Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Course Description
General Education Requirements and Electives– See University Catalog or discuss with your Admissions Representative or Academic Advisor
Business Core
MS 182 – Introduction to Information Systems
Major microcomputer software applications emphasizing spreadsheets, database management and presentation software are studied. Students learn the methodology of the development and design of templates for a business environment. Techniques for using software are learned and applied to the solution of business information problems. Students also access the Internet for supplemental data to assist in creating contemporary and resourceful projects. This course uses Office 2007/2010. (Equivalent to former MS 281) (No textbook required- included in course resource fee). Prerequisite: MS 100 or demonstrated proficiency.
Criminal Justice Core
CJ 200 - Introduction to Criminal Justice
An overview of the criminal justice system, specialized criminal research, (legal and factual), and specific writing techniques and requirements particular to the criminal justice area. Prosecution, police, court functions, sentencing, and corrections will be overviewed. Prerequisite: None.
CJ 351 – Corrections
Deals with the corrections continuum and with community- based corrections. Topics in the course will include supervisory and administrative duties in correctional institutions as they relate to an understanding of custody, treatment, training, and release of inmates. Internal policies of penal institutions are reviewed, as well as programs, regulations, policies and procedures and their evaluation. Prerequisite: CJ 200 or CJ 350 or departmental approval.
CJ 352 – Criminology
Study of crime from legal and social perspectives. Emphasis is on the theoretical explanations of criminal behavior. Additional emphasis is placed on the biological, psychological, and sociological factors leading to criminal behavior. Prerequisite: CJ 200 or CJ 350 or concurrent enrollment.
CJ 353 - Juvenile Delinquency
Examines the juvenile court system and theories of punishment and rehabilitation of juveniles. Trial of juveniles as adults, limits on rights of juveniles, and prevention control of juveniles are reviewed. Juvenile court procedure and case law are studied. Society's role in, and social consequences of, juvenile crime is discussed. Prerequisite: CJ 200 or CJ 350 or concurrent enrollment.
CJ 355 - Law Enforcement Administration
Overview of the development, structures, and functions of law enforcement organizations. Also examines the role of police in a democratic society. Controversial issues and current practice concerning the administration of law enforcement are examined. Prerequisite: CJ 200 or CJ 350 or concurrent enrollment.
CJ 358 - Criminal Justice Ethics
Ethical issues which affect criminal justice professionals in the development of policies, procedures, duties, behavior, and judgment, which form their ethical standards, are studied. The course will focus on addressing and solving ethical dilemmas, which affect the criminal justice system in both the private and public sectors. Prerequisite: CJ 200 or CJ 350 or concurrent enrollment.
CJ 366 – Courts and the Law
This course is an extensive overview of the entire judicial system and processes; including its functions, history, constitutional requirements, courtroom actors, procedures, and dynamics of the courtroom, trial, appellate process, and sentencing. It focuses mainly on the prosecutors, judges, defense attorneys, witnesses, and jurors who are involved in the overall decision making process. Prerequisite: CJ 200 or CJ 350.
CJ 370 - Constitutional Law
Study of the principles underlying American constitutional government as developed in leading cases, with special reference to interpretation of the Constitution. Prerequisite: CJ 200 or CJ 350, LA 200 or LA 201.
PA 373 - Criminal Law and Procedure
This course is an analysis of fundamental concepts of criminal law. Course content includes common law and statutory crimes, culpable mental states and the elements of crimes. Procedural aspects from arrest to pretrial and trial are explored, including constitutional guarantees of criminal suspects and rules of evidence. In addition, the rights of society are contrasted with the rights of criminal defendants and the government. Prerequisite: PA 352 or CJ 200 or CJ 350 or concurrent enrollment in either course.
One additional Criminal Justice electives - See University Catalog or discuss with your Admissions Representative or Academic Advisor.