Course Listings

Introduction to Criminal Justice

CCJS 100 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences.) An introduction to the three primary components of the criminal justice system: law enforcement, courts, and corrections. The objective is to identify the components of the system, the practitioners within the system and their role in policy formation and implementation, and the major theoretical tenets of criminal behavior. Topics include community relations, the impact of criminal behavior, and the importance of research in the field of criminal justice.

Introduction to Investigative Forensics

CCJS 101 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: A survey of the practical applications of forensic science. The aim is to learn to apply the scientific method to forensic evidence and distinguish between reality and popular misperceptions of the roles and importance of forensic science and its practitioners. Discussion covers the "CSI effect," the scientific method as it applies to forensic evidence, ethical practices, and legal aspects of the field. Topics include the definition of forensic science and how it has evolved, disciplines within the field, ethical codes, and case law.

Introduction to Criminology

CCJS 105 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences.) An exploration of the nature and causes of crime and criminal behavior. Topics include what we rationally know about crime, theoretical explanations of criminal behavior, and how to conduct research to explore the nature and extent of crime and criminal behavior.

Criminal Law in Action

CCJS 230 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: CCJS 100. An exploration of how criminal cases are handled, including factors related to how a case is charged and criminal liability. Focus is on the substantive elements of criminal law and on the historical development of criminal law in the United States. Topics include the basic elements of and defenses to criminal liability, crimes against people, crimes against property, and the defenses and justifications commonly used to negate criminal responsibility.

Criminal Procedure and Evidence

CCJS 234 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: A study of the general principles of criminal procedure. Emphasis is on the history and evolution of criminal procedure in the United States and the fundamental components of criminal procedure, including privacy, reasonableness, probable cause, search and seizure, search warrants, interrogations, and the trial process. Topics include the criminal justice process and the connections between the law, the criminal justice process, criminal procedure, and evidence.

Criminalistics I: The Comparative Disciplines

CCJS 301 | 4 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: CCJS 100, CCJS 101, or CCJS 105. Recommended: CCJS 234. An intensive study of the analysis of physical evidence in the crime laboratory, with practical laboratory exercises. The objective is to apply skills expected of an entry-level professional in the investigative forensics field that are necessary for the practical analysis of evidence in a criminal investigation. Topics include the comparative disciplines, including impression evidence analysis, trace evidence analysis, and firearms analysis.

Criminalistics II: The Scientific Disciplines

CCJS 302 | 4 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: CCJS 301. Further intensive study of the analysis of physical evidence in the crime laboratory, with practical laboratory exercises. The goal is to apply skills expected of an entry-level criminalist to the practical analysis of evidence in a criminal investigation. Topics include the applications of the scientific disciplines, including bloodstain pattern analysis, questioned document analysis, controlled dangerous substances analysis, and DNA analysis.

Intelligence-Led Policing

CCJS 311 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: CCJS 100. An examination of intelligence-related processes as they apply to domestic law enforcement. The aim is to identify, collect, and assess data and process that information into intelligence that can support strategic and tactical planning. Intelligence reports are reviewed and assessed. Discussion covers the legal and ethical licenses and constraints that provide a framework for intelligence development.

Digital Forensics in the Criminal Justice System

CCJS 321 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (For students not majoring in criminal justice; not open to students who have completed CCJS 421; does not satisfy prerequisites for other criminal justice courses.) An overview of the criminal justice system and the application of digital forensic evidence in criminal justice cases. The objective is to apply constitutional and case law to the search and seizure of digital evidence, determine the most effective and appropriate forensic response strategies to digital evidence, and provide effective courtroom testimony in a case involving digital evidence. Topics include crime scene procedures and the collection of digital evidence, procedures performed in a digital forensics lab, and the preparation of courtroom testimony by the digital forensic investigator.

Law Enforcement Administration

CCJS 340 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: CCJS 100. An introduction to organization and management in law enforcement. The objective is to communicate effectively and apply research skills and management and administrative principles to a law enforcement agency. Topics include structure, process, policy and procedure, communication and authority, division of work and organizational controls, the human element in the organization, and informal interaction in the context of bureaucracy. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CCJS 340 or CJUS 340.

Criminal Investigation

CCJS 341 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: CCJS 100. Recommended: CCJS 230. An exploration of criminal investigation as it relates to the framework of the law that governs such investigations. Emphasis is on crime scene response, the collection and evaluation of crime scene evidence, the complexity of investigative interviews, and the application of current strategies and technology to further criminal investigations.

Crime Scene Investigation

CCJS 342 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: CCJS 100, CCJS 101, or CCJS 105. Recommended: CCJS 234. An examination of the investigation of crime scenes. The objective is to apply skills expected of an entry-level professional in the investigative forensics field. Topics include the crime scene, crime scene documentation, evidence, and post-crime scene activities.

Introduction to Security Management

CCJS 345 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Formerly CCJS 445) Prerequisite: CCJS 100. A study of the history, concepts, principles, and methods of organizing and administering security management and loss prevention activities in industry, business, and government. The objective is to manage security duties, evaluate and apply risk management principles, and evaluate administrative and operational issues. Discussion covers both private and governmental risk assessment and management and the protection of assets, personnel, and facilities. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CCJS 345, CCJS 445, or CCJS 498G.

Juvenile Delinquency

CCJS 350 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences.) Prerequisite: CCJS 100. Recommended CCJS 105 . An examination of juvenile delinquency in relation to the general problem of crime. The aim is to apply theories and identify statutory parameters related to juvenile delinquency, analyze prevention measures, and assess the effectiveness of treatment measures. Topics include factors underlying juvenile delinquency, prevention of criminal acts by youths, and the treatment of delinquents. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CCJS 350 or CRIM 450.

