Criminal Justice Degree Online

CRJ 260. Criminal Justice System (3 hours)
(CRJ 260 is prerequisite to all other CRJ courses.)
An overview and analysis of the major components of the criminal justice system: criminal law, law enforcement, the judicial and correctional processes, and related topics.

CRJ 360. Criminology (3 hours)
An analysis of the major theories of criminal behavior, the nature and types of crime, and the relationship between crime and society. Special emphasis will be placed on the relationship between the notion of crime, punishment, and justice.

CRJ 362. Juvenile Delinquency (3 hours)
A study of the nature and extent of juvenile delinquency in contemporary society, with particular emphasis on theories of causation, treatment, and control.

CRJ 367. Law and Society (3 hours)
Prerequisite: CRJ 260 or SOC 101
This course studies the moral and cultural values which shape our legal system and the pervasive impact of that system on our society and culture. Through an in-depth examination of the most controversial legal-societal issues of the day, the course will illuminate the evolving role and interaction of the public, the judiciary, and the legislature in defining and enforcing social norms, thus shaping the American social and cultural landscape.

CRJ 390. Special Topics in Criminal Justice (3 hours)
Prerequisite: consent of instructor and chair.
A study of some significant topic in criminal justice that is not available through other departmental course offerings.

CRJ 490. Internship (3-6 hours)
Prerequisite: consent of instructor and chair.
The internship offers practical experience through fieldwork. The student is responsible for all arrangements.

The objectives of the department are (1) to provide students with a critical awareness and understanding of the social world of which they are a part; (2) to familiarize students with their social responsibilities as members of society; (3) to provide a basic foundation for advanced study and possible careers in sociology or social work, criminal justice, and anthropology; (4) to provide a knowledge of social interaction and social structure useful for students entering business, government, and the professions.
Sociology Major

A major in sociology consists of nine courses (29 hours), including SOC 101 (prerequisite to all 300 and 400 level Sociology courses), 301, 302, 304, 404a, and 404b, as well as one additional elective. At least 15 hours toward the major must come from courses numbered above 300.

In addition, one course must be taken from each of the following three:

1. Problems (SOC 210, 295, 310, 313, 315, 345)

2. Structures (SOC 320, 321, 323, 325, 330, 335, 340, 367)

3. Special areas (SOC 390, 395, 490, ANT 201, CRJ 260)
Minors

Sociology Minor
A minor in sociology consists of a minimum of 16 hours, including SOC 101, 301, and 304.

Anthropology Minor
A minor in anthropology consists of a minimum of 15 hours, including ANT 201 and 12 additional hours in Anthropology, six of which must number 300 or above.

Criminal Justice Minor
The minor in criminal justice consists of 16 credit hours, including SOC 101, CRJ 260, CRJ 490, and two 300-level Criminal Justice courses. With permission of the chair, SOC 313 may be taken in place of one of the two 300-level CRJ electives in the minor.
Departmental Honors

Majors may qualify for departmental honors in sociology by qualifying for membership in Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Sociology Honor Society.

Mercer University’s Undergraduate Criminal Justice Degree is designed to prepare students for employment in professional careers or graduate school. The Criminal Justice department is made up of faculty who specialize in criminal justice, sociology, public administration, psychology, law, and social science.

Our program offers personal attention to every student through small class sizes and individualized advisement. This one on one attention has provided a valuable framework for our program since its inception fifteen years ago. The mission of the criminal justice program at Mercer University is to give the student an appreciation of critical thinking, ethics in public safety, professionalism, and life long learning. Students are also provided a basic understanding of the philosophical, theoretical, and structural aspects of the criminal justice system. In addition, students are offered field experience in which they can explore the criminal justice system at work.

Faculty

Dr. Lynn Tankersley, Program Coordinator, Advisor, Douglas County Regional Academic Center

Dr. Billy Slaton, Advisor, Atlanta Campus

Dr. Larry Stewart, Advisor, Henry County Regional Academic Center

Professor Charles Weston, Advisor, Macon Academic Center
Admissions Contacts:
Atlanta and Macon Programs - Amanda Bentley, (678) 547-6554
Henry County Program - Stephen Jenkins, (678) 547-6436
Douglas County Program - Tammy Collins, (678) 547-6493