Justice Studies Courses
JUS1100 Introduction to Justice Studies
Introduces the major institutions of justice in society. Topics include justice in a free society, the police, courts, correctional services, the balance of individual rights and public order, law and public policy, and factors affecting the future of the justice system.
3 Credit Hours
JUS1110 Communication Skills for Criminal Justice Professionals
Examines the nature and importance of communication within the criminal justice system. Students develop report-writing skills and an understanding of the impact report writing has on the investigation and prosecution of crime, as well as on the administration of justice.
3 Credit Hours
JUS2000 Career Development
3 Credits
Introduces students to the fundamentals of career development and career planning. The course focuses on setting appropriate discipline specific career goals based on self-assessment exercises that align with skills and competencies. Students learn how to write a professional resume and cover letter, how to communicate effectively in multiple media formats and how to develop effective time management skills.
Note: JUS2000 is only offered as a 7-week course.
JUS2201 Criminal Procedure
Introduces the methods and body of rules by which criminal law functions in a free society. Topics include the collection and handling of evidence in a crime, police procedure in regard to search and seizure, emergency police searches, vehicle searches, confessions, and arrest and interrogation procedures.
Prerequisite: JUS1100
3 Credit Hours
JUS2205 Criminal Law
Introduces the study of criminal law. Students will learn about general categories of criminal law (felonies and misdemeanors) and the various defenses to criminal charges (alibi, justification, excuse, conspiracy, and legal insanity).
Prerequisite: JUS1100
3 Credit Hours
JUS2210 Community