Criminal Justice Degree Online

Unlike some careers, the criminal justice field demands that students maintain a clean record. Most criminal justice agencies and organizations require criminal background checks. Criminal background checks are even required for internship and some volunteer placements. Therefore, it is essential that criminal justice students use good judgment and avoid developing a criminal record, including an excessive number of speeding tickets, underage drinking, and fake ID charges.

Increasingly, criminal justice organizations also requiring credit checks, polygraph testing, and/or psychological evaluations.

In addition, most employers take references from our criminal justice faculty very seriously. Students should know that faculty are formally and informally assessing their academic performance, attendance, timeliness, honesty, professionalism, and social skills during their time at Mount Mercy. These faculty are often asked to reflect on these character issues for references

CRM 510 Leadership in Criminal Justice

This course will engage students in a critical examination of the changing nature of work and organizational conditions that create new challenges relating to the skills of public/non-profit leaders. In addition to skill development in the areas of goal setting, problem solving and communications, this course will include assessment of personal leadership style, decision making and capacity to act as an organizational change-agent. The ability to lead others through change will be a central theme of the course.

CRM 520 Ethics for Criminal Justice Professionals

This course will discuss how ethics impact decision making at all levels of criminal justice, from the “line worker” to the “program director.” Students will be exposed to several different approaches to what is ethics, including the works of Socrates, Kant, Bentham, Mills, Plato, and others. Several contemporary ethical issues affecting the criminal justice professional will be discussed.

CRM 580 Introduction to Action Research

This course offers an introduction to the rationale and procedures of action and evaluation research. Topics include the nature and purposes of research; the planning, conducting, critiquing and evaluating of research; and how research can be used to assist in organizational development and improvement.

CRM 530 Administrative Issues in Criminal Justice Organizations

This course will examine the many varied agencies that make up criminal justice in America. It will explore tensions between these agencies and examine administrative ways in which the tensions can be addressed and how agencies can work together to achieve each of their independent goals.

CRM 540 Decision Making for Criminal Justice Administrators

This course is designed to enable students to use various decision-making models and techniques to make more effective decisions. Students will be exposed to statistical analysis, preferential analysis, decision trees, and other decision-making models. Emphasis will be placed on group and team decision-making.

CRM 581 Statistics for Action Research

This course will cover the tools needed for statistical analysis in the social sciences. Students will learn statistical designs to be used in the completion of the capstone course of CRM 600 (Action Research Project).

CRM 550 Human Resource Administration for Criminal Justice

This course covers human resource administration principles and skills useful for both supervisors and directors of public and non-profit agencies. The role of the human resource administrator, affirmative action, civil service procedures, employee rights, compensation and benefits and performance appraisals, and training of employees will be covered in this course.

CRM 560 System-wide Issues in Criminal Justice Administration

This course will focus on current issues in the field of criminal justice. Current topics that may be covered in this course include the use of drug and domestic violence courts, community policing, and the role of civil incarceration of child molesters, etc. The course will follow the “best practices” approach and will focus on how research helps determine what works and what does not work in criminal justice administration.

CRM 570 Legal/Case Law Impacting Criminal Justice Administrators

This course covers legal issues affecting criminal justice organizations at the local, state and national level. It also deals with legal/case laws that impact how administrators handle the daily operations of their agencies.

CRM 590 Criminal Justice as Public Policy

The focus of this course is how crime can be seen as a “public problem” and “public policy issue.” This course will focus on the function of bureaucracies and how bureaucracies formulate and implement public policies that deal with crime and security for the public.

CRM 600 Action Research Project

This is the capstone course for the master’s program and integrates all of the previous courses into a student-developed, action/evaluation research project. Students will design, research, and conduct an action research project. Upon completion of the research project, each student will present his/her findings to the cohort class as well as to faculty members in the master’s degree in criminal justice administration program.

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Program Name: Criminal Justice

Program Designation: B.A.

