Criminal Justice Degree Online

This issue of the Alaska Justice Forum is devoted primarily to issues related to sexual crime in Alaska. Reported figures indicate that Alaska consistently has an exceptionally high rate of sexual assault. According to Crime in the United States, 2006, the annual FBI compilation of crime statistics, Alaska had a rate of reported forcible rape of 76 per 100,000 in the population—over twice the national rate of 30.9.
Sexual crime is treated very differently than it was twenty years ago. There is more open discussion of the problem; criminal punishment for offenders has become increasingly severe; and the needs of victims receive more attention.
Because reports of sexual crimes tend to inflame emotions, it is important to ground public discussion in what is actually known about the crimes, the victims, the offenders, and law enforcement and prosecution efforts. The overall rates of reported sexual assault have been available for years through figures maintained by the FBI and various local police agencies. Now, as a result of research conducted over the last several years by the Justice Center and other agencies, a more detailed picture of the nature of the problem is beginning to emerge.
The articles in this issue focus on various aspects of the problem of sexual assault—the nature of the crime, victims and suspects; case prosecution; offender recidivism; public safety and rehabilitation.
“Case Attrition of Sexual Violence Offense Reported to the Alaska State Troopers” looks at case processing of sexual assault cases in rural villages.
“Sexual Assaults Reported to Alaska State Troopers” provides a description of the sexual assault problem in communities served by the Alaska State Troopers, as well as some data on case processing.
“Sexual Assault Nurse Examinations in Alaska” presents the results of a project conducted by the Justice Center and Forensic Nurse Services. The project used information from sexual assault nurse examinations to investigate how a victim’s condition at the time of an assault—intoxicated or sober—might be related to injuries sustained during the assault and what relation the presence or absence of injuries bore to the prosecution of the case. In addition, the article presents descriptive details of the assault cases contained in the study sample, which included cases from across the state—Anchorage, Fairbanks, Bethel, Kodiak, Kotzebue, Nome, Soldotna, and Homer.
A brief analysis of sex offender recidivism conducted through the Alaska Justice Statistical Analysis Center of the Justice Center appears in “Recidivism of Alaska Sex Offenders Released from Corrections Facilities in 2001.”
“Revisiting Alaska’s Sex Offender Registration and Public Notification Statute” provides a look at the parameters of one of the most prominent tools for addressing the problem of sexual assault—the sex offender registry.
Finally, a bibliography lists additional studies and articles that deal with the issue. Many of these earlier pieces provide data on the problem as it manifests itself in Anchorage. Most are available on-line.

Criminology and Criminal Justice [BSc Hons]
Year of Entry: 2009
The Programme

The course provides students with the opportunity to gain an understanding of a combination of theoretical knowledge and a range of skills necessary for employment in the wider criminal justice system. The course is intended for students whose primary interest and focus centres on a career within the wider criminal justice system and has therefore a vocational orientation.

Criminology as an area of study has a lengthy pedigree and students will be presented throughout the course with a range of ideas and theories from several different disciplines including law, public policy, social policy and economics. You will study mainstream concepts of criminology and criminal justice such as crime, victims, sentencing, policing and community safety. These, coupled with a knowledge of institutions and structures, will provide a wider understanding of behaviour and activity within the criminal justice system.

The course is modular and you must successfully complete 18 modules from a diet of core and elective modules. Part-time students may take up to four modules in each academic year.
Entry Conditions
You must satisfy the general entry requirements for admission to a first degree course, and hold a GCSE pass in English at grade C or above.

If you have not satisfied the general entry requirements you may still be admitted by providing evidence of your ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning. Students entering under this clause may be required to undertake a written and/or oral examination.

Criminology and Criminal Justice [BSc Hons] - UCAS Code: M931 J BSc/Crim
Year of Entry: 2009
Entry Conditions
You must satisfy the general entry requirements for admission to a first degree programme, and hold GCSE English Language at grade C or above, or equivalent.

A Level
A minimum of 300 UCAS tariff points to include grades BB

Irish Leaving Certificate
300 UCAS Tariff Points to include BBBBB at Honours Level including English Language. (English may be at Ordinary Level).
Duration and Mode of Attendance

Three years
The Programme

The programme will provide you with the opportunity to gain an understanding of a combination of theoretical knowledge and a range of skills necessary for employment in the wider criminal justice system.

