School of Criminal Justice and Criminology
Hines Academic Center Room 108
Telephone: 512-245-2174 Fax: 512-245-8063
www.cj.txstate.edu
The undergraduate degree program in the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology prepares students to serve the community in the operation and management of criminal justice agencies including: federal, state, county, and municipal law enforcement; probation; courts; and law; institutional corrections; parole; and related agencies. The major is founded on an interdisciplinary and academic approach to the role of criminal justice in the maintenance of social order in a democratic society.
The Criminal Justice program promotes the development of advanced research and writing skills, and includes internship experiences and interdisciplinary coursework.
Courses in Criminal Justice (CJ)
CJ 1310. Introduction to Criminal Justice.
This course provides a comprehensive overview of the history and philosophy of the criminal justice system, examining the structure, roles, and functions of law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students study how criminal justice institutions operate, how cases move through the system, and how legal frameworks shape decision making at each stage. The course introduces key concepts such as crime measurement, procedural justice, institutional processes, and organizational responsibilities. Emphasis is placed on objective analysis of system operations, allowing students to analyze major components, historical development, and contemporary challenges. Students develop foundational knowledge to support further study in criminal justice, criminology and justice-related fields.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
TCCN: CRIJ 1301
CJ 2310. Police Systems and Practices.
This course offers an examination and assessment of policing in the United States. Students study the historical development of policing in the United States, starting from its English roots. Students consider the functions of police at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as their organizational structure. Students assess the effectiveness of a variety of police practices and strategies used across policing in the United States. Students evaluate the use of discretion in policing and its limits, and consider a variety of accountability mechanisms for police conduct. Prerequisite: CJ 1310 with a grade of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
TCCN: CRIJ 2328
CJ 2350. The Courts and Criminal Procedure.
This course examines the structure, function, and processes of courts within the criminal justice system, with an emphasis on how procedural rules shape the administration of justice. Students study the roles of judges, prosecutors, defense counsel, and other key actors, as well as constitutional principles that guide criminal procedure. Topics include arrest, search and seizure, charging decisions, pretrial practices, adjudication, sentencing, and appellate review. The course emphasizes legal reasoning, institutional analysis, and the study of criminal procedure as a field of professional practice and scholarly inquiry. Students engage with case law, statutory frameworks, and empirical research to understand how procedural rules operate in varied contexts. The course emphasizes analysis of criminal court processes using objective, evidence‑based methods Prerequisite: CJ 1310 with a grade of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
TCCN: CRIJ 1306
CJ 2355. Correctional Systems and Practices.
This course examines the structures, functions, and operational practices of correctional systems within the United States. Students study institutional and community-based corrections, including supervision models, classification processes, rehabilitative programming, and administrative procedures. The course analyzes historical developments, legal frameworks, organizational challenges, and contemporary issues shaping correctional management. Emphasis is placed on examining how policies, practices, and institutional roles operate within broader criminal justice frameworks. Students evaluate research, compare correctional approaches, and consider the practical responsibilities associated with work in correctional settings. The course explores correctional systems and practices as subjects of empirical and scholarly inquiry. Prerequisite: CJ 1310 with a grade of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
TCCN: CRIJ 2313
CJ 2360. Fundamentals of Criminal Law.
This course provides an overview of the principles, doctrines, and structures that shape criminal law in the United States. Students examine the historical development of criminal liability, the elements of offenses, defenses, and the procedural context in which criminal law operates. The course introduces key legal concepts such as actus reus, mens rea, causation, justification, and excuse, emphasizing how these concepts function within statutes and case law. Students also study the role of legislatures, courts, and legal actors in defining and interpreting criminal offenses. Throughout the course, criminal law is presented as an academic and legal field of study, enabling students to analyze legal rules, compare approaches across jurisdictions, and assess how criminal law frameworks evolve over time.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
TCCN: CRIJ 1310
CJ 3300. Juvenile Justice.
This course examines the structure, development, and operation of juvenile justice systems in the United States, with attention to historical context, legal frameworks, and contemporary practices. Students explore perspectives on youth offending as they relate to juvenile court procedures, detention and rehabilitation models, and the roles of various agencies involved in responding to juvenile behavior. The course emphasizes empirical research, policy analysis, and cross-jurisdictional comparisons. Ethical considerations, professional standards, and current debates within the field are addressed as subjects of scholarly inquiry. By engaging with case studies and research findings, students develop analytic skills needed to interpret system functions and evaluate different approaches to juvenile justice. Prerequisite: CJ 1310 with a grade of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 3322. Race, Ethnicity and Criminal Justice.
