Criminal Justice (CJUS)

Apply and evaluate use-of-force decision-making in realistic simulation environments that reflect law enforcement duties. Students engage in reality-based scenarios requiring varying levels of force, including lethal and nonlethal responses to resistance, self-defense, and defense of others. Additional topics include simulator theory and function, legal standards governing use of force, consequences of misuse, firearms safety, and proper handling techniques. 1 credit, 5 weeks (3 lecture hours), fall or spring semester.

Explain the relationships among the major components of the criminal justice system, including police, courts, prosecutors, corrections, probation, and parole. Emphasis is placed on system interdependence and function. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall or spring semester. This course satisfies the Liberal Arts and Sciences requirement.

Examine and evaluate correctional procedures and administration at the community, county, state, and federal levels. Topics include punishment, rehabilitation, incarceration, legal issues, and the complexities of prison management. Prerequisite: CJUS 101. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall or spring semester.

Analyze the role of policing in a democratic society. Emphasis is placed on police responsibilities, behavior, ethics, and the appropriate use of discretion. Prerequisite: CJUS 101. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall or spring semester.

Explain and apply fundamental principles of criminal investigation. Students learn techniques for information and evidence gathering, surveillance, interviewing, interrogation, use of informants, and instrumentation. Applications include investigations of arson, narcotics, sex offenses, and larceny. Prerequisite: CJUS 101 and CJUS 202, or permission of instructor. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall or spring semester.

Expand and apply advanced principles of criminal investigation. Emphasis is placed on investigative techniques related to homicide, assault, and explosions. Topics include rules of evidence, fingerprinting, casting, firearms, trace evidence, and criminal profiling. Prerequisite: CJUS 220, or permission of instructor. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall or spring semester.

Interpret and apply penal law and legislatively imposed legal standards affecting law enforcement and citizens. Students develop skills in reading and evaluating statutes, distinguishing between degrees of offenses, and applying legal definitions appropriately. Prerequisite: COMP 101; Pre or Corequisite: CJUS 101. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall or spring semester.

Analyze and apply criminal procedure law and its impact on law enforcement practices. Topics include arrests, warrants, search and seizure, rules of evidence, and court and grand jury procedures. Prerequisite: COMP 101; Pre or Corequisite: CJUS 101. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall or spring semester.

Examine the social pressures on children in contemporary society that contribute to deviant behavior. Explores power structures, socioeconomic factors, urbanization, marginalized or underrepresented groups, and the effects of technological change alongside urban growth. The course analyzes the roles of family, peer groups, gangs, and societal subcultures in the development of delinquency and evaluates major theories of delinquency, as well as approaches to prevention, treatment, and corrections. Prerequisite: PSYC 101 or SOCI 101. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall or spring semester. This course satisfies the Liberal Arts and Sciences requirement.

Evaluate and apply the scientific and legal components of crime scene investigation and management. Topics include scene control, evidence collection, documentation, photography, and admissibility of evidence. Relevant laws and court decisions are emphasized. Prerequisite: CJUS 221. 3 credits (2 lecture hours, 2 lab hours), fall or spring semester.

Analyze the phenomenon of serial murder and distinguishes it from other forms of multiple homicide. Topics include typologies, offender characteristics, victimology, media influence, investigative challenges, and criminological explanations. Students should be aware that graphic content may be presented due to the nature of the subject matter. Prerequisite: CJUS 202. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), spring semester.

Develop and apply interviewing techniques for suspects and witnesses. Emphasis is placed on overcoming resistance, interviewing under stress, and assessing credibility and deception. Prerequisite: CJUS 221. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall or spring semester.

Evaluate the experiences of crime victims and their interactions with criminal justice agencies, policymakers, advocates, media, offenders, and service providers. Practical responses to victimization are emphasized. Prerequisite: CJUS 202, or permission of instructor. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall semester.

Analyze and apply concepts related to white collar crime, including illegal, unethical, and deviant activities committed by individuals or organizations of high social status. Emphasis is placed on investigation, prosecution, and societal impact. Prerequisite: CJUS 202. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall or spring semester.

Design and implement an emergency plan to prevent loss of life and property in communities and organizations. Topics include planning frameworks, risk assessment, and technologies such as GIS, GPS, remote sensing, and warning systems. Prerequisite: CJUS 221. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall or spring semester.

Analyze terrorism and its implications for law enforcement and domestic security. Topics include terrorist motivations, profiles, and the balance between security measures and civil liberties. Prerequisite: CJUS 221 and junior status. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall semester.

Examine practical and professional approaches to private security. Topics include retail, business, personal, and premises security, with emphasis on ethics, risk management, and real-world applications. Prerequisite: CJUS 301. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall semester.

Appropriate application of use of force to gain lawful compliance and personal protection impacts law enforcement and citizens. This course examines use of force continuums, emotional and physical impacts, the courts, and the public response. Prerequisite: CJUS 202 1 credit (1 lecture hour), spring semester

Examine and apply investigative techniques related to arson and bomb incidents. Emphasis is placed on the science of combustion, fire behavior, and investigative methods across various environments, including vehicles, structures, and wildland settings. Prerequisite: CJUS 221. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), spring semester.

Apply and evaluate theoretical and practical approaches to investigating and preventing workplace violence and staff misconduct. Topics include threat assessment, organizational risk factors, reporting systems, and prevention strategies. Prerequisite: CJUS 221. 3 credits (3 lecture hours), fall or spring semester.

Prepare students for a full-time Criminal Justice internship. Topics include career exploration, professional expectations, and job readiness skills. Prerequisite: Completion of at least 90 credits in the Criminal Justice program. 1 credit (3 lecture hours/5 weeks), fall or spring semester.

Engage in an immersive, supervised field experience in a criminal justice setting. Students complete a full-time internship at an approved site and integrate academic learning with professional practice. Prerequisite: C or better in CJUS 449 and completion of 107 credits. 15 credits, fall or spring semester.

This course examines current and special topics impacting the field of criminal justice. Offerings will vary each semester to address multiple topics such as Restorative Justice, Organized Crime, Technology in Law Enforcement and other current issues. Prerequisite: CJUS 202 Policing or permission of the instructor. 1 credit (1 lecture hour, online, hybrid or lab hours) fall or spring semester

Evaluate current and emerging topics in criminal justice. Content varies by semester and may include areas such as restorative justice, organized crime, and technology in law enforcement. Prerequisite: CJUS 202 or permission of instructor. 3 credits, fall or spring semester (lecture, online, hybrid, or lab format).