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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. (MULT) Prerequisite: CJ 1310 with a grade of "D" or better.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

CJ 4309L. Gangs and the Criminal Justice System.

This course offers an introduction to street gangs and crime in the United States. Topics covered include 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.

CJ 4309M. Active Shooter Response Experiential Learning.

This experiential learning course connects training to respond to active shooter events to relevant research. Students will complete the ALERRT Level I Active Shooter Response Course, and then examine the research literature that underlies the training with an emphasis on identifying discrepancies and gaps and areas for improvement. 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. (MULT) (WI) Prerequisite: CJ 1310 with a grade of "D" or better.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

CJ 5199B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuous enrollment in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice thesis process. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor and thesis committee, students will design, implement, and complete an original research project addressing a substantive issue in criminal justice or criminology. Emphasis is placed on rigorous research design, methodological execution, and the production of a high-quality scholarly manuscript. Students will demonstrate mastery of empirical inquiry, theoretical integration, and evidence-based analysis relevant to criminal justice practice and policy. Continuous enrollment is required until the thesis is successfully completed and approved by the committee, ensuring academic rigor and scholarly contribution to the field.

CJ 5299B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuous enrollment in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice thesis process. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor and thesis committee, students will design, implement, and complete an original research project addressing a substantive issue in criminal justice or criminology. Emphasis is placed on rigorous research design, methodological execution, and the production of a high-quality scholarly manuscript. Students will demonstrate mastery of empirical inquiry, theoretical integration, and evidence-based analysis relevant to criminal justice practice and policy. Continuous enrollment is required until the thesis is successfully completed and approved by the committee, ensuring academic rigor and scholarly contribution to the field.

CJ 5301. Graduate Instructional Assistant Training.

This course prepares graduate instructional assistants (GIAs) to perform effectively in various instructional settings and in their assigned instructional support roles. In addition to familiarizing themselves with essential Texas State University policies and procedures, including FERPA, Title IX, and academic integrity, GIAs learn about evidence-based teaching strategies, ethical classroom behavior, inclusive pedagogy, and effective communication with students. Topics include lesson planning, learning management systems, assessment design, and accommodating students with disabilities. This course is required as a condition of employment for GIAs in the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology and does not earn graduate degree credit.

CJ 5310. Administration of Justice.

This course introduces students to the systematic study of crime and criminal behavior in the United States. It examines the nature and extent of crime, major explanations of criminal behavior, and typologies of offending across different social contexts. Students explore the structure and functions of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. The course also analyzes societal reactions to crime, including media, public opinion, and policy responses, encouraging critical evaluation of the effectiveness and consequences of contemporary criminal justice practices.

CJ 5315. Advanced Research Methods in Criminal Justice.

This course introduces students to the systematic study of crime and criminal behavior in the United States. It examines the nature and extent of crime, major explanations of criminal behavior, and typologies of offending across different social contexts. Students explore the structure and functions of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. The course also analyzes societal reactions to crime, including media, public opinion, and policy responses, encouraging critical evaluation of the effectiveness and consequences of contemporary criminal justice practices.

CJ 5316. Criminal Justice Data Wrangling and Visualization.

This course teaches students how to acquire, clean, structure, and transform raw data in preparation for data visualization and analysis. Topics include data and data file types; database design and documentation; data processing workflows; data construction and cleaning; handling missing values; aggregating, appending, and merging datasets; creating and recoding variables; descriptive statistics; and visual presentation of data. Students use visual, point‑and‑click software tools to work with real‑world criminal justice datasets sourced from official repositories, data portals, and related sites.

CJ 5319. Crime Analysis.

This course examines the theories, tools, and techniques used to identify, analyze, and respond to crime problems and to support criminal investigations using data. Grounded in environmental criminology, students examine foundational frameworks including routine activity theory, crime pattern theory, the rational choice perspective, and situational crime prevention. Topics include crime mapping, temporal analysis, serial crime and case linkage, problem-solving methods, crime displacement, offender behavior, journey-to-crime research, and geographic profiling. Students learn to identify crime opportunities, evaluate problem-solving strategies, and communicate analytic findings to diverse audiences, including law enforcement practitioners, policymakers, and researchers. Through engagement with empirical research and applied crime data, the course prepares students to bridge the gap between criminological theory and practical law enforcement strategies and tactics.

CJ 5320. History and Philosophy of Justice.