This course investigates the historical and structural factors that contribute to differential outcomes within the criminal justice system. Students analyze major theories of crime, institutional practices, and the role of the broader societal systems such as media, policy, and economics to assess how different frameworks shape justice system practices. Prerequisite: CJ 1310 with a grade of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 3323. Mid-Level Management in Criminal Justice Agencies.
This course examines the roles, responsibilities, and decision-making processes of mid-level managers within criminal justice agencies. Students study core management functions such as supervision, communication, resource coordination, organizational structure, and operational planning. Emphasis is placed on examining administrative processes, evaluating management strategies, and analyzing how justice organizations function within legal, policy, and community contexts. The course focuses on different management models and leadership theories enabling students to assess their practical applications across policing, courts, and corrections. Students develop skills in problem-solving, organizational analysis, and evidence-based decision-making relevant to supervisory positions in the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: CJ 2310 or CJ 2355 either with a grade of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 3325. Incarceration in America.
This course examines incarceration within the American criminal justice system from a historical, legal, and social science perspective. Students explore the historical development of prisons, legal foundations of punishment, and the structure of local, state, and federal correctional systems. The course reviews research on sentencing, prison conditions, community supervision, recidivism, and other collateral consequences of imprisonment. Particular attention is given to how incarceration interacts with crime control, public safety, and social institutions such as families, labor markets, and communities. Students examine different explanations for incarceration trends and evaluate evidence-based approaches to punishment, rehabilitation, and reentry. Prerequisite: CJ 2355 with a grade of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 3329. Forensic Evidence.
This course examines the principles, methods, and scientific foundations of forensic evidence used in investigative and legal contexts. Students explore how physical, biological, digital, and interviewing and interrogation evidence is collected, processed, analyzed, and interpreted within established professional and legal standards. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, reliability, limitations, and documentation practices that support evidentiary integrity. Through case-based study, students evaluate how forensic evidence contributes to investigative decision-making and judicial processes. The course prepares students to apply analytical reasoning while recognizing the constraints, ethical considerations, procedural safeguards, and documentation protocols inherent in forensic work. Prerequisite: CJ 2350 and CJ 2360 both with grades of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 3346. Research in Criminal Justice.
This course examines the principles, methods, and analytical approaches used to study issues within the field of criminal justice. Students explore research design, data collection techniques, measurement strategies, and approaches to analyzing qualitative and quantitative evidence. Emphasis is placed on understanding how empirical findings are generated, evaluated, and applied within criminal justice contexts. The course provides opportunities to practice formulating research questions, assessing strengths and limitations of methodological choices, and interpreting research results in a clear and objective manner. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically engage with scholarly research and consider how empirical inquiry supports evidence-based decision-making in criminal justice settings. (WI) Prerequisite: CJ 1310 and [CJ 3347 or PSY 2301 or SOCI 3307] all with grades of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 3347. Statistics For Criminal Justice.
This course introduces students to statistical concepts and methods commonly used in criminal justice research and practice. Students examine the role of descriptive and inferential statistics in analyzing crime trends, evaluating agency performance, and interpreting empirical findings within the justice system. The course covers data types, levels of measurement, measures of central tendency and dispersion, sampling, probability, hypothesis testing, correlation, and group differences tests, with an emphasis on the practical interpretation of statistical results. Students learn to interpret statistical findings of criminal justice data, assess the strengths and limitations of statistical approaches, and develop the skills needed to critically evaluate statistical results and research findings. Prerequisite: CJ 1310 with a grade of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 3350. Intelligence Analysis.
This course examines the role of intelligence gathering within domestic and international terrorism and counterterrorism efforts. Students analyze methods for collecting, collating, and disseminating intelligence, as well as the techniques and platforms used, including human, technological, and open-source approaches. The course evaluates the Target-Centric model of intelligence analysis, focusing on the relationships between analysts and consumers. Current issues in intelligence practices are explored through case studies and critical discussion of multiple analytical frameworks.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 3385. Gangs and the Criminal Justice System.
