Criminal Justice (B.S. in School of Professional Studies)

• Program Chair
• Description
• Major Requirements
• Program Policies
• Course Descriptions

Program Chair

Thomas Mostowy, Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

Description

The Criminal Justice Major offers a curriculum focused upon the Administration of Justice, Criminal Law, the Principles of Correctional Operations, Juvenile Justice, Criminal Procedure, Law Enforcement, Criminological Theory, and Research & Writing Methods for the Criminal Justice Professional.

The curriculum guides the student through the history of theoretical and practical aspects of the discipline and the analysis of current issues in the field of criminal justice. The program also exposes the student to select specialized courses in Law Administration, Law Enforcement, Corrections, Criminological Theory, Juvenile Justice, Forensics, and Intelligence. The curriculum has been designed in accordance with current SPS standards as well as the related professional certification standards of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS).

Major Requirements

Thirty six (36) credits of course work are required for the Criminal Justice major involving twenty-seven (27) credits of required core course work and nine (9) credits of required concentration course work .

Two foundation core courses (6 credits)

CRJ 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice CRJ 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice

This course will offer a survey of the U.S. criminal justice system, including the nature of law, crime, and criminology, and the function of law in society, i.e., the role of the police, the courts, and correctional agencies in the criminal justice system.

3 credits

CRJ 101 Criminal Law CRJ 101 Criminal Law

This course examines the substantive criminal law that defines criminal behavior. The general principles of criminal liability including defenses, parties to crime, and the elements of specific crimes are examined from a broad perspective. Decisions of English and American courts are analyzed to interpret the rules and doctrines of criminal law.

3 credits

Seven core courses (21 credits)

CRJ 200 Principles of Correctional Operations CRJ 200 Principles of Correctional Operations

Comprehensive survey of the correctional process in the U.S., including present philosophies and practices of punishment and rehabilitation; procedures of custodial institutions; functions of correctional officers; functions of probation and parole; classification program assignment; and release procedures.

3 credits

CRJ 201 Juvenile Justice CRJ 201 Juvenile Justice

Comprehensive survey of the correctional process in the U.S., including present philosophies and practices of punishment and rehabilitation; procedures of custodial institutions; functions of correctional officers; functions of probation and parole; classification program assignment; and release procedures.

3 credits

Juvenile Justice
CRJ 202 Criminal Procedure CRJ 202 Criminal Procedure

This course reviews procedural aspects of criminal law governing the acts of law enforcement personnel, with a special emphasis on the constitutional rights of the accused. This study includes arrest, search and seizure, confessions, right to counsel, and similar topics.

3 credits

SOCY 311 Research Methods for Social Scientists SOCY 311 Research Methods for Social Scientists

Introduces the student to various research methods used in the social sciences. Topics include causal analysis survey, observational, and evaluating strategies; feminist methods; database management; and statistical data analysis (SPSS). Formerly SOC 342 Research Methods.

3 credits

Prerequisites: SOCY 100 and MATH 110

CRJ 401 OR CRJ 491

Three concentration courses (9 credits)

For further information about concentrations, please contact the Program Chair.

Program Policies

Advanced Placement:
Credits earned through AP examinations do not fulfill requirements of the Criminal Justice major.

CLEP Policy:
Credits earned through CLEP examinations do not fulfill requirements of the Criminal Justice major.

Grades in Major Courses:
Students are required to earn a grade of "C" or better in all courses counted to fulfill requirements for the major. In addition, students must achieve a passing grade on the Senior Comprehensive portfolio.

Pass/No Pass:
Courses fulfilling major requirements may not be taken pass/no pass.

TELL Policy:
Students applying for credit in experiential learning should consult with the program faculty.

Transfer Credits:
Credits in courses equivalent to those required for the major from a similar institution may be accepted toward a major. Students majoring in criminal justice must take a minimum of four criminal justice courses at Trinity.

Course Descriptions