Program Contact: Dr. Sam Fohr

Academic Division: Behavioral and Social Sciences

Program Description:

Do you want to help and protect people? Would you like to use some of the same investigative equipment that you see in those CSI TV shows? Then our criminal justice major is just what you’re looking for.

In our program, you’ll use forensic techniques to investigate “crime scenes” in our Crime Scene Investigation House. You’ll examine evidence in our crime lab. And, you’ll work with high-tech equipment that some professional law officers don’t have.
You’ll get real-world experience in our program and on an internship. Work alongside a police officer. Spend time at the local federal prison. You could even get an internship with the FBI, just like student Nathan Rhoades did this summer.

With your criminal justice degree, you’ll be prepared for many kinds of careers: Work as a crime scene investigator. Be a police, probation or correctional officer. Join federal or state law enforcement. Be a child welfare case worker. Or, you can go on to law schools, as some of our graduates have.

Learn more about our new CSI House. Read what students have to say about the new facility.

Students in our Criminal Justice Club are working with federal inmates to prepare them for their release. Read more.

Course Requirements in the Major
INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE
CRIMINOLOGY - ADMJ
POLICE AND SOCIETY
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS
RESEARCH METHODS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
CAPSTONE: CRIMINAL JUSTICE
FIELD PLACEMENT IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE OR DIRECTED STUDY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Other Required Courses
Select Three Courses
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
AMERICAN POLITICAL PROCESS
LAW AND THE COURTS
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Total Credits for the Major: 46-48

Course Requirements for Areas of Concentration - Law Enforcement
AMERICAN CORRECTIONS
LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS
INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE
CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE
CRIMINAL EVIDENCE AND INVESTIGATIONS
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
TOPICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Course Requirements for Areas of Concentration - Corrections
AMERICAN CORRECTIONS
PROBATION AND PAROLE
SOCIOLOGY OF DEVIANCE
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY(prerequisite: PSY 0101 Introduction to Psychology)
JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN CORRECTIONS
PSYCHOLOGY AND CRIME
TOPICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Course Requirements for Areas of Concentration - Courts, Policy, and Justice
GREAT POLITICAL THINKERS
PUBLIC POLICY
PHILOSOPHY AND PUBLIC ISSUES
POVERTY AND SOCIETY (prerequisite: ANTH 0101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology)
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
LAW AND SOCIAL CONTROL IN SOCIETY
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN COURTS, POLICY, AND JUSTICE
TOPICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

The criminal justice program offers coursework leading to the M.S.C.J. Upon graduation, students will be prepared for agency employment or continued study in the field of criminal justice/criminology.

Degree and program plans require a minimum of 36 semester hours of credit, to include the following:

Required Core (36 Hours)

CJ 606 Contemporary Issues in Juvenile Justice (3)
CJ 610 Nature and Function of the American Judicial System (3)
CJ 614 Management and Policy in Criminal Justice Organization (3)
CJ 618 Crime in America (3)
CJ 622 Contemporary Issues in Corrections (3)
CJ 630 Victimology (3)
CJ 634 Advanced Criminal Procedure (3)
CJ 640 Methods of Research in Criminal Justice (3)
CJ 645 Advanced Statistical Applications (3)
CJ 650 Criminological Theories (3)
CJ 660 Comparative Criminal Justice (3)
CJ 690 Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement (3)
CJ 698 Comprehensive exam (0)

Optional (3 hours)

CJ 699 Independent Study/Research

In the last semester in which all other course requirements are expected to be completed, the student must register for CJ 698 in order to take a written comprehensive examination prior to graduation in order to complete the program.

COURSES

CJ 606. Contemporary Issues in Juvenile Justice.

An analytical approach to the controversies surrounding the juvenile justice process. Including the goals of the system, police-juvenile interaction, juvenile adjudication and corrections.

CJ 610. Nature and Function of the American Judicial System.

Structure and function of the American judicial system; judicial process, ethics and decision making in the criminal and juvenile courts.

CJ 614. Management and Policy in Criminal Justice Organizations.