Criminology as an area of study has a lengthy pedigree and you will be presented throughout the course with a range of ideas and theories from several different disciplines including law, public policy, social policy and economics. You will study mainstream concepts of criminology and criminal justice such as crime, victims, sentencing, policing and emergent ideas on equality and human rights. These, coupled with knowledge of institutions and structures, will provide you with a wider understanding of behaviour and activity within the criminal justice system.
Structure and Content

You will undertake six modules of study in each year of the programme. In the first year all modules are compulsory and in the second year there is a limited optional choice. A wider range of optional modules will be available in Year 3 allowing you to tailor your studies in line with particular areas of interest.
Exemptions and Transferability

You will enter Year 1. However, if you can provide evidence of previous relevant study, you may, in exceptional circumstances, be permitted exemption from a restricted number of modules in Year 1.
Careers And Postgraduate Opportunities

The programme seeks to equip you for a variety of careers within the criminal justice system and organisations in the voluntary sector such as Victim Support and NIACRO. It also prepares you for a range of postgraduate opportunities in related fields.
Useful Websites
www.britsoccrim.org (British Society of Criminology website)
Contact Us
If you would like to talk to a member of staff about the programme, please contact:
Una Convery
Course Director for BSc (Hons) Criminology and Criminal Justice
Tel: +44(0) 28 9036 6541
Email: uv.convery@ulster.ac.uk

The Programme

This subject provides you with the opportunity to gain an understanding of a combination of theoretical knowledge and a range of skills necessary for employment in the wider criminal justice system. You will study local, national and international dimensions of criminology and criminal justice. Core topics include crime, victims, sentencing, policing and community safety.
Entry Conditions
You must satisfy the general entry requirements for admission to a first degree course, and hold a GCSE pass in English at grade C or above.

If you have not satisfied the general entry requirements you may still be admitted by providing evidence of your ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning. Students entering under this clause may be required to undertake a written and/or oral examination.
Duration and Mode of Attendance

Up to seven years in part-time mode.

This subject provides you with the opportunity to gain an understanding of a combination of theoretical knowledge and a range of skills necessary for employment in the wider criminal justice system. You will study local, national and international dimensions of criminology and criminal justice. Core topics include crime, victims, sentencing, policing and community safety. The aim is to provide you with the knowledge necessary for a career in the wider field of employment involving criminology and criminal justice.

Criminology modules include: Introduction to Crime & Deviance; Crime & Criminal Justice; Sentencing & Crime; Victims of Crime; Policing & the Law; Fear of Crime; Economics of Law, Crime and Punishment; Community Safety Studies; Gender & Crime; Surveillance & the Law; Crime, Social Order & Social Control; Imprisonment; Terrorism & Political Violence and Youth Justice.

Law with Criminology M1M9 J LLB/LawCri
Politics with Criminology L2M9 J BSc/PolCrm
Social Policy with Criminology L4M9 J BSc/SPCrim
Sociology with Criminology L3M9 J BSc/SocCr

Students in any major may minor in Criminal Justice. In addition to three upper-level criminal justice elective, required courses include Criminal Law and Procedure, Constitutional Law, and Criminology.

Minor/Certificate in Victimology
The recognition of victim’s issues has taken on great importance in this day and age. Victims of all types require advocates and service providers that can assist them in understanding their rights and guiding them through the various processes and resources available to them.

In response, Anna Maria College has developed an interdisciplinary minor/certificate program in Victimology and Victim Studies. The curriculum draws on coursework in Criminal Justice, Human Development, Nursing, Psychology and Social Work. Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in any field or concentration may earn a minor in Victimology and Victim Studies though the completion of four required courses and two electives. Students who currently, or seek to work in law enforcement, the courts, corrections and professional settings involving work with victims of crime, families of crime victims, victims of disaster and the community at large may pursue a certificate program in Victimology and Victim Studies through the completion of four required courses and four electives.

Criminal Justice

Degree offered: Bachelor of Arts

The United States relies on trained, ethical and committed Criminal Justice professionals to ensure appropriate enforcement of the laws governing our society and to protect the Constitutional rights and civil liberties of citizens. Today’s Criminal Justice professionals deal with difficult issues of public policy and tough questions of justice in the face of new concerns such as terrorism. Among the many challenges faced by Criminal Justice professionals are ensuring safer communities through crime prevention and law enforcement, providing for the punishment, treatment and reintegration of offenders, reforming juvenile offenders, providing services to crime victims, and developing effective criminal justice policy.

Ohio Dominican University’s Criminal Justice major provides comprehensive coverage of the criminal justice system including law enforcement, courts and corrections. Civil rights and civil liberties are discussed from both historical and contemporary perspectives. The impact of p ublic policy and law on criminal justice and society are also examined.

