Curriculum

This course examines the development and application of theories of crime causation and social deviance. The course includes an assessment of the issues and problems involved in controlling crime and deviance in society. Students learn about the nature of criminal behavior and the impact of this behavior on the victims, and study the development of programs and policies to control crime and assist the victims.

This course focuses on constitutional and ethical issues as they affect the operation of the criminal justice system. Topics examined include legal issues related to punishment and the ethical responsibilities of criminal justice agents.

This course explores the interdisciplinary study of crime by examining its social, political, and legal roots. Specific topics may vary depending on the instructor. For example, this course may include topics like the historical development of criminal law or how social forces shape the justice system.

This course provides an overview of the criminal justice system's evolution and current challenges, covering topics like the history of policing, courts, and corrections, alongside modern issues like cybercrime and how the criminal justice system may respond to crimes suing Artificial Intelligence.

This course must be taken at the graduate level. An undergraduate course in this subject cannot be substituted for the graduate course. Examines the research process and is designed to provide students with an understanding of the principles and practices of criminal justice empirical research. More specifically, methods of research and data analysis, as applied to the field of criminal justice, are presented. The application of these methods to criminal justice practice is demonstrated through various exercises. To better prepare capable professionals, students are taught both the language of scientific discourse and the ability to appraise empirical studies critically. To better prepare practitioners who are fair and respectful toward individuals from diverse backgrounds, research ethics, and sensitivity to populations-at-risk are promoted.

This course examines the current problems and issues facing the American criminal justice system. The course explores the role of the courts and correctional system, access to the justice system, controversial policies such as the use of force and discretion, and organizational and legal issues related to decision-making within the criminal justice system.

This course examines the victim through history. Course explores the victim movement and the nature and extent of criminal victimization and its effect on American society.

This course examines the criminal justice system from an organizational perspective. Students will explore fraud control, risk analysis, and corporate crime control through case studies.

This course explores the intricate relationship between family dynamics and criminal activity, focusing on how family structures, parenting styles, and familial relationships influence an individual's likelihood of engaging in crime.

Introduction and exploration of the criminal justice system as it deals with an increasing number of clients with mental health issues.

This course addresses issues related to juvenile and adult offenders managed in community settings, to include the empirical effectiveness and social consequences of policy.

This course offers a critical examination of the police in contemporary democratic societies.

An examination of the principles and practices of restorative justice as an alternative form of justice for all parties.

The student works with a mentor to develop a research project. The research project culminates in a thesis and an oral presentation of the thesis to faculty and students in the program.

Students are eligible to take this exam at the end of the semester in which they complete the required 30 credits for the degree.