Approaches to the effective management of criminal justice organizations, with specific emphasis on personnel management and policy implications. Specialized topics include management principles, organizational structures, legal mandates, and political and social influences.

CJ 618. Crime in America.

This course will focus upon the statistical patterns of specific crimes, the modus operandi of offenders, the social-psychology of specific types of offenders (rapist, arsonists etc…), techniques of crime prevention/protection, and potential solutions to the crime problem.

CJ 622. Contemporary Issues in Corrections.

An analytical examination of current issues in corrections, including those applicable to American prisons and jails, probation, parole, and correctional programs both within correctional institutions and in the community.

CJ 630. Victimology.

The study of victims and victimization, including sources of victimization data, patterns of victim/offender relationships, the role of victims in their own victimization, special needs of victim types, responses of the community, law enforcement, judicial and correctional systems to the needs of victims.

CJ 634. Advanced Criminal Procedure.

Investigation, pretrial procedure, trial procedure and sentencing, post-trial motions, appeals, reviews, and remedies in the criminal courts.

CJ 640. Methods of Research in Criminal Justice.

The application of the elements of scientific research to criminal justice; the implementation of research designs and tools; data processing analysis.

CJ 645. Advanced Statistical Applications.

An examination of the use of inferential statistics in the analysis of criminal justice data. Major course topics will include the analyses and applications of probabilities, chi-square, t-test, ANOVA, correlations, bivariate and multiple regression.

CJ 650. Criminological Theory.

A critical analysis of the major criminological theories and their empirical foundation with emphasis on current theory and research.

CJ 660. Comparative Criminal Justice.

A study of international expressions of law, police, courts, and corrections emphasizing how various countries organize and administer their formal social control efforts. This course aims to provide students with an opportunity to contrast American criminal justice practices with those of several countries so as to understand why criminal justice systems work as they do and what advantages and disadvantages are related to such expressions of criminal justice.

CJ 690. Contemporary Issues in Law Enforcement.

An analytical examination of the controversies surrounding law enforcement practice, with primary emphasis on its functions, problems, administration, and interaction with other criminal justice agencies.

CJ 698. Comprehensive Examinations.

Orientation to and administration of written comprehensive examination for the M.S.C.J. program. A non-credit course required of all candidates to be taken the last term in which the student is expected to complete all other program requirements. A grade of “S” indicating satisfactory performance or a grade of “U” for unsatisfactory will be recorded on the transcript. A grade of “S” is required for graduation; may be repeated once. Prerequisite: student must have completed all other program requirements or be enrolled in the last course for program completion.

CJ 699. Independent Study/Research.

Guided independent study and/or research in an area related to criminal justice administration. Prerequisite: approval from department chair.

Bachelor of Arts

The major is designed to prepare students for career opportunities in the criminal justice field, to include law enforcement, courts and corrections, and private security, or for further study at the graduate level in criminal justice, criminology or law. To successfully complete the criminal justice major, the following coursework is required:
27 Criminal Justice core component credits
12 Criminal Justice elective credits
15 skills components credits
37 academic core credits
18 general elective credits
11 credits of a foreign language [Spanish or Arabic recommended].

A minimum of 120 credits is required for degree, the last 30 of which must be taken at La Roche College.

Criminal Justice Required Courses: 27 credits (Students may select CRIM/SOC 330, Theories of Criminal Deviance OR CRIM 342, Applied Criminology)

CRIM 101 Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
CRIM 310 Criminal Law
CRIM 342 Applied Criminology
CRIM 345 Criminal Investigations
CRIM 455 Senior Criminal Justice Capstone
CRIM/PSY 311 Research Methods
CRIM/SOC 216 Police and Society
CRIM/SOC 330 Theories of Criminal Deviance
PS 205 Constitutional Law

Elective Courses: select any 4 courses (12 credits)