This course is an introduction to street gangs and crime in the United States. Students examine the definition of gangs, gang members and gang activity, the history and development of gangs, the structure of gangs and gang members, the nature of gang activity, theoretical explanations of gangs, and the criminal justice system’s response to gangs. Through lectures and case-based analysis, students evaluate the social, cultural, and policy dimensions of gangs, gang formation and persistence.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4301. Internship I.
This course provides students with supervised professional experience in an approved internship setting relevant to their academic program. Students apply foundational disciplinary knowledge, observe professional practices, and develop practical skills through structured activities, guided reflection, and regular communication with a faculty supervisor. The internship emphasizes workplace engagement, professional conduct, and intentional professional development, encouraging students to identify career goals, strengthen workplace competencies, and gain insight into the expectations of the field. Clearly defined objectives support documentation of learning and skill growth. This course allows students to examine real world organizational processes, connect theory to practice, and evaluate potential professional pathways in a structured and academically supported manner. Faculty oversight ensures that students maintain reflective records, receive formative feedback, and complete assessments demonstrating the relationship between internship experiences, professional development, and disciplinary learning outcomes. (WI). Prerequisite: CJ 2310 and CJ 2350 and CJ 2355 and CJ 2360 and CJ 3346 all with a grade of "D" or better and a minimum 2.25 Texas State GPA and a minimum 2.50 Major GPA.
3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 6 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
CJ 4302. Internship II.
This course provides students with supervised professional experience in an approved internship setting relevant to their academic program. Students apply foundational disciplinary knowledge, observe professional practices, and develop practical skills through structured activities, guided reflection, and regular communication with a faculty supervisor. The internship emphasizes workplace engagement, professional conduct, and intentional professional development, requiring students to identify career goals, strengthen professional competencies, and reflect on their growth as emerging practitioners. Clearly defined objectives support the documentation of learning and skill acquisition. This course allows students to examine real world organizational processes, connect theory to practice, and evaluate potential professional pathways in a structured and academically supported manner. Faculty oversight ensures that students maintain reflective records, receive formative feedback, and complete assessments demonstrating the relationship between internship experiences, professional development, and disciplinary learning outcomes. (WI) Prerequisite: CJ 2310 and CJ 2350 and CJ 2355 and CJ 2360 and CJ 3346 all with a grade of "D" and a minimum 2.25 Texas State GPA and a minimum 2.50 Major GPA.
3 Credit Hours. 0 Lecture Contact Hours. 6 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Credit/No Credit
CJ 4309O. Use of Force Experiential Learning.
This course provides students with structured experiential learning focused on the analysis and evaluation of use-of-force decision-making in professional contexts. Students examine the factors that shape perception, judgment, and response options in rapidly evolving situations. Emphasis is placed on understanding legal frameworks, institutional policies, evidence-based research, and relevant professional standards. Students engage in reflective analysis to enhance situational awareness, communication skills, and the ability to articulate decision-making processes. The course encourages students to evaluate diverse perspectives and develop informed analytical skills grounded in scholarly inquiry and professional practice. Prerequisite: CJ1310 and CJ 2310 both with a grade of “D” or better and instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4309P. Investigations.
This course examines research and theory related to police investigations. Students examine investigative procedures, evidence collection, interviewing strategies, profiling, victim roles, and factors contributing to investigation bias, investigative errors, and safeguards against investigative failure. The course incorporates implementation science to analyze how empirical findings influence professional practice, emphasizing the challenges and implications of applying evidence-based strategies in policing. Students evaluate the benefits, limitations, and complexities of translating research into operational contexts. Prerequisite: CJ 2310 with a grade of "D" or better and CJ 3346 with a grade of "C" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4309Q. Human Trafficking.
This course examines human trafficking as a global and domestic phenomenon through an interdisciplinary, evidence based framework. Students study the historical development, legal definitions, market dynamics, recruitment processes, and policy responses associated with trafficking in persons. The course emphasizes scholarly analysis of empirical research, case studies, and methodological approaches. Attention is given to diverse forms of trafficking, including labor, sex, and other exploitative practices. Students evaluate how governmental, nonprofit, and international organizations collect data, frame the issue, and implement interventions.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing|Topics
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4310. Special Problems in the Criminal Justice System.
