Criminal Justice
The Department of Criminal Justice offers a curriculum that will provide students with a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system and its interrelationship with society. The courses will offer students an in-depth knowledge about the crime problem in society, perpetrators of crime, and theoretical causes of crime. This foundation will prepare students for successful careers in law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole, day report centers, juvenile justice, investigative services, and social services, as well as graduate school and law/professional school. Completion of the program will also enhance opportunities for career advancement for those already in criminal justice careers.
The Department of Criminal Justice is committed to providing students with a knowledge of and sensitivity to multicultural, racial, and gender issues within the criminal justice system, and the larger society.
All Criminal Justice majors must earn a grade of “C” or better in all courses required in the major.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
120 Hours for Graduation
- General Education = 38-40 Hours
- Major Course Hours = 39 Hours
- C J 101 Introduction to C J
- C J 204 Juvenile Justice
- C J 223 Police and Society
- C J 224 Punishment and Corrections
- C J 225 Victimology
- C J 226 Court Systems in the U.S.
- C J 307 Criminal Law
- C J 308 Ethics in Criminal Justice
- C J 313 Race and Gender Issues
- C J 322 Criminology
- C J 380 Criminal Procedure
- C J 415 Management in C J
- C J 425 Senior Seminar in C J
- CJ Cognate Courses = 12 Hours
- CJ 314 Stats for Prof. Studies or PSYC 200 Stats for Beh. and Social Sciences
- CJ 315 Research Methods or PSYC 390 Research Methods
- CJ 320 Comm. for CJ Prof. I or ENGL 160 Practical English Grammar and Usage
- CJ 330 Comm. for CJ Prof. II or ENGL 204 Writing for Business and Other Prof.
- 15 Hours of Option Area Courses: (Courts/Legal Studies, Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Forensic Investigations)
- General Electives = 14-16 Hours
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Forensic Science Option
120-121 Hours for Graduation
- General Education = 32-33 Hours
- Major Course Hours = 40 Hours
- C J 101 Introduction to C J
- C J 223 Police and Society
- C J 224 Punishment and Corrections
- C J 225 Victimology
- C J 226 Court Systems in the U.S.
- C J 301 Intro to Forensic Science
- CJ 307 Criminal Law
- C J 308 Ethics in Criminal Justice
- C J 314 Statistics for Professional Studies
- CJ 315 Research Methods
- C J 322 Criminology
- C J 409 Advanced Forensic Science Lab
- C J 425 Senior Seminar in C J
- Forensic/Natural Science Courses
- BIO 120 Fundamentals of Biology (Gen. Ed. Req.)
- BIO 121 Biological Diversity
- BIO 210 Anatomy & Physiology
- BIO 270 Genetics
- CHEM 105 General Chemistry I
- CHEM 107 General Chemistry Lab I
- CHEM 106 General Chemistry II
- CHEM 108 General Chemistry Lab II
- CHEM 205 Organic Chemistry I
- CHEM 207 Organic Chemistry Lab I
- CHEM 206 Organic Chemistry II
- CHEM 208 Organic Chemistry Lab II
- CHEM 211 Analytical Chemistry
- MATH 120 College Algebra (Gen. Ed. Req.)
- General Electives = 6 Hours
Minor in Criminal Justice – 15 Hours
- CJ 101 Introduction to CJ
- Two Courses from 200/300 Level
- Two Courses from 300/400 Level
Regents Bachelor of Arts – Emphasis in Criminal Justice
An Area of Emphasis in Criminal Justice in the Regents Bachelor of Arts degree shall consist of a group of courses representative of the options in Criminal Justice. A minimum grade of C is required in each CJ course in the Area of Emphasis.
- C J 307 Criminal Law
- C J 308 Ethics in Criminal Justice
- C J 313 Race, Gender and Crime
- C J 315 Research Methods
- C J 322 Criminology
- C J 380 Criminal Procedure
Courts/Legal Studies Option
The Courts/Legal Studies Option area is open to all currently enrolled students in the Criminal Justice Department. This highly focused option offers students the opportunity to explore the various roles, functions and responsibilities of the numerous positions in the legal system. This program will provide students with an understanding of the legal processes, sentencing alternatives, substance use interventions, advocacy services, victim support and other areas that support the criminal justice system.