Drugs and Crime

CCJS 352 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: CCJS 100. An analysis of the role of criminal justice in controlling the use and abuse of drugs. The objective is to apply effective enforcement strategies, demonstrate case management skills, and analyze the effect of drug policy. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CCJS 352 or CJUS 352.

Victimology

CCJS 360 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Fulfills the general education requirement in behavioral and social sciences.) Prerequisite: CCJS 100.Recommended CCJS 105. An overview of the history and theory of victimology in which patterns of victimization are analyzed, with emphasis on types of victims and of crimes. The aim is to identify and apply appropriate preventative measures and responses to victimization. Discussion covers the interaction between victims of crime and the system of criminal justice in terms of the role of the victim and the services that the victim is offered. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CCJS 360 or CRIM 360.

Ethical Behavior in Criminal Justice

CCJS 380 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: CCJS 100. A survey of the standards for ethical behavior that guide criminal justice professionals in different roles and responsibilities. The aim is to make ethical decisions based on informed personal and accepted professional standards. Rules, laws, and codes of conduct are explored as a foundation for discussing individual ethical responsibilities.

Cybercrime and security

CCJS 390 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: An examination of crimes involving the use of computers. Topics include federal and state laws and investigative and preventive methods used to secure computers. Case studies emphasize security. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CCJS 390, CCJS 496, or CCJS 498C.

Analytical Strategies for Law Enforcement

CCJS 416 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: CCJS 100 or CCJS 105. An examination of the authenticity, accuracy, viability, and reliability of intelligence reports as they relate to the application of intelligence to public safety problem solving. The goal is to evaluate intelligence reports to formulate plans, policies, and procedures that ensure effective and efficient agency operations. Focus is on developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills through role-playing in a simulated environment, working with near-genuine intelligence reports and public safety issues. Practice is provided in analyzing the strategies and activities detailed in intelligence reports, identifying and implementing responsive actions, and determining appropriate redistribution of such reports.

Medical and Legal Investigations of Death

CCJS 420 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: CCJS 101, CCJS 100, or CCJS 105. Recommended: CCJS 234. An intensive look at medical and legal investigations into causes of death. The objective is to perform investigative functions at a death scene, determine and apply forensic testing, and analyze and effectively communicate investigative information. Topics include the difference between the medical (or pathological) and legal (or criminal) components of investigations into causes of death, medical and investigative terminology, and the impact of ethics on prosecutions and convictions. Case studies illustrate practical applications of various forms of forensic styles and parameters.

Principles of Digital Analysis

CCJS 421 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: CCJS 321. A hands-on exploration of digital analysis based on the overarching principles of data integrity and search and comparison as they relate to digital evidence. Focus is on the data and forensic tools and methodologies used to explore these overarching principles critical to digital evidence and analysis. The comparison and correlation of digital artifacts provide a solid introduction to all facets of digital analysis.

Fingerprint Analysis

CCJS 440 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: CCJS 301 or CCJS 320. A comprehensive study of friction ridge analysis in fingerprints. Emphasis is on the practical analysis of evidence in a criminal investigation. The objective is to apply skills expected of an entry-level fingerprint professional, including assessing surfaces for viable latent fingerprints; evaluating how to process and collect latent fingerprints; analyzing, comparing, evaluating, and verifying fingerprint evidence; and conveying findings. Topics include processing and comparison methodologies, historical and biological foundations of impressions, and legal aspects.

Firearms and Toolmarks Analysis

CCJS 441 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: CCJS 301. A comprehensive study of toolmark evidence, including toolmarks imparted by firearms. Discussion covers the practical analysis of evidence in a criminal investigation. The aim is to assess toolmarks; examine, compare, evaluate, and verify firearm and toolmark evidence; and convey findings. Topics include comparison methodologies, historical and mechanical foundations of toolmarks, and legal aspects. Focus is on developing the foundational knowledge and applied skills expected of an entry-level professional in the firearms and toolmarks field.

Psychology of Criminal Behavior

CCJS 461 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: CCJS 100. Recommended: CCJS 105. An overview of delinquent and criminal behavior from a developmental, cognitive-behavioral perspective. The aim is to apply theoretical perspectives (behavioral, emotional, and cognitive) to analyze real or hypothetical criminal scenarios; to identify the various factors that encourage or discourage criminal behavior; and to explain the use of risk assessment tools at various stages of the criminal justice process. Factors that influence the development of adults and juveniles on the road to crime are examined to assess culpability for criminal behavior. Students may receive credit for only one of the following courses: CCJS 461 or CRIM 455.

Criminal Justice Capstone

CCJS 495 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Intended as a final, capstone course for criminal justice degree majors; to be taken in a student's last 15 credits). Prerequisites: CCJS 230, CCJS 340, CCJS 341, CCJS 345, and CCJS 380. An integrative study of the various components of the American criminal justice system. The goal is to apply principles of interagency cooperation, critical thinking, and systems approaches to solve practical problems in a criminal justice environment. Topics include problem solving, case study analysis, strategic planning, teamwork, and professional writing.

Correctional Administration

CCJS 497 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: Prerequisite: CCJS 230, CCJS 340, CCJS 341, CCJS 345, CCJS 380. An examination of prison administration, including theories of management and institutional structure and purpose. Objectives include the application of organizational concepts, leadership, and effective administrative approaches to the management of correctional institutions and offender populations. Emphasis is on concepts of organizational structure, communication, self-assessment, short- and long-term strategic operational planning, decision making, and human resources.

Selected Topics in Criminology and Criminal Justice

CCJS 498 | 3 Credits

Course Desc: (Offered in response to student requests and faculty interest.) Recommended: CCJS 100 or CCJS 105. Study of criminological topics of special interest to advanced undergraduates. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 credits in CCJS, CJUS, or CRIM when topics differ.