Criminal Justice graduates find rewarding careers in all sectors of the criminal justice system including law enforcement, institutional and community based corrections, juvenile justice, social service agencies, and private sector security. Graduates may also pursue advanced degrees in criminal justice, public policy and administration, and law.
Download and Print the Criminal Justice Major Information Sheet & Sample 4 Year Course Plan
See Criminal Justice Major Requirements in the University Catalog
See Criminal Justice Course Descriptions in the University Catalog

For more information, please contact:

Dr. Anne Crimmings
Division Chair
Division of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Ohio Dominican University
1216 Sunbury Rd.
Columbus OH 43219

(614) 251-4686
crimmina@ohiodominican.edu

101. INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE (3 credit hours)
A survey of the history, organization and function of the various components of the criminal justice system; police, courts and corrections. Analysis of the decisions made in the process whereby citizens become suspects; suspects become defendants; some defendants are convicted; and in turn become probationers, inmates and parolees.

204. JUVENILE JUSTICE AND DELINQUENCY (3 credit hours)
A study of the law of juvenile delinquency and the administration of the juvenile justice system. Examines the historical development of the concept of delinquency, the special status of juveniles before the law. Surveys the major theories of delinquency. Considers the legal processing of abuse, neglect and dependency cases. Prerequisite: C J 101.

223. POLICE AND SOCIETY (3 credits)
A study of the various levels, roles and functions of law enforcement in America. The nature and responsibilities of law enforcement are discussed and evaluated, including police accountability and civil liability. Examines the racial, ethnic and gender issues in law enforcement. Prerequisite: C J 101.

224. PUNISHMENT AND CORRECTIONS (3 credits)
A review of the history of criminal punishment and analysis of major changes and causes. Examines the dominant justifications used for punishing offenders, such as deterrence, retribution and rehabilitation. Survey of corrections alternatives, including probation, parole, jail, prison and community corrections. Prerequisite: C J 101.

225. VICTIMOLOGY (3 credits)
This course will examine the multifaceted problem of crime victimization. Focuses on the incidence of criminal victimization, social characteristics of crime victims, the treatment of the victim in the criminal justice system and efforts designed to alleviate the consequences of criminal victimization and provide support for the victim. Prerequisite: C J 101.

226. COURT SYSTEMS IN THE UNITED STATES (3 credits)
This course will provide students with a working knowledge of the major structures and basic legal concepts that underlie the Criminal Courts. The structure of the courts, the nature of the criminal law they apply and the procedures followed by them will be examined along with the history of how they developed and the goals they seek to achieve. The state and federal court systems will be examined. Prerequisite: C J 101.

230. CRIMINOLOGY (3 credit hours)
This course focuses on the biological, psychological, and sociological theories of crime, provides definitions of crimes, and examines the types and extent of crime in the United States and other countries. Prerequisite: C J 101 or SOC 101. Cross-listed with SOC 230.

299. SELECTED TOPICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE (3 credit hours)
A lower level course designed for a topic of special current interest, including satellite courses. Prerequisite: As stated for each offering.

301. CRIMINALISTICS—AN INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE (3 credit hours)
This course is designed to make the student aware of the services of a crime laboratory and the proper utilization of these services. The course will concentrate on the significance of physical evidence and the examination of this evidence in the crime laboratory. Students will be taught the proper recognition, collection and preservation of physical evidence at the crime scene. Prerequisite: C J 101.

307. CRIMINAL LAW (3 credits)
The course covers the history and development of criminal law, elements of a crime, parties to a crime and types of offenses. The general principles of substantive criminal law are studied through the analysis of judicial opinions and text. The scope, purpose and definition of criminal offenses are examined. Prerequisite: C J 101.

308. ETHICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE (3 credits)
An examination of the ethical quandaries and moral dilemmas that face criminal justice practitioners. A critical review of the ethical standards used to define appropriate conduct by criminal justice officials; exploring sanctions and laws governing inappropriate conduct. Prerequisite: C J 101 and junior or senior standing, or permission of the department chair.

311. DRUGS AND SOCIETY (3 credits)
This course is designed to deal with the use and abuse of drugs and alcohol, both legal and illegal. The etiology, social phenomena, psychological and physiological effects, and current modes of treatment within the criminal justice setting will be examined. Prerequisite: C J 101.

312. COMMUNITY CORRECTIONS (3 credits)
This course will focus on probation, parole and intermediate sanctions. Community corrections programs such as restitution, community service and community-based drug treatment will be discussed. The course will examine the goals and importance of community corrections. Administration and staffing of these programs will also be explored. Prerequisites: C J 101 and 224.