This course examines selected contemporary issues affecting the operation, administration, and perception of the criminal justice system. Students analyze challenges related to policing, courts, corrections, forensic practices, community relations, and emerging forms of crime. Emphasis is placed on reviewing empirical research, evaluating policy debates, and assessing how legal, organizational, and technological developments shape justice processes. By exploring case studies and current published research literature, students develop the ability to critically assess complex problems and articulate research-based observations relevant to criminal justice agencies and stakeholders. (Capstone Course). (WI) Prerequisite: CJ 2310 and CJ 2350 and CJ 2355 and CJ 2360 all with grades of "D" or better. Corequisite: CJ 3346 with a grade of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4314. Terrorism.
This course analyzes terrorism and terrorist organizations from multiple perspectives, including historical, structural, and geographic frameworks. Students investigate the origins and evolution of terrorist movements, assess the factors shaping their strategies, and examine the role of ideology and context in their operations. Counterterrorism policies and practices are evaluated to comprehend their impact and limitations. Emphasis is placed on critical inquiry and comparative analysis to document patterns, motivations, and responses to terrorism. By engaging with diverse perspectives and empirical research, students develop the ability to assess patterns and responses related to terrorism.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4316. Treatment in Community and Institutional Corrections.
This course examines the theories, methods, and practices used to deliver treatment and intervention services in both community-based and institutional correctional settings. Students study historical and contemporary approaches to rehabilitation, the role of assessment in case planning, program design and evaluation, and the organizational factors that influence service delivery. Topics include behavioral, cognitive, and skills-based interventions; risk needs responsivity models; treatment ethics; and the practical challenges of implementing programs with different populations. The course emphasizes evidence-based practices and encourages critical analysis of research regarding treatment effectiveness, program integrity, and professional decision-making. Students learn to evaluate intervention strategies while considering the varied goals of correctional systems and the complexities of real world practice environments. Prerequisite: CJ 2355 with a grade of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4317. Active Shooter Response Experiential Learning.
This course examines the relationship between active shooter response training and empirical research. Students will complete the ALERRT Level I Active Shooter Response Course and then analyze scholarly literature that informs such training, focusing on identifying consistencies, discrepancies, and research gaps. Through lectures, discussions, simulations, and case studies, students will evaluate documented active shooter events in schools, workplaces, and other settings. The course encourages evaluation of methodological approaches and evidence that shape professional responses to high-risk situations. Prerequisite: CJ 1310 and CJ 2310 both with a grade of "D" or better and instructor approval. Corequisite: CJ 3346 with a grade of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4321. Occupational Crime.
This course examines forms of criminal behavior that occur within occupational, professional, and organizational settings. Students explore definitions, legal frameworks, investigative practices, and analytical approaches used to understand offenses such as embezzlement, fraud, corruption, and abuse of organizational authority. The course emphasizes empirical research on offenders, victims, and institutional responses while distinguishing occupational crime from related categories such as corporate or state organized misconduct. Historical and contemporary case studies are used to analyze methods of detection, reporting challenges, regulatory environments, and the broader social and economic impacts of occupational crime. Students evaluate competing scholarly explanations and learn to apply criminological theories to workplace-based offending.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4323. Special Operation Units in Law Enforcement and Corrections.
This course examines the structure, purpose, policies, and operational practices of Special Operations Units (SOUs) within law enforcement and correctional agencies. Students explore organizational models, selection and training processes, risk assessment procedures, and inter-agency coordination. The course emphasizes empirical research, case-based analysis, and historical development of tactical and specialty teams, including emergency response units, crisis negotiation groups, and specialized correctional teams. Students study legal considerations, standards of professional practice, principles of crisis management, and the implementation of situational decision-making frameworks. By analyzing different operational contexts, students learn how agencies evaluate needs, allocate resources, and employ specialized units within broader public safety responsibilities.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4325. Media and Crime.
This course examines the relationship between media and crime through a multidisciplinary and evidence-based framework. Students analyze how news organizations, entertainment industries, and digital platforms portray criminal events, justice processes, and public safety concerns. The course explores how media representations can influence public perceptions, policy discussions, and institutional responses without assuming specific political or ideological positions. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking skills, comparing empirical research findings with media narratives, and detailing variations across platforms and audiences. Students engage with scholarly debates, methodological approaches, and historical contexts to evaluate how media and crime interact as areas of study within contemporary society.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4326. Women and Criminal Justice.
This course examines women’s involvement in the criminal justice system across three primary areas: as victims, as offenders, and as professionals employed in justice agencies. Students analyze how gender influences criminological theory, sentencing practices, prison subcultures, and experiences of victimization. The course evaluates career trajectories and institutional responses to women in justice professions. Emphasis is placed on engagement with scholarly research, case studies, and theoretical frameworks to support evidence-based analysis. By situating women’s roles within broader justice contexts, students gain tools to examine how gender shapes both individual trajectories and systemic practices in the criminal justice system. (WI) Prerequisite: CJ 1310 with a grade of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4329. Organized Crime.
This course examines organized crime, its structures, operations, and adaptive strategies through historical, sociological, and criminological perspectives. Students explore typologies of organized criminal groups, the social, political, and economic conditions that shape their development, and the methods used by scholars and practitioners to analyze them. The course also considers law enforcement responses, regulatory frameworks, and research challenges associated with studying illicit activity. Emphasis is placed on empirical evidence, comparative analysis, and different theoretical perspectives. Students develop analytical skills that support independent evaluation of the complexities surrounding organized criminal enterprises. Prerequisite: CJ 1310 with a grade of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4331. Serial Murder.
This course examines serial murder as a criminological phenomenon through empirical research, case analysis, and interdisciplinary study. Students explore patterns of offending, methods of classification, investigative approaches, and theoretical explanations drawn from psychology, sociology, criminal justice, and criminology. The course emphasizes evidence-based inquiry into offender behavior, victimology, typologies, and the development of investigative tools used by practitioners. Ethical considerations, methodological limitations, and debates within the scholarly literature are also addressed. Students evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of competing frameworks while developing analytical skills relevant to academic, research, and professional contexts.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4332. Advanced Criminal Justice Management.
This course examines advanced management practices within criminal justice organizations, including law enforcement, courts, corrections, and related agencies. Students study administrative theories, organizational structures, personnel management, policy implementation, and performance assessment. Emphasis is placed on analyzing research, evaluating diverse management models, and detailing practical constraints faced by justice institutions. The course also explores leadership approaches, interagency coordination, and decision-making practices using empirical evidence drawn from contemporary criminal justice research and organizational environments. Students develop skills for assessing organizational effectiveness and identifying evidence-based strategies for improving operations. Prerequisite: CJ 2310 or CJ 2355 either with a grade of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4334. The Death Penalty in the United States.
This course examines the death penalty in the United States through legal, historical, empirical, and comparative frameworks. Students study the development of capital punishment, the constitutional doctrines that shape its application, and the major policy debates found across jurisdictions. The course analyzes case law, statutory structures, criminological data, and scholarly arguments representing multiple perspectives. Attention is given to procedural safeguards, variations in implementation, methodological approaches to studying capital punishment, and comparisons with other nations. The course emphasizes analytical evaluation that equips students to interpret complex arguments related to criminal justice, procedure, and national comparisons on the death penalty. Prerequisite: CJ 2350 and CJ 2360 both with grade of “D” or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4335. The Psychology of Antisocial Behavior.
This course examines the psychological foundations, developmental pathways, and behavioral patterns associated with antisocial behavior across the lifespan. Students explore research on cognitive, emotional, social, and environmental factors that contribute to varied forms of antisocial conduct, including aggression, rule breaking, and interpersonal difficulties. Emphasis is placed on empirical findings, theoretical models, and methodological approaches used to study antisocial behavior. The course also reviews approaches to assessment and intervention. By analyzing case studies, empirical research literature, and applied settings, students develop a comprehensive understanding of how different psychological frameworks explain and evaluate antisocial behavior.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4336. Wrongful Convictions.
This course examines the causes, identification, and implications of wrongful convictions within the criminal justice system. Students explore empirical research, case studies, legal procedures, investigative practices, and system-level factors that contribute to errors in adjudication. The course analyzes methods for detecting potential miscarriages of justice, including forensic review, post-conviction procedures, and innocence focused investigations. Attention is given to the roles of police, prosecutors, defense attorneys, forensic specialists, and courts. Students evaluate how organizational processes, evidentiary standards, and cognitive factors influence error risk. The course emphasizes analytical inquiry, multidisciplinary perspectives, and evidence-based reasoning.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4338. Sexual Offenses.
This course examines sexual offenses through criminological and behavioral science perspectives. It provides an overview of sources of offender, offense, and victim numbers, including recent trends. Students analyze statutory definitions, investigative processes, evidentiary challenges, and the development of offender typologies. The course surveys research on victimization patterns, reporting barriers, and the role of multidisciplinary responses within the criminal justice system. Attention is given to salient issues among unique populations of offenders, such as females and juveniles. Emphasis is placed on identifying how institutions, policies, and scientific findings shape prevention, adjudication, and post-conviction management. Prerequisite: CJ 1310 and CJ 2310 both with a grade of "C" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4340. Crime Theory and Victimization.