CRIM 210 Introduction to Corrections
CRIM 300 Correctional Counseling
CRIM 320 Special Topics in Criminal Justice
CRIM 334 Enterprise & Transnational Crime
CRIM 336 Terrorism
CRIM 340 Crime Scene & Forensics Laboratory
CRIM 341 Criminalistics
CRIM 343 Computer Crime
CRIM 346 Security Management & Loss Prevention
CRIM 352 Administration of Criminal Justice Organizations
CRIM 354 Law Enforcement Communications: Interviewing, Note Taking and Report Writing
CRIM 412 Emergency Preparedness and Crisis Management
CRIM 451 Internship in Criminal Justice
CRIM 457 Independent Study
CRIM/SOC 230 Juvenile Delinquency

Skills Component: 15 credits (students may select CRIM 212, Analysis of Criminal Justice Data OR MT 140, Probability & Statistics; students may select CRIM 218, Professional Responsibility OR PH 226 Ethics

CRIM 212 Analysis of Criminal Justice Data
CRIM 218 Professional Responsibility: Legal & Ethical Concepts
EN 230 Technical Writing
IST 208 Introduction to Cyberspace
MT 140 Probability and Statistics
PH 120 Logic
PH 226 Ethics

Language Requirement – No Credits Required.
APCRP students do not have a modern language requirement but can take language courses as alternatives and may minor in Spanish.

General Electives - 15 Credits
APCJP students have been granted 11 credits (W) from the elective component based upon work experience and prior academic/training courses.

The elective requirement may be fulfilled through a minor or certificate program. Recommended programs are: Criminalistics, Modern Languages, Computer Science, Psychology, Sociology, Accounting, Pre Law, and Management.

Criminal Justice elective courses in excess of the required credit (6) may be taken and applied to the general elective component.

Criminal Justice -15 credits required: Students granted 12 credits for CRIM 101–Introduction to the Criminal Justice System (A); CRIM 216–Police and Society (W); CRIM 345–Criminal Investigations (A); and CRIM 211-Intelligence Analysis and Presentation (A)

CRIM 310 Criminal Law
CRIM 455 Senior Criminal Justice Capstone
CRIM/PS 205 Constitutional Law
CRIM/PSY 311 Research Methods
CRIM/SOC 330 Theories of Criminal Deviance

Criminal Justice Electives - Select 6 credits: Students are granted 6 credits for CRIM 354 – Law Enforcement Communications (A); and CRIM 451 – Internship (W)

CRIM 210 Introduction to Corrections
CRIM 300 Correctional Counseling
CRIM 334 Enterprise & Transnational Crime
CRIM 336 Terrorism
CRIM 340 Crime Scene & Forensics Laboratory
CRIM 341 Criminalistics
CRIM 343 Computer Crime
CRIM 346 Security Management & Loss Prevention
CRIM 352 Administration of Criminal Justice Organizations
CRIM 457 Independent Study

Criminal Justice Skills - 12 credits required: Students are granted 3 credits for CRIM 207 – Professional Responsibility (A). (Select CRIM 212 or MT 140)

CRIM 212 Analysis of Criminal Justice Data
EN 230 Technical Writing
IST 208 Introduction to Cyberspace
MT 140 Probability and Statistics
PH 120 Logic

CJ 1101 Introduction Criminal Justice (3)
Agencies and processes involved in the administration of criminal justice. This course is a prerequisite for all 3000- and 4000-level courses unless waived by student’s adviser.

CJ 2221 Survey of Law Enforcement (3)
A survey of policing, covering developmental history, the system of law enforcement organizations in the U.S., personnel administration, police roles and behavior, operations, and major issues such as discretion, civil liability, risk, and excessive force.

CJ 2231 Survey of Corrections (3)
Philosophy, theory, and practices involved in the treatment of convicted law violators, the examination, and the appraisal of the effects of correctional treatment upon post-correctional behavior.

CJ 2241 Survey of Law and Criminal Procedure (3)
An examination of the American legal system with emphasis on the analysis and processing of criminal offenses, including an examination of constitutional criminal procedure concerning arrest, pre-trial and trial processes.