Required Courses (Select Five):
CJ 299 Special Topics
CJ 301 Introduction to Forensic Science
CJ 304 Crimes in the Family
CJ 311 Drugs & Society
CJ 316 Firearms & Ballistics
CJ 323 Therapeutic Interviewing and Counseling
CJ 370 International Terrorism
CJ 399 Special Topics
CJ 408 Correctional Law
CJ 413 Internship in Criminal Justice
CJ 418 Correctional Counseling
CJ 420 Law and Social Control
CJ 435 Criminal Evidence
CJ 455 Interviewing & Interrogation
CJ 465 Sex Crimes
CJ 499 Special Topics
Law Enforcement Option
The Law Enforcement Option area focuses on the demands, functions, goals and career positions within law enforcement agencies. This option explores issues within policing, various specializations in law enforcement, crime analysis and the demands and responsibilities placed upon officers and staff. This program will provide students with a thorough understanding of the various roles law enforcement officers, interviewing techniques, legal processes, security capacities, and areas that support law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
Required Courses (Select Five):
CJ 299 Special Topics
CJ 301 Introduction to Forensic Science
CJ 304 Crimes in the Family
CJ 311 Drugs & Society
CJ 316 Firearms & Ballistics
CJ 329 Private Security
CJ 362 Contemporary Issues in Policing
CJ 370 International Terrorism
CJ 385 Criminal Investigation
CJ 399 Special Topics
CJ 413 Internship in Criminal Justice
CJ 418 Correctional Counseling
CJ 435 Criminal Evidence
CJ 445 Crime Scene Investigation
CJ 455 Interviewing & Interrogation
CJ 465 Sex Crimes
CJ 475 Homicide Evidence
CJ 499 Special Topics
Corrections Option
The Corrections Option area is open to all currently enrolled students in the Criminal Justice Department. This highly focused option explores current issues in corrections, including evidence-based programs and practices for counseling offenders in correctional institutions and the community. Students will gain a foundation in the policies, procedures, laws and regulations governing the correctional and rehabilitation systems. Throughout the criminal justice and corrections program, students will learn from experienced instructors with first-hand knowledge that will prepare them with the skills needed to advance in the CJ field.
Required Courses (Select Five):
CJ 299 Special Topics
CJ 301 Introduction to Forensic Science
CJ 304 Crimes in the Family
CJ 311 Drugs & Society
CJ 312 Community Corrections
CJ 316 Firearms & Ballistics
CJ 323 Therapeutic Interviewing and Counseling
CJ 329 Private Security
CJ 331 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
CJ 350 Correctional Institutions
CJ 370 International Terrorism
CJ 399 Special Topics
CJ 408 Correctional Law
CJ 413 Internship in Criminal Justice
CJ 418 Correctional Counseling
CJ 455 Interviewing & Interrogation
CJ 499 Special Topics
Forensic Investigations Option
The Forensic Investigations Option area focuses on the methods and techniques of criminal and homicide investigations. Students will learn about the history and scope of forensic sciences, as well as the collection and management of criminal evidence. This program will provide students with the necessary knowledge and skills required in criminal investigations as well as investigating techniques and the criminal justice system.
Required Courses (Select Five):
CJ 299 Special Topics
CJ 301 Introduction to Forensic Science
CJ 304 Crimes in the Family
CJ 311 Drugs & Society
CJ 316 Firearms & Ballistics
CJ 362 Contemporary Issues in Policing
CJ 370 International Terrorism
CJ 385 Criminal Investigation
CJ 399 Special Topics
CJ 409 Advances Forensic Science in Laboratory
CJ 413 Internship in Criminal Justice
CJ 435 Criminal Evidence
CJ 445 Crime Scene Investigation
CJ 455 Interviewing & Interrogation
CJ 465 Sex Crimes
CJ 475 Homicide Evidence
CJ 499 Special Topics