Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration

This course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the role of the peace officer in American society. The course will examine the steps in selecting candidates for the position of police officer, the complexity of the enforcement requirement, the challenges that face peace officers each day, the limitations placed on peace officers by all three branches of government at both the state and federal levels.

This course exposes the students to the basic tenets of criminal behavior, the causative and contributory factors of behavior. It explores the general personality, intellectual and social perspectives of criminal behavior.

A study of the nature and control of juvenile delinquency. Examines patterns of delinquent behavior, factors of causation, juvenile law and the juvenile justice system. Students also learn policies and procedures in treatment and prevention.

An analysis of the organization and management of criminal justice agencies. Discusses principles of supervision and motivation of personnel, management problems and solutions, decision-making and administration of policies and procedures.

An introduction to the practices and procedures involved in conducting civil and criminal investigations. Topics include learning about crimes and their elements, modus operandi, major goals of investigations, primary functions and responsibilities of investigating officers/agents and the investigator’s relationship with other individuals and agencies involved in an investigation.

A study of concepts and theories regarding the utilization, organization and management of the judicial process. Critically reviews the issues of fair trial, speedy trial, free press, calendar control, judicial responsibility and new technology. Students analyze the roles of the legal actors, problems of lower, trial and appellate courts and the distribution of judicial powers.

A survey of jurisprudential philosophy and case study of common law and statutory crimes. Discusses historical development, theory, principles and functions of criminal law. Also covers elements of due process, rule of law and the role of the constitution in protecting rights.

An introduction to the field of corrections and the corrections continuum. Topics include contemporary theories of punishment, corrections and rehabilitation, local, state, federal and military confinement facilities and community alternatives to incarceration.

In depth exploration of the historical foundations of ethical decision making and how it informs the criminal justice system. Particular attention to the relationship of critical thinking skills and ethical decision making to current issues.

Recommended: Prior completion of: all of the prior core courses. CJA 470 Capstone should be the final course in the BSCJA major.

Critical analysis of scenarios from three areas of the criminal justice system–policing, corrections, and courts to demonstrate deep understanding of the complex interplay of media influence, ethics, critical thinking and viable solutions. Grading is H, S, or U only. Eligible for In Progress “In Progress.”

A study of the elements of criminal law as applied to various theories of criminal evidence to enhance understanding of the various issues facing prosecutors, criminal justice practitioners and law enforcement agents. This course will explore the application of evidentiary issues and its relationship to investigations and criminal conduct.

Exposes students to the basic trends of criminal behavior as it relates to gangs in America and the causative and contributory factors of gang behavior. It explores the general personality, intellectual and social perspectives of criminal behavior as it relates to gangs.

Exposes students to the basic trends of criminal intelligence as it relates terrorism around the world. The focus will be on the domestic and international threats of terrorism and the basic security issues that surround terrorism today. The student will gain an understanding of terrorism and the many factors that support and drive the terrorist movements throughout the world. The students will also analyze the laws and special forces which nations within the international community have created to meet this challenge. This course also presents an overview of computer crimes and the use of the internet to disrupt computer services throughout the world. The student will learn about emerging laws and digital solutions to block the use or spread of digital crimes or terrorism.

An introduction to the forensic sciences. Includes topics such as forensic photography, firearms and tool mark identification, the examination of questioned documents, hair and fiber analysis, serology, instrumental analysis, forensic pathology and odontology and forensic psychology.

This course will expose the students to elite and corporate deviance, the incidence and prevalence of white collar and organized crimes. The course explores the theoretical foundations of all types of occupational crimes, with a comparative, analytical global look at these crimes. It also exposes the students to the forms and causes of these crimes, the legal and law enforcement and societal responses to such crimes.

Using a seminar approach, this course focuses on current specific problems and issues within the law enforcement community. Topics may include police morale, the retention of sworn personnel and future trends in law enforcement.

An exploration of methods, patterns and meanings of individual and collective violence. Focuses on gangs, terrorists and the assaultive individual. Students analyze the causes of violence, attitudes toward violence and methods of controlling violence as well as the impact of gun control.

A review of the criminological literature and theoretical applications of the law and criminal justice as seen from a racial, gender specific, class and ethnic orientation.

Investigates the accounting steps required to effectively pursue financial crimes. Topics include the five standards of proof, different classifications of evidence as well as the intricacies involved in how an investigator might develop the evidence necessary for a forfeiture proceeding.

Explore the complex relationship between media and the criminal justice system. Gain understanding of how media influences both public opinion and the criminal justice system.

A study of the fundamentals of the U.S. Constitution, the rights and protections of the accused; an exploration of the case law and the judicial system, the rights and responsibilities of the police and citizenry.

A practicum designed for students seeking field experience in law enforcement. Students receive academic guidance from criminal justice faculty and supervision at the field placement site. Typically, the practicum requires students to work a minimum of 100-150 hours under supervision. At the completion of the practicum, students are required to write an in-depth research paper about their experiences during their placements with coordination and support from their faculty advisor and field supervisor. Units are arranged and determined based on assignment and number of hours prearranged at the placement site. Grading is S or U only.

Exposes the students to the basics of terrorism and its global impact; terrorism investigation and intervention strategies. It describes the factors to be considered when implementing psychological, social, investigative and legal techniques against terrorism and its related crimes.

Visit foreign countries and investigate the origins of modern courts, corrections, and law enforcement that are historical precursors of the current U.S. legal and criminal justice system. Students develop a thorough understanding of the emergence of criminal justice and forensic science through lectures and presentations by experts and historians of the criminal justice systems in the host countries. Grading is Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only.