313. RACE, GENDER AND CRIME (3 credit hours)
The study of the dynamics of racial prejudice in the United States and how it affects the criminal justice system. The relationship between minority status and criminality and the interaction of minorities with criminal justice organizations will be analyzed. Characteristics of female offenders are surveyed and offender classification systems are reviewed for their relevance to understanding motivational and behavioral patterns of female offenders. This course will explore the response of police and court officials to women as victims of crimes and will examine employment opportunities for women and minorities in the criminal justice system. Prerequisites: C J 101 and 230.

315. METHODOLOGY (3 credit hours)
Introduction to the concepts and methods of social science research: the role of theory in research, forming hypotheses and questions, identifying variables, and gathering a analyzing statistical data. Emphasis will be on developing good writing skills, and using computers for basic statistical evaluation. This course meets the requirements of POSC 311 and SOC 311. Prerequisites: junior classification and a grade of C in ENGL 102 and in PSYC 200.

350. CORRECTIONAL INSTITUTIONS (3 credit hours)
This course will focus on jails and prisons. Students will be provided with information on the history of incarceration, as well as theories behind this type of punishment. The course will cover the current conditions of prison life and will provide students with the viewpoints of those who live and work in prisons and jails. Also, management of prisons and jails will be discussed. Prerequisites: C J 101 and 223.

362. CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN POLICING (3 credit hours)
The course covers contemporary issues in policing such as community policing, management procedures, and technology. Prerequisites: C J 101 and 223.

380. CRIMINAL PROCEDURE (3 credit hours)
A study of the historical development of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The course will focus on Supreme Court interpretations of the Bill of Rights as they apply to arrests, searches and seizures. The emphasis will be placed on the 4th, 5th and 14th amendments to the U. S. Constitution. Prerequisite: C J 101.

399. SELECTED TOPICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE (1-4 credit hours)
An upper level course designed for a topic of special current interest, including televised courses. Prerequisite: As stated for each offering.

408. CORRECTIONAL LAW (3 credit hours)
This course covers the laws that govern the sentencing process, prisoners’ rights, the rights of released offenders, and offenders sentenced to probation and intermediate sanctions. The course emphasizes United States Supreme Court cases and major lower court cases that have affected corrections. Prerequisites: C J 101 and 224.

413. INTERNSHIP IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE (3 credit hours)
This course will provide students the opportunity to go into the criminal justice field and observe the actual operation of the system. Students will be able to compare theory and concepts gained from courses to the actual criminal justice process they have experienced. Students may choose an internship in law enforcement, the courts, corrections or juvenile justice. Prerequisites: 24 hours of C J courses, senior standing and minimum g.p.a. of 2.5.

415. MANAGEMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS (3 credit hours)
This course examines organizational and management theories as they apply to criminal justice agencies and organizations. Different management styles, practices and problems are discussed. Also covered are the structure, purpose and process of the criminal justice system and policy making in justice administration. Prerequisites: C J 101, 223 and 224.

418. TREATMENT OF OFFENDERS (3 credit hours)
The course focuses on treatment and rehabilitative programs for offenders, examines the treatment methods that are the bases of these programs, and assesses the efficacy of the programs. Prerequisites: CJ 101 and 224.

420. LAW AND SOCIAL CONTROL (3 credit hours)
This course is designed to cover issues concerning the interrelationships between law and society. Included are the historical developments of social control and law and the role of law in society, its social construction, interpretation and enforcement. Major theoretical perspectives related to how social status and social structure affect crime levels and societal sanctions are discussed. Also examined are new policies in criminal justice that relate to and attempt to affect the levels of crime in the United States. Prerequisites: C J 101, 230, and 307.

425. SENIOR SEMINAR IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE (3 credit hours)
This course is designed as a capstone experience for all seniors in the criminal justice major. The course content will vary slightly with each offering. The course will basically cover in-depth analyses of problems and issues in the criminal justice system. The course also will provide students with information about opportunities for employment in the criminal justice field and graduate school. The course will use up-to-date texts and articles from professional journals. Students will be required to complete a major research paper on a topic chosen by the student and approved by the instructor. Successful completion of the course with a grade of “C” or better is required for graduation. Prerequisites: C J 101, 204, 223, 224, 226 and senior standing.

499. SPECIAL TOPICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE (3 credit hours)
An upper level course designed for a topic of special current interest, including televised course. Prerequisites: As stated for each offering.

The purposes of the crime and justice program include:
Introducing students to the dimensions and definitions of crime
The implications of criminal deviance for crime victims as well as the changes in lifestyles and options for all members of society caused by both violent and nonviolent crime
Understanding the nature of social systems and how criminal deviance is related to other social institutions
Understanding the sociological theories used to explain criminal deviance
Understanding, from a variety of academic perspectives, the role of law in human societies as both a regulating force and a preserver of individual rights and freedoms