CJ 3302 Criminal Justice Administration (3)
A survey of public administration as it applies to criminal justice organizations. The major dimensions of criminal justice organizations examined include organizational theory, organizational design, leadership and decision making, interpersonal and organizational communication, human resource management, legal aspects of administration, financial management, and organizational change.

CJ 3310 Psychology for Criminal Justice Officials (3)
Behavior of subjects and police officers in normal and unusual conditions, arrest, interrogation, detention, incarceration, protest, demonstrations, riots, public calamities, reactions of special interest groups, minorities, and specialized tests.

CJ 3325 Juvenile Justice (3)
Provides a basic overview of the American juvenile justice system, beginning with the development of the juvenile court and addressing the jurisdiction, role, responsibilities, administration, and organization of the juvenile justice system. Also examined are the interfaces between police, schools, and the court, the issues of child abuse, and the operation of treatment programs.

CJ 3335 Private and Public Security Administration (3)
An introduction to the administration of private security, the analog to the police in the public sector. Issues in private security concerning ethics, law, and policy, as well as administration, are considered.

CJ 3345 Criminology (3)
An examination of crime, overall and by category, and an examination of theories of crime causation, their research support and their impact on social policy, categories of crime, etc. The criminological theories covered will be classical, biological, sociological, psychological, economic, and multidisciplinary.

CJ 3352 Constitutional Law in Criminal Justice (3)
Constitutional provisions which are relevant to criminal law and procedure, their construction and development through court interpretation, and their application in criminal proceedings.

CJ 3365 Victimology (3)
This course provides an opportunity for the student to gain an understanding of the crime victim’s position and issues with the criminal justice system. Specifically, trends, applied responses to victimization, offender-victim relationships, typologies, measuring victimization, and prevention are examined.

CJ 3367 History of Criminal Justice (3)
Upon completion of the course the student must have demonstrated his/her knowledge of criminal justice systems from approximately 1700 B.C. to the present. With that knowledge and comprehension, the student should be able to analyze and apply lessons learned from that historical context to current situations in the United States Criminal Justice System.

CJ 3375 Introduction to Social Scientific Inquiry (3)
Principles of pure and applied research for the social sciences. Special emphasis is given to the types of research methods employed by social scientists including survey techniques, field research, quasi-experimental designs and analytical procedures currently used in the social sciences. Prerequisite: General studies math.

CJ 3376 Application of Social Scientific Inquiry (3)
A detailed description of what social scientists do with the information they gather. Particular attention is given to descriptive and inferential statistics, the relationship between research and policy, evaluation research, and research ethics. Prerequisite: General studies math.

CJ 4415 Correctional Systems and Practices (3)
An examination of the day-to-day operations and practices in modern correctional facilities in the local, state, and federal systems.

CJ 4420 Comparative Criminal Justice (3)
A comparative examination of criminal justice systems throughout the world with specific attention given to legal and political systems, organization and methods of law enforcement, jurisprudence, correctional policies, and practices. Theoretical frameworks, models, and propositions addressing crime across various societies are also considered.

CJ 4421 Ethics in Criminal Justice (3)
An introduction to concepts of ethics and an examination of contemporary ethical issues in the field of criminal justice.

CJ 4430 Selected Topics in Criminal Justice (3)
An examination of a criminal justice topic chosen for its current or special interest and importance and that is not given in-depth coverage in other courses; selection topics will vary with each course offering (although a particular topic may be offered more than once.)

CJ 4435 Grant Writing (3)
A detailed examination of how to apply to governmental and private entities for funding of various programs and projects in the field of criminal justice.

CJ 4440 Terrorism (3)
A critical examination and analysis of major issues, definitions, and controversies associated with the development of terrorism in the modern world. Historical, religious, and psychological and sociological aspects and explanations of terrorism will be covered, along with the characteristic means and methods terrorist groups employ.

CJ 4442 Criminal Investigation and Evidence (3)
A detailed examination of what is necessary to solve criminal cases and prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt in court. Emphasis on leadership and management actions taken to enhance investigative efforts in law enforcement operation.

