination of theoretical traditions that have shaped thought regarding definitions of crime, causes of crime, and responses to crime from the Enlightenment onward. Attention is directed toward examining different frameworks for classifying theories, understanding specific theories, critically analyzing theories, and identifying the policy implications of theories. F, odd years.

CJ 503. Research Methods in Criminal Justice. 3 Credits.

This course examines how research is conducted in criminology and criminal justice. The course is designed to highlight the research process, ethical issues, different types of quantitative and qualitative research designs, data analysis, and the reporting of research results. F, even years.

CJ 504. Visualization and Interpretation of Criminal Justice Data. 3 Credits.

This course provides theoretical background and practical experience in statistics and data analysis for criminal justice. Specifically, we focus on how to manage complex datasets that are unique to the discipline. Students will develop critical skills, including data wrangling and data cleaning, while becoming familiar with complex publicly available datasets that are important for criminal justice professionals and scholars. The course examines descriptive, inferential, and multivariate statistics employed in criminal justice research about the nature of crimes, criminals, and the criminal justice system. Basic hand-style calculations are employed in the course to aid students in the proper understanding and interpretation of statistical techniques often used in the field. A heavy focus is placed on using Excel to calculate statistics and visualize information for interpretability. S, odd years.

CJ 505. Administrative Decision Making in Criminal Justice. 3 Credits.

This administrative decision making class will provide you with an overview of inquiry in social sciences generally as well as contemplating administrative issues facing criminal justice practitioners currently. This class encourages critical self-reflection as students raise their own administrative questions pertaining to their area of interest as well as other areas more broadly. Guidelines will be offered to assist students in developing solutions to dilemmas they may encounter in the field, as well as how to consistently consider the consequences of their actions in all walks of life. S, even years.

CJ 507. Program Evaluation in Criminal Justice. 3 Credits.

The proliferation and institutionalization of evidence-based practices and programs in criminal justice is contingent on proper program evaluation. Outcome evaluations are often required at the proposal stage to obtain funding, and their completion is necessary to retain support. This course is designed to build students' skills in understanding and conducting a program evaluation, including the appropriate identification, use, interpretation, and reporting of statistical results. While emphasis is on impact evaluation specifically, process evaluations and cost-benefit analyses will also be discussed. On demand.

CJ 510. Historical Perspectives in Criminology. 3 Credits.

An overview of the development of western criminological thought from the enlightenment to the mid-twentieth century. The course examines viewpoints ranging from the demonic perspective to early learning, anomie/strain, social disorganization, labeling, and conflict theories.

CJ 511. Contemporary Perspectives in Criminology. 3 Credits.

An overview of developments in criminological thought from the mid-twentieth century to the present. The course examines the growth of mainstream viewpoints (e.g., anomie/strain, learning, and control theories) and critical criminology (e.g., Marxist, feminist, post-modern, and peacemaking perspectives). Prerequisite: CJ 510.

CJ 515. Human Nature and Crime. 3 Credits.

This course examines historical and contemporary applications of the concept of "human nature" in explanations of criminal behavior. Attention is also given to the role played by "human nature" in the evaluation of social institutions that react to crime and deviance. Finally, attempts to integrate biological and cultural explanations of human behavior as they pertain to crime will be addressed. Prerequisite: CJ 510.

CJ 516. Theories of Punishment. 3 Credits.

This course surveys the variety of attempts to describe, justify and explain punishment as a feature of human social life. Emphasis is placed on criminal punishment, but extra-legal punishments and their relationship to criminal punishments are also explored. Prerequisite: CJ 510.

CJ 520. Topics in Research Methods. 3 Credits.

An examination of philosophical underpinnings of the scientific method in social research. The course examines epistemological and ontological debates in contemporary social research and their application to research design. Repeatable.

CJ 522. Qualitative Research Methods in Criminal Justice. 3 Credits.

An examination of the underlying rationale, methods, and limitations of qualitative research in criminal justice. Topics include ethnographic research, action research, historical research, case studies, and content analysis.

CJ 525. Advanced Quantitative Methods/Analysis. 3 Credits.

This course is intended to familiarize students with advanced multivariate statistical techniques. Topics include regression analysis, factor analysis and path analysis. Other specific statistical analysis techniques may also be explored. Prerequisite: CJ 504 or consent of instructor. On demand.

CJ 526. Special Topics in Quantitative Analysis. 3 Credits.

Variable topics exploring advanced statistical methods/analytical techniques such as time-series analysis, structural equation models, logistics regression, hierarchical linear modeling, categorical-data analysis and general linear models. Topics to be determined based on student demand. Prerequisite: CJ 504 or consent of instructor. Repeatable. On demand.

CJ 535. Seminar in Juvenile Justice. 3 Credits.

Variable topics addressing the administration of the juvenile justice system and juvenile justice policy. Course will consist of lectures, discussion, and readings. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Criminal Justice or consent of instructor. Repeatable to 9.00 credits. On demand.

CJ 540. Seminar in Criminal Justice Policy. 3 Credits.

Variable topics addressing policy and policy development in the criminal justice system, including police, prosecution, courts, and corrections systems. Course will consist of lectures, discussion and readings. Repeatable to 9 credits. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Criminal Justice or consent of instructor. Repeatable to 9.00 credits. On demand.

CJ 545. Seminar in Rural Justice Issues. 3 Credits.

Variable topics addressing issues in the administration of policing, prosecution, courts, and corrections in rural areas, course will consist of lectures, discussion and readings. Repeatable to 9 credits. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Criminal Justice or consent of instructor. Repeatable to 9.00 credits. On demand.

CJ 555. Seminar in Tribal Justice Systems. 3 Credits.

Variable topics addressing the administration of criminal justice in Indian territory. Course will consist of lectures, discussion and readings. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Criminal Justice or consent of instructor. Repeatable to 9.00 credits. On demand.

CJ 565. Victimology. 3 Credits.

This course provides an analysis of the literature and research concerning criminal victimization. Attention will be directed toward current trends concerning the victim in the American criminal justice system with particular emphasis on measuring victimization, the impact of victimization and victim's rights and compensation initiatives. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Criminal Justice or consent of instructor. On demand.

CJ 594. Practicum: Research. 1-6 Credits.

This course is intended to place advanced students in criminal justice agencies as research analysts. Students will be under the supervision of a program faculty member and are expected to carry out research at the direction of an agency director or designee. Prerequisite: Consent of instructor. S/U grading.

CJ 597. Administrative Internship. 1-6 Credits.

Students are employed on a full-time or part-time basis in on-the-job assignments related to the administration of criminal justice agencies of federal, state or local governments. Students are required to produce an analytical report based on internship responsibilities. Prerequisite: Graduate standing in Criminal Justice or consent of instructor. S/U grading. F,S,SS.

CJ 995. Scholarly Project. 3 Credits.

This course is designed for students in the MS in Criminal Justice Studies program, ideally with enrollment during the last semester. Students investigate a topic related to criminal justice and organize a professional report about that investigation. Projects may involve original contributions to knowledge or an analysis of information and ideas already in the literature. As a capstone experience, projects showcase skills and knowledge acquired through coursework as well as applications to solving real-world problems. Prerequisite: Approval of Graduate Director. S.

CJ 996. Continuing Enrollment. 1-12 Credits.

Repeatable. S/U grading.

CJ 998. Thesis. 1-6 Credits.

Total of 6 credits required for the MS in Criminal Justice Studies program's thesis option. Prerequisite: Approval of Graduate Director. F,S.

CJ 999. Dissertation. 1-12 Credits.

Original research project suitable for publication. Repeatable to 18 credits. Prerequisite: Successful completion of comprehensive exams and consent of department. Repeatable to 18.00 credits.