This course examines the historical and philosophical foundations of crime, punishment, and social control from antiquity through the present day. Students explore major Western European schools of thought, the emergence of criminology as a discipline, and the development of the scientific method as applied to justice systems. Topics include the evolution of policing, courts, and corrections; changing definitions of crime and deviance across cultural and political contexts; the history of punishment and its philosophical justifications; and the relationship between broader social transformations and criminal justice policy in the United States. Through critical analysis of empirical research and structured discussion, students develop the capacity to situate contemporary criminal justice debates within their historical and intellectual origins.

CJ 5321. Current Legal Issues in Criminal Justice.

This course examines contemporary legal issues shaping the practices and policies of criminal justice agencies, with particular emphasis on criminal courts and constitutional law. Related case law, legislation, legal research, and empirical studies will be analyzed. Topics may vary and include enforcement tactics, the right to counsel, bail, solitary confinement, and emerging legal challenges. The course is designed to provide students with an advanced overview of legal developments influencing decision-making, accountability, and reform within the criminal justice system.

CJ 5322. Police in Society.

This course provides a comprehensive, research-driven examination of policing in the United States. The course explores (1) the historical foundations of policing, (2) organizational structure, culture, and discretion, (3) recruitment, training, and officer wellness, (4) misconduct and accountability, (5) use of force, and (6) technological innovation. Emphasizing evidence-based policing, students engage foundational and contemporary scholarship to evaluate major strategies and reform efforts, including community- and problem-oriented policing, procedural and organizational justice, civilian oversight, and police-researcher partnerships. Attention is given to the measurement of crime and police performance, the strengths and limitations of official data, and methodological issues in policing research. The course prepares students to analyze policing policy and practice within a democratic society and to assess current and emerging challenges in the field.

CJ 5323. Special Operation Units.

This course explores the structure, function, and management of Special Operations Units (SOUs) within law enforcement. Students examine the formation, personnel selection, training, and operationalization of specialized units, as well as the leadership, accountability, and oversight structures required to manage them effectively. Topics include crisis management, risk assessment, ethical decision-making, community engagement, and the balance between operational security and public transparency. Drawing on real-world case studies, research literature, and policy reports, students analyze how SOUs are established, evaluate their performance and impact, and develop evidence-based recommendations for improving their effectiveness and ethical operations.

CJ 5324. Investigations.

This course examines the theory, practice, and contemporary challenges of criminal investigations. Emphasis is placed on investigative thinking, decision-making processes, and evidence-based best practices. Students evaluate interviewing and interrogation methods, the risk of false confessions and wrongful convictions, and the role of cognitive bias in investigative outcomes. The course also addresses specialized investigative contexts, including cold cases, serial offending, and complex major crimes. Through applied case analysis, students assess investigative successes and failures to develop analytically rigorous and ethically grounded investigative approaches.

CJ 5325. Statistics for Criminal Justice.

This course provides students with a basic understanding of fundamental statistical analyses employed in the fields of criminal justice and criminology. Descriptive and inferential statistics will be covered. Descriptive statistics refers to the basic properties of the data, including the most typical case and how the data are dispersed. Inferential statistics refers to a branch of statistics that allows researchers to begin making inferences from a sample about the population. The course covers bivariate and multivariate analyses.

CJ 5326. Qualitative Research Methods and Data Analysis.

This course provides students with a detailed and participatory introduction to the principles and use of common qualitative methods and data analysis used in social science research with a particular focus on the field of criminal justice.

CJ 5330. Management Principles in Criminal Justice.

This course introduces students to the foundational theories, structures, and practices that guide effective management within law enforcement, courts, and correctional organizations. The course examines how classical and contemporary management approaches shape decision‑making, organizational behavior, communication, and strategic planning across the criminal justice system. Students explore the unique challenges faced by justice‑sector managers, including ethical responsibilities, community expectations, workforce diversity, policy implementation, and the complexities of operating in high‑stakes environments. Emphasis is placed on understanding organizational culture, motivating personnel, managing change, and applying evidence‑based management strategies to real‑world scenarios.

CJ 5333. Analysis of Race, Class, and Crime.

This course investigates the historical and structural factors that contribute to differential outcomes within the criminal justice system. Students will be presented with data outlining these differential outcomes and be expected to discuss and assess the contributing factors within policing, the criminal courts, and correctional institutions. 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.

CJ 5334. Sexual Offending and the Criminal Justice System.

This course examines persons who have committed a sex offense and their interaction with the criminal justice system. Students explore typologies of offenders, patterns and trends in sexual offending, and legal and policy issues related to community management, registration, and sentencing. The course emphasizes theoretical explanations of sexual offending, cognitive distortions, risk assessment instruments, and contemporary treatment approaches in institutional and community settings. Students also evaluate the strengths and limitations of official data sources and examine current strategies used by criminal justice professionals to manage and prevent sexual offending.

CJ 5335. Advanced Criminological Theory.

This course examines major theoretical and empirical explanations of deviance and criminal behavior, emphasizing their historical development, social context, and relevance to contemporary criminal justice policy. Students analyze how criminological theories are constructed, tested, and refined, and assess the strength of the evidence supporting each perspective. Topics span classical, positivist, sociological, and integrated theoretical traditions, with attention to how these frameworks inform responses to crime at the individual, community, and systemic levels. Through critical engagement with quantitative and qualitative research, students strengthen their ability to evaluate competing explanations, weigh evidence, and articulate informed positions on current issues in criminology and criminal justice.

CJ 5336. Ethics and the Criminal Justice System.

This course explores the ethical issues faced by criminal justice professionals. Basic ethical systems, such as ethical formalism and utilitarianism, will be examined from a criminal justice perspective. A standard lecture format is used to deliver key content, complemented by scenario- and circumstance-based exercises that enable the application of ethical principles to criminal justice-related dilemmas. The course emphasizes the development of ethical reasoning and analytical skills applicable to professional decision-making in criminal justice contexts.

CJ 5340. Personnel Practices in Criminal Justice.

This course examines personnel decision-making processes within criminal justice organizations, with emphasis on evidence-based and legally sound human resource practices. Students explore recruitment and selection strategies, promotion systems, training and professional development, performance evaluation, workforce planning, and human resource allocation in policing, courts, and corrections agencies. Particular attention is given to organizational effectiveness, leadership accountability, labor relations, diversity and inclusion, ethical decision-making, and compliance with employment law. The course evaluates how personnel policies influence organizational culture, employee performance, and public trust while preparing students to assess and implement contemporary personnel management practices in complex criminal justice environments.

CJ 5345. Criminal Justice Policy.

This course covers contemporary public policies designed to prevent and reduce crime and criminal offending. There is also an emphasis on different levels of evaluation that should be used to address specific criminal justice issues.

CJ 5346. Criminal Justice Leadership.

This course provides an examination and critical analysis of the important theories, concepts, and current issues relevant to the field of public leadership in general, and criminal justice agency leadership in particular.

CJ 5350. Current Issues in Criminal Justice.

This course provides an advanced examination of contemporary issues shaping criminal justice policy, practice, and research. Through critical analysis of emerging developments, students explore current challenges affecting policing, courts, corrections, and the broader justice system. Topics may include criminal justice reform, technological innovation, legitimacy and public trust, sentencing policy, violence trends, workforce challenges, federal–state relations, and evolving legal or procedural developments. While core thematic areas remain constant, specific course emphasis adapts to emerging social, political, and institutional issues. The course emphasizes scholarly evaluation of current debates and prepares students to assess and respond to rapidly changing conditions influencing modern criminal justice systems.

CJ 5355. Intelligence Analysis and Operations.

This course provides an overview of the principles, methods, and practices of intelligence analysis as applied to national security, law enforcement, and counterterrorism contexts. Students examine the intelligence cycle from collection through feedback, with emphasis on strategic analysis and the relationship between analysts and intelligence consumers. Topics include the role of the analyst, collection disciplines (HUMINT, SIGINT, OSINT, and others), structured analytical techniques, intelligence products, intelligence failures, ethical implications for intelligence collection in domestic policing, and strategies for gaining customer acceptance of intelligence products. Through case studies drawn from real-world intelligence operations, students apply structured analytic techniques to complex problems and develop skills in synthesizing information for strategic, operational, and tactical decision-making.

CJ 5360. Independent Studies in Criminal Justice.

This course provides graduate students with the opportunity to pursue advanced, individualized study in a specialized area of criminal justice or criminology under the supervision of a faculty member. Students engage in focused, in-depth inquiry that may include original research, advanced policy analysis, theoretical development, or comprehensive literature review. Emphasis is placed on independent scholarship, critical analysis, and the application of advanced disciplinary knowledge aligned with the student’s academic and professional goals. In consultation with the supervising faculty member, students will develop a structured project plan with clearly defined objectives, appropriate methodological or analytical approaches, and a timeline for completion. The course culminates in a substantial scholarly or applied product that reflects graduate-level rigor and contributes to the student’s intellectual and professional development. The course may be repeated once for credit with a different emphasis, subject to approval by the department chair.

CJ 5370. Capstone in Criminal Justice Research and Communication.

This course serves as the capstone in the MSCJ Executive Track and guides students through the development of a professional paper and oral presentation that fulfill the program’s comprehensive examination requirements. Students examine stages of the scientific research process, distinguish credible from non-credible research, and apply evidence-based reasoning to criminal justice problems. Coursework culminates in two integrated assignments: a white paper synthesizing research on a policy-relevant issue and a research proposal that applies theory and identifies an appropriate research design. Students present their work in a professional conference-style format. The course emphasizes analytical writing and professional communication skills for criminal justice contexts.

CJ 5380H. Police Problem Solving Methodologies.

This course introduces and applies problem-solving methodologies grounded in the principles of Problem-Oriented Policing (POP). Students explore the history and theoretical foundations of POP, including routine activity theory, crime pattern theory, rational choice perspectives, and situational crime prevention. The course develops students' ability to define, analyze, and prioritize recurring community problems using structured analytical frameworks, with particular emphasis on the SARA model (Scanning, Analysis, Response, Assessment). Topics also include Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), interagency collaboration, and the sustainability of problem-solving initiatives. The course emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based reasoning, and the translation of criminological theory into actionable policing strategies.

CJ 5380T. Crime, Criminal Justice and the Media.

This course examines the complex relationship between media systems and the social construction of crime. Students explore how news organizations, entertainment media, and digital platforms shape public perceptions of criminal behavior, justice processes, and policy responses. Through interdisciplinary scholarship and case studies, the course analyzes media’s role in amplifying moral panics, reinforcing or challenging stereotypes, and influencing fear of crime. Additional attention is given to contemporary issues in the changing media and criminal justice interface due to technological advances in participatory news. Students will develop critical media literacy skills, evaluate empirical research, and assess the broader cultural, ethical, and political implications of crime representation in a mediated society.

CJ 5380U. Cold Case Investigations.

This course introduces students to the concepts and issues of cold cases and their investigation. The major causes of uncleared crimes will be examined. The nature of crime and criminality will be explored with an emphasis on serial sexual crime, stranger offenders, and victim risk. Solving cold cases, evidence structure, relevant forensic methodologies, and interviewing approaches are discussed. The issue of missing persons and its relationship to cold cases is examined. Methods of crime linkage analysis, behavioral profiling, and geographic profiling are outlined and explained. The course will use a number of case studies and in-class exercises.

CJ 5380V. Modern Methods in Biosocial Criminology.

This course examines contemporary biosocial research methods and their application to criminological questions. Students will engage foundational evolutionary and developmental perspectives on behavior, examine how biological processes and social environments interact across the life course, and explore how computational methods and molecular data can be used to study a wide range of behaviors relevant to criminology and the social sciences. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically evaluate biosocial research, apply biosocial frameworks to novel criminological questions, and identify key ethical/policy issues raised by biosocial inquiry.

CJ 5390. Criminal Justice and Security Internship.

This course provides students with supervised, applied experience in a criminal justice agency or related professional setting. Students are required to complete 150 documented field hours, during which they integrate advanced theoretical knowledge with practical responsibilities relevant to policy analysis, research, administration, or direct service. The course includes a structured professional development component designed to enhance students’ career readiness, workplace competencies, and engagement with practitioners in the field. Guided supervision and reflective assignments support critical examination of organizational practices, ethical considerations, and the broader social, political, and cultural contexts shaping criminal justice work. Successful completion of regular progress evaluations and a culminating analytical report is required. Prerequisite: CJ 5315 and CJ 5325 with grades of "B" or better.

CJ 5399A. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuous enrollment in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice thesis process. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor and thesis committee, students will design, implement, and complete an original research project addressing a substantive issue in criminal justice or criminology. Emphasis is placed on rigorous research design, methodological execution, and the production of a high-quality scholarly manuscript. Students will demonstrate mastery of empirical inquiry, theoretical integration, and evidence-based analysis relevant to criminal justice practice and policy. Continuous enrollment is required until the thesis is successfully completed and approved by the committee, ensuring academic rigor and scholarly contribution to the field.

CJ 5399B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuous enrollment in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice thesis process. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor and thesis committee, students will design, implement, and complete an original research project addressing a substantive issue in criminal justice or criminology. Emphasis is placed on rigorous research design, methodological execution, and the production of a high-quality scholarly manuscript. Students will demonstrate mastery of empirical inquiry, theoretical integration, and evidence-based analysis relevant to criminal justice practice and policy. Continuous enrollment is required until the thesis is successfully completed and approved by the committee, ensuring academic rigor and scholarly contribution to the field.

CJ 5599B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuous enrollment in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice thesis process. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor and thesis committee, students will design, implement, and complete an original research project addressing a substantive issue in criminal justice or criminology. Emphasis is placed on rigorous research design, methodological execution, and the production of a high-quality scholarly manuscript. Students will demonstrate mastery of empirical inquiry, theoretical integration, and evidence-based analysis relevant to criminal justice practice and policy. Continuous enrollment is required until the thesis is successfully completed and approved by the committee, ensuring academic rigor and scholarly contribution to the field.

CJ 5999B. Thesis.

This course represents a student’s continuous enrollment in the Master of Science in Criminal Justice thesis process. Under the supervision of a faculty advisor and thesis committee, students design, implement, and complete an original research project addressing a substantive issue in criminal justice or criminology. Emphasis is placed on research design, methodological execution, and the development of a scholarly manuscript. Students engage in empirical inquiry, theoretical integration, and evidence-based analysis relevant to criminal justice practice and policy. Continuous enrollment is required until the thesis is completed and approved by the committee.

CJ 7199. Dissertation.

This course provides doctoral students with structured support as they complete the research and writing required for the doctoral dissertation in criminal justice or criminology under the supervision of a faculty advisor and dissertation committee. Through this process, students will design, implement, and complete an original and significant research project that advances knowledge in criminal justice. Emphasis is placed on theoretical development, methodological rigor, advanced data analysis, and the production of a high-quality scholarly manuscript suitable for publication. The course culminates in a formal oral defense of the dissertation. Students are required to maintain continuous enrollment in dissertation research each long semester until the dissertation is successfully completed and approved.

CJ 7299. Dissertation.

This course provides doctoral students with structured support as they complete the research and writing required for the doctoral dissertation in criminal justice or criminology under the supervision of a faculty advisor and dissertation committee. Through this process, students will design, implement, and complete an original and significant research project that advances knowledge in criminal justice. Emphasis is placed on theoretical development, methodological rigor, advanced data analysis, and the production of a high-quality scholarly manuscript suitable for publication. The course culminates in a formal oral defense of the dissertation. Students are required to maintain continuous enrollment in dissertation research each long semester until the dissertation is successfully completed and approved.

CJ 7301. Instructional Assistant Supervision.

This course prepares doctoral students serving as teaching assistants to work effectively in varied instructional environments. Students examine fundamental responsibilities associated with instructional support, including communication, task management, and collaboration with faculty and undergraduate learners. The course provides structured opportunities for feedback and professional development, emphasizing objective evaluation and the refinement of practical skills. All topics are approached as areas of study rather than as prescriptive directives. This course supports assistantship performance but does not apply toward graduate degree requirements.

CJ 7309. Proseminar.

This course introduces doctoral students to foundational knowledge and professional practices relevant to success in criminal justice scholarship. Students examine topics such as disciplinary perspectives, teaching responsibilities, publication processes, grant and fellowship opportunities, dissertation development, and post doctoral career pathways. The course emphasizes identifying research opportunities, understanding scholarly expectations, and building productive collaborations with faculty and peers. All topics are approached as areas of academic study rather than prescriptive models of professional conduct. Enrollment requires completion of 12 hours of doctoral coursework in Criminal Justice.

CJ 7310. Philosophy of Law, Justice, and Social Control.

This course examines major philosophical perspectives that inform the study of law, justice, and social control within contemporary criminal justice systems. Students analyze how legal institutions develop, function, and evolve over time, with attention to theoretical debates surrounding authority, punishment, rights, and social order. The course emphasizes critical evaluation of scholarly arguments rather than advocacy for particular policy positions. Activities include structured critiques, discussions of philosophical frameworks, and exploration of emerging trends in justice research. All topics are presented as objects of academic study to support independent reasoning and professional inquiry.

CJ 7311. Advanced Criminological Theory.

This course examines major criminological paradigms used to explain crime and criminal behavior, emphasizing their historical development, underlying assumptions, and areas of theoretical debate. Students evaluate theories through a philosophy of science lens, including topics such as theory construction, conceptual clarity, theoretical integration, and the systematic assessment of theoretical claims. The course also considers how criminological theories guide empirical inquiry without endorsing specific policy outcomes. Throughout the semester, students analyze arguments, compare competing perspectives, and develop skills for evaluating the strengths and limitations of theoretical frameworks. All material is presented as an object of scholarly study to support independent reasoning and doctoral level inquiry.

CJ 7313. Race and Ethnicity in Crime and Criminal Justice.

This course examines scholarly research on patterns related to race, ethnicity, crime, and criminal justice system responses. Students analyze empirical findings, theoretical explanations, and methodological approaches used to study differential experiences across racial and ethnic groups. Topics include interactions with law enforcement, sentencing patterns, and system level processes surrounding probation, pre sentencing, and post release supervision. Emphasis is placed on evaluating evidence, questioning assumptions, and understanding how researchers interpret disparities without prescribing specific policy solutions. All material is presented as an object of academic study to support independent reasoning and rigorous inquiry.

CJ 7314. Policing.

This course examines research based approaches to understanding contemporary issues in American policing. Students analyze the collection, interpretation, and limitations of crime statistics, victimization data, and measures of police performance, with an emphasis on how such information is generated and used in empirical studies. The course explores methodological debates in policing research, including data quality, measurement challenges, and evaluation strategies. All topics are framed as scholarly inquiries rather than prescriptive assessments of policing practices. Students engage critically with evidence to develop independent reasoning about patterns, explanations, and research designs relevant to policing in diverse contexts.

CJ 7315. Corrections.

This course provides an analytical overview of the history, structure, and functions of correctional systems in the United States. Students examine institutional and community based correctional models, including prisons, jails, intermediate sanctions, and reentry programs. The course also explores major theories of punishment and their relevance to correctional practices. Emphasis is placed on understanding how policies are developed, how programs operate, and how researchers study correctional outcomes. Sensitive topics such as supermax confinement and capital punishment are approached as subjects of scholarly inquiry rather than prescriptive positions. Throughout the course, students evaluate evidence and theoretical perspectives to develop informed, independent analyses of correctional systems.

CJ 7320. Quantitative Research Methods.

This course introduces doctoral students to quantitative research methodologies used in criminal justice scholarship. Students examine the philosophy of science, research ethics, and methodological principles that guide the development of empirically grounded studies. Topics include causal inference, nonexperimental and descriptive designs, sampling strategies, secondary data sources, and techniques for gathering and managing quantitative data. Emphasis is placed on evaluating methodological choices, understanding the strengths and limitations of various designs, and analyzing how researchers apply quantitative tools to study crime and justice phenomena. All content is presented as an object of scholarly inquiry, supporting independent reasoning and methodological rigor.

CJ 7321. Linear Regression for Criminal Justice Research.

This course introduces doctoral students to multivariate regression analysis as applied to criminal justice research. Topics include bivariate and multiple regression, estimation and statistical inference, model assumptions and diagnostics, factor analysis, statistical interactions, mediation, missing data techniques, and models for non-continuous dependent variables. Emphasis is placed on the applied interpretation of statistical output generated with software rather than on mathematical derivation. Students develop the skills necessary to critically evaluate quantitative research published in major criminal justice journals and to conduct independent empirical analyses.

CJ 7322. Advanced Research for Planning and Evaluation.

This course introduces doctoral students to research designs and evaluation methods used to plan and assess criminal justice programs. Topics include outcome and process evaluation, implementation science, mechanisms, mediators, and moderators of effectiveness, and the ethical and practical issues associated with evaluation research. Specific evaluation research designs and techniques are critically examined. Emphasis is placed on understanding how researchers evaluate criminal justice interventions while recognizing the methodological limitations of such evaluations. The course supports independent reasoning and evidence-based evaluation skills applicable to a variety of research and planning contexts.

CJ 7323. Applied Statistics and Quantitative Data Analysis.

This course develops doctoral students’ proficiency in applying statistical concepts to real-world data used in criminal justice and related fields. Students engage in data preparation, graphical exploration, statistical analysis, interpretation of results, and clear communication of findings. Emphasis is placed on critical thinking, methodological reasoning, and the appropriate use of statistical tools. The course uses SPSS to introduce a range of analytical techniques commonly employed in quantitative research. Students learn to evaluate the strengths and limitations of statistical methods while maintaining objectivity in interpretation. An introductory master’s level statistics course is required prior to enrollment.

CJ 7330. Qualitative Research Methods.

This course introduces doctoral students to qualitative research methodologies used in social and criminal justice inquiry. Students examine major qualitative approaches, including ethnography, focus groups, in depth interviews, and case studies, with attention to how researchers design studies, gather data, and analyze findings. The course emphasizes the logic of inductive reasoning, the evaluation of methodological choices, and the integration of qualitative and quantitative approaches when appropriate. All methods are presented as tools for scholarly investigation rather than prescriptive standards for practice. Students engage critically with research exemplars to understand how qualitative evidence is constructed and interpreted in academic contexts.

CJ 7331. Law and Behavioral Science.

This course examines how behavioral science research informs the study of criminal law and legal processes. Students explore topics such as criminal sanctions, expert testimony, and behavioral evidence in courtroom settings. The course also surveys research on media influences, emphasizing analytical evaluation rather than prescriptive conclusions. Attention is given to how scholars study legal decision making, institutional responses, and the behavioral dimensions of criminal offending. All topics are presented as objects of scholarly inquiry designed to foster independent reasoning and methodological rigor, without endorsing particular legal or policy positions.

CJ 7336. Survey Research Methods for Criminal Justice.

This course introduces doctoral students to the theory and practice of survey research as applied to criminal justice and criminology. Topics include the history of survey research, probability and nonprobability sampling, survey modes (mail, telephone, internet, and mixed-mode), question wording and questionnaire design, measurement of sensitive topics, maximizing response rates and managing nonresponse bias, survey-based experimental designs, and basic survey data management. Students gain hands-on experience designing original survey instruments and crafting research proposals. The course prepares students to both produce and critically evaluate survey-based research in the field.

CJ 7338. Qualitative Data Collection, Coding and Analysis.

This course takes a structured approach to understanding and implementing the various information collection methods used in qualitative research, including formatting the information for coding, coding schemes, and information interpretation.

CJ 7350B. Academic Scholarship and Communication.

This course examines the processes involved in conducting and communicating academic research within criminal justice and related fields. Students study approaches to developing research ideas, interpreting empirical findings, and preparing manuscripts for submission to peer reviewed journals. The course provides an overview of publication outlets, including their audiences, topical areas, and submission expectations, as well as analytical consideration of how scholars navigate the peer review and revision process. Emphasis is placed on understanding the conventions of academic communication and evaluating the factors that influence research dissemination. All topics are presented as objects of scholarly inquiry rather than prescriptive guidance for achieving specific professional outcomes.

CJ 7350C. Qualitative Data Collection, Coding and Analysis.

This course takes a structured approach to understanding and implementing the various information collection methods used in qualitative research, including formatting the information for coding, coding schemes, and information interpretation.

CJ 7350E. Discrete Multivariate Models.

This course examines statistical models designed for discrete outcome variables commonly encountered in criminal justice and social science research. Students explore the theory and application of maximum likelihood estimation, binary and multinomial logistic regression, and models for count data such as the negative binomial. Emphasis is placed on understanding model assumptions, evaluating model fit, and interpreting results within empirical research contexts. The course highlights how researchers select among discrete multivariate models based on research questions and data characteristics. All material is presented as an object of scholarly inquiry, supporting independent evaluation of methodological choices rather than prescribing particular analytic preferences. Prerequisite: CJ 7321 with a grade of "B" or better or instructor approval.

CJ 7350F. Environmental Criminology.

This course examines how opportunity explains variations in crime across space, time, and situational contexts. In contrast to theories of criminality that focus primarily on the offender, environmental criminology considers the entire crime event, emphasizing offender decision-making, target vulnerability, and situational conditions that facilitate crime. Routine activity theory, the rational choice perspective, and crime pattern theory are examined. Students also explore how these theories can be applied to prevent and investigate crime through strategies such as crime mapping, crime scripts, situational crime prevention, crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED), problem-oriented policing, and geographic profiling.

CJ 7350I. Introduction to Structural Equation Modeling.

This course introduces students to the concepts and applications of structural equation modeling (SEM), an analytical framework used to study relationships among observed and latent variables. Topics include model specification, recursive and non recursive systems, path analysis, measurement models, factor analysis, and the logic of mean and covariance structure analysis. Students examine the assumptions, strengths, and limitations of SEM and learn how researchers apply these methods to evaluate theoretical models in the social sciences. The course presents SEM as an object of scholarly inquiry, emphasizing methodological reasoning and the evaluation of model fit. Prerequisite: CJ 7321 with a grade of "B" or better or instructor approval.

CJ 7350L. Sex Offenders: Theory, Research & Policy.

This course examines theoretical, methodological, and policy-focused approaches to the study of sex crime. Students analyze how criminological theories have been used to understand sex crime and explore research design considerations relevant to studying this sensitive topic, including ethical review processes, data limitations, self report challenges, and the evaluation of available data sources. The course also investigates policy frameworks associated with sex crime, emphasizing how researchers assess the intended purposes, empirical effects, and complexities of these policies. All topics are presented as objects of academic inquiry, enabling students to critically examine evidence without endorsing particular theoretical perspectives or policy positions.

CJ 7350N. Cold Case Investigations.

This course introduces students to the concepts and issues of cold cases and their investigation. The major causes of uncleared crimes will be examined. The nature of crime and criminality will be explored with an emphasis on serial sexual crime, stranger offenders, and victim risk. Solving cold cases, evidence structure, relevant forensic methodologies, and interviewing approaches are discussed. The issue of missing persons and its relationship to cold cases is examined. Methods of crime linkage analysis, behavioral profiling, and geographic profiling are outlined and explained. The course will use a number of case studies and in-class exercises.

CJ 7350O. Survey Research Statistics in Criminal Justice.

This course addresses the techniques used in statistical analyses of social survey data, including classical test theory, item response theory statistics, and visually displaying social survey data findings for a variety of audiences. Students learn about analytic survey data strategies and procedures, and are trained in computational procedures related to survey research statistical analyses. Analyses include descriptive statistics, bivariate statistics, and multivariable regression modeling of data from probability and non-probability-based samples, accounting for weighting/clustering. Prerequisite: CJ 7320 and CJ 7321 both with a grade of “B” or better.

CJ 7350P. Criminal Justice Data Wrangling and Visualization.

This course introduces students to the principles and practices for preparing criminal justice data for analysis and visualization. Students develop automated, text-based programming workflows to acquire, clean, enrich, and restructure raw data and to produce visualizations for exploring patterns and relationships. Specific topics include data types and formats, relational database design, identification and management of missing values, variable construction and recoding, and dataset integration for data enrichment. Emphasis is placed on building reproducible workflows and documenting all data preparation procedures so that analytic results can be replicated, verified, and communicated effectively.

CJ 7350Q. Modern Methods in Biosocial Criminology.

This course examines contemporary biosocial research methods and their application to criminological questions. Students will engage foundational evolutionary and developmental perspectives on behavior, examine how biological processes and social environments interact across the life course, and explore how computational methods and molecular data can be used to study a wide range of behaviors relevant to criminology and the social sciences. By the end of the course, students will be able to critically evaluate biosocial research, apply biosocial frameworks to novel criminological questions, and identify key ethical/policy issues raised by biosocial inquiry.

CJ 7360. Independent Study.

This course provides doctoral students with the opportunity to pursue advanced, individualized study in a selected area of criminal justice under the supervision of a doctoral faculty member. The specific topic, scope, and learning activities are determined collaboratively by the student and supervising faculty member and are aligned with the student’s program of study. Emphasis is placed on independent scholarly inquiry, critical analysis of relevant literature, and the development of subject‑matter expertise. Course requirements may include readings, written work, research projects, or other academic activities appropriate to the approved topic. This course may be repeated once for credit when the subject matter differs. Prerequisite: Instructor approval.

CJ 7399. Dissertation.

This course provides doctoral students with structured support as they complete the research and writing required for the doctoral dissertation in criminal justice or criminology under the supervision of a faculty advisor and dissertation committee. Through this process, students will design, implement, and complete an original and significant research project that advances knowledge in criminal justice. Emphasis is placed on theoretical development, methodological rigor, advanced data analysis, and the production of a high-quality scholarly manuscript suitable for publication. The course culminates in a formal oral defense of the dissertation. Students are required to maintain continuous enrollment in dissertation research each long semester until the dissertation is successfully completed and approved.

CJ 7599. Dissertation.

This course provides doctoral students with structured support as they complete the research and writing required for the doctoral dissertation in criminal justice or criminology under the supervision of a faculty advisor and dissertation committee. Through this process, students will design, implement, and complete an original and significant research project that advances knowledge in criminal justice. Emphasis is placed on theoretical development, methodological rigor, advanced data analysis, and the production of a high-quality scholarly manuscript suitable for publication. The course culminates in a formal oral defense of the dissertation. Students are required to maintain continuous enrollment in dissertation research each long semester until the dissertation is successfully completed and approved.

CJ 7699. Dissertation.

This course provides doctoral students with structured support as they complete the research and writing required for the doctoral dissertation in criminal justice or criminology under the supervision of a faculty advisor and dissertation committee. Through this process, students will design, implement, and complete an original and significant research project that advances knowledge in criminal justice. Emphasis is placed on theoretical development, methodological rigor, advanced data analysis, and the production of a high-quality scholarly manuscript suitable for publication. The course culminates in a formal oral defense of the dissertation. Students are required to maintain continuous enrollment in dissertation research each long semester until the dissertation is successfully completed and approved.

CJ 7999. Dissertation.

This course provides doctoral students with structured support as they complete the research and writing required for the doctoral dissertation in criminal justice or criminology under the supervision of a faculty advisor and dissertation committee. Through this process, students will design, implement, and complete an original and significant research project that advances knowledge in criminal justice. Emphasis is placed on theoretical development, methodological rigor, advanced data analysis, and the production of a high-quality scholarly manuscript suitable for publication. The course culminates in a formal oral defense of the dissertation. Students are required to maintain continuous enrollment in dissertation research each long semester until the dissertation is successfully completed and approved.