CJ 4445 Current Issues in Law Enforcement Operations and Administration (3)
A detailed examination of applied concepts of leadership and problem solving in law enforcement operations and administrations. Special emphasis is attached to current problems surfacing in law enforcement.

CJ 4446 Current Issues in Correctional Operations and Administration (3)
A detailed examination of applied concepts of leadership and problem solving in corrections and administration. Special emphasis is attached to current problems surfacing in corrections.

CJ 4447 Current Issues in Legal Systems Operation and Administration (3)
A study of the critical issues and concepts involved in modern court administration, including the law governing the presentation of evidence in the trial of criminal cases, analysis of the role of law, and the courts in American Society.

CJ 4462 Polygraph: History and Investigative Applications (3)
An historical perspective of the polygraph and an overview of legal issues concerning clinical polygraph examinations, criminal specific examinations, and the limitations of polygraphs.

CJ 4470 Criminal Justice Issues in Homeland Security (3)
An examination of the political and social complexities and dilemmas associated with state and local law enforcement and federal agencies roles in the defense of our nation subsequent to September 11, 2001.

CJ 4472 Cyber Crime (3)
This course will introduce the topics of computer crime and computer forensics. Students will be required to learn different aspects of computer crime and ways to uncover, protect, and exploit digital evidence. Students will be exposed to different types of tools, both software and hardware, and an exploration of the legal issues affected by online and computer-related criminal conduct. The course will examine the evolution of criminal law relative to the development of new technology.

Well-trained professionals in the public and private law enforcement environments are vital in protecting our society and insuring our freedoms as citizens of this country. Graduates of this major will
increase their knowledge of contemporary criminal justice theory and issues,
develop skills in the management of criminal justice organizations;
broaden tolerance toward groups and individuals of diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds.Resource Panel download this page as a PDF

To request more information about the Criminal Justice program please click here.
To speak with a Bluefield College representative, please contact Bluefield College Admissions at 800.872.0176 option 1 or admissions@bluefield.edu

The Focus of the CRJ Major
The purpose of the CRJ major is to provide an academic opportunity for degree completion to adult learners in the field of criminal justice. This will be accomplished through a strong academic and professional training course of study that is grounded in a liberal arts curriculum. Graduates of this major will increase their knowledge of contemporary criminal justice theory and issues, develop abilities in thinking and personal communication skills, and broaden tolerance toward groups and individuals of diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds.
Semester I: 16 Weeks
INT 3063 Professional
Learning & Research Skills:
5 weeks
CRJ 4123 Substantive
Criminal Law: 6 Weeks
SOC/CRJ 3023 Theories in
Social Deviance: 5 Weeks
CRJ 3103 Online Course:
Community Based
Corrections: 16 Weeks
Semester II: 16 Weeks
PSY/CRJ 3143
Psychology of
Criminal Behavior:
5 Weeks
CST 3103 Biblical
Perspectives: 6 Weeks
SOC/CRJ 4333
Management of
Justice Organizations:
5 Weeks
PSY/SOC/CRJ 3014
Online Course:
Social Research
Methods: 16 Weeks
Semester III: 16 Weeks
CRJ 4013
Comparative Criminal
Justice Systems: 5 Weeks
CST 4403
Ethics: 5 Weeks
CRJ 4044
Criminal Justice &
Public Policy: 6 Weeks
CRJ 3133
Online Course:
Minority Issues in
Criminal Justice: 16 Weeks

Semester I
Credit Hours: 12 Semester II
Credit Hours: 13 Semester III
Credit Hours: 13

At Utica College, our online MS in Criminal Justice Administration-Planning and Leadership offers the criminal justice professional an education in public administration that is oriented to the management and leadership of any justice organization. Those who pursue the Criminal Justice Administration degree are professionals who wish to advance their supervisory roles within criminal justice organizations.