This course examines major theoretical perspectives used to explain criminal behavior and patterns of criminal offending. Students explore classical, biological, psychological, and sociological theories and evaluate how these frameworks inform contemporary research and policy debates in criminal justice and criminology. The course also surveys empirical approaches to studying crime, risk factors associated with criminal offending and victimization, and variations in crime across demographic, community, and situational contexts. Emphasis is placed on understanding theory as an analytical tool that informs public policy response. Students critically compare competing explanations, assess methodological strengths and limitations, and consider how empirical research contributes to evidence based practice across different criminal justice settings. (WI) Prerequisite: CJ 1310 with a grade of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4350. Contemporary Legal Issues in Law Enforcement.
This course examines current legal issues that affect law enforcement practice within the United States. Students analyze judicial decisions, statutory developments, and administrative policies that shape investigative procedures, search and seizure, due process liability standards, and the use of authority by police agencies. Emphasis is placed on examining constitutional requirements, evolving case law, and legal debates that influence organizational and operational decision making. Using case analysis and applied scenarios, students develop the ability to interpret legal constraints, anticipate challenges, and assess the implications of emerging legal trends for professional practice. Through examination of case law, legislation, and policy developments, students study legal challenges related to police authority, civil rights, operational policies, and accountability mechanisms. (WI) Prerequisite: CJ 2310 with a grade of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4352. Contemporary Legal Issues in Corrections.
This course examines the legal principles, court decisions, and statutory frameworks that shape contemporary correctional practice. Students examine constitutional requirements, statutory law, administrative regulations, and significant case precedent affecting the rights and responsibilities of incarcerated individuals, correctional employees, and institutions. The course analyzes conditions of confinement, use of force, liability, equal protection claims, due process, and access to courts. Emphasis is placed on detailing how legal standards evolve through judicial interpretation and legislative action. Students evaluate how correctional agencies respond to legal mandates while operating within practical, ethical, and organizational constraints. (WI) Prerequisite: CJ 2355 with a grade of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4362. Readings in Criminal Justice.
This course introduces students to significant scholarly readings that shape research and inquiry within the field of criminal justice. Students examine works spanning criminological theory, policing, courts, corrections, and the broader justice system. Emphasis is placed on exploring how different scholars construct arguments, interpret evidence, and contribute to academic debates. Through structured discussion, students evaluate methodological approaches, compare perspectives, and explore the historical and contemporary development of criminal justice policy and practice. Readings may include classical and contemporary works in criminology, policing, courts, corrections, and criminal justice policy. Repeatable for credit with different emphasis. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4363. Independent Studies in Criminal Justice.
This course provides students the opportunity to pursue individualized study within the field of criminal justice under the supervision of a faculty member. Students engage in focused inquiry on a selected topic, which may include research, applied analysis, literature review, or other academically appropriate projects. The course emphasizes independent learning, scholarly investigation, and the development of discipline-specific skills aligned with the student’s academic goals. Through regular consultation with the supervising faculty member, students design a project plan, establish measurable objectives, and produce a final product demonstrating the depth and rigor of their inquiry. Course may be repeated with different emphasis once for credit with approval of department chair.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Exclude from 3-peat Processing
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
CJ 4365. Comparative Criminal Justice.
This course examines criminal justice systems across different national, regional, and international locations, focusing on how historical, cultural, political, and legal factors shape institutional structures and practices. Students analyze comparative approaches to policing, courts, corrections, crime classification, and legal traditions, including common law, civil law, religious law, Eastern legal traditions, and hybrid systems of justice. The course emphasizes methods used in comparative research and explores how different societies address issues such as public safety, accountability, and procedural fairness. Case studies illustrate variation in system organization and outcomes, allowing students to evaluate similarities, differences, and potential implications for current and future policy and practice. The course provides students' analytical tools for understanding how and why criminal justice institutions vary globally. (WI) Prerequisite: CJ 2310 or CJ 2355 either with a grade of "D" or better.
3 Credit Hours. 3 Lecture Contact Hours. 0 Lab Contact Hours.Course Attribute(s): Writing Intensive
Grade Mode: Standard Letter