About the Criminal Justice Administration Program
The Criminal Justice Administration online program explores the criminal justice process and its key components, while at the same time examining the skills needed for effective interpersonal communication, administrative decision-making, leadership and personnel management.
Our curriculum is focused on national and global perspectives, critical thinking, problem solving, fostering teamwork through effective leadership, written and oral communication, and technology. Contemporary issues such as human relations and social conflict, professionalism and ethics, and the injection of technology into crime and its detection are also addressed.

Learn more about Utica’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration – Planning and Leadership:

View the online MS in Criminal Justice Administration- Planning and Leadership Curriculum

Learn the skills and knowledge you need to succeed in your criminal justice career, providing leadership at any of a wide variety of organizations in the public and private sectors.

Graduates of our Criminal Justice Administration program will be prepared for mid-level employment by U.S. Immigration, DEA, FBI, Secret Service, U.S. Marshals Office, and Federal Bureau of Prisons.

If you would like more information about the online Criminal Justice Administration master’s degree, contact us at (866) 295-3106. One of our Program Managers will answer any questions you might have about Utica College and why it is the right choice for your graduate education.

Program Name: Criminal Justice

Program Designation: B.A.

Program Contact: Dr. Sam Fohr

Academic Division: Behavioral and Social Sciences

Program Description:

Do you want to help and protect people? Would you like to use some of the same investigative equipment that you see in those CSI TV shows? Then our criminal justice major is just what you’re looking for.

In our program, you’ll use forensic techniques to investigate “crime scenes” in our Crime Scene Investigation House. You’ll examine evidence in our crime lab. And, you’ll work with high-tech equipment that some professional law officers don’t have.
You’ll get real-world experience in our program and on an internship. Work alongside a police officer. Spend time at the local federal prison. You could even get an internship with the FBI, just like student Nathan Rhoades did this summer.

With your criminal justice degree, you’ll be prepared for many kinds of careers: Work as a crime scene investigator. Be a police, probation or correctional officer. Join federal or state law enforcement. Be a child welfare case worker. Or, you can go on to law schools, as some of our graduates have.

Learn more about our new CSI House. Read what students have to say about the new facility.

Students in our Criminal Justice Club are working with federal inmates to prepare them for their release. Read more.

Course Requirements in the Major
INTRODUCTION TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE
CRIMINOLOGY - ADMJ
POLICE AND SOCIETY
MANAGEMENT AND ADMINISTRATION IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS
RESEARCH METHODS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE
CAPSTONE: CRIMINAL JUSTICE
FIELD PLACEMENT IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE OR DIRECTED STUDY: CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Other Required Courses
Select Three Courses
INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY
AMERICAN POLITICAL PROCESS
LAW AND THE COURTS
INTRODUCTION TO PSYCHOLOGY

Total Credits for the Major: 46-48

Course Requirements for Areas of Concentration - Law Enforcement
AMERICAN CORRECTIONS
LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS
INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC SCIENCE
CRIMINAL LAW AND PROCEDURE
CRIMINAL EVIDENCE AND INVESTIGATIONS
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN LAW ENFORCEMENT
TOPICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Course Requirements for Areas of Concentration - Corrections
AMERICAN CORRECTIONS
PROBATION AND PAROLE
SOCIOLOGY OF DEVIANCE
ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY(prerequisite: PSY 0101 Introduction to Psychology)
JUVENILE JUSTICE SYSTEM
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN CORRECTIONS
PSYCHOLOGY AND CRIME
TOPICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Course Requirements for Areas of Concentration - Courts, Policy, and Justice
GREAT POLITICAL THINKERS
PUBLIC POLICY
PHILOSOPHY AND PUBLIC ISSUES
POVERTY AND SOCIETY (prerequisite: ANTH 0101 Introduction to Cultural Anthropology)
CONSTITUTIONAL LAW
LAW AND SOCIAL CONTROL IN SOCIETY
CONTEMPORARY ISSUES IN COURTS, POLICY, AND JUSTICE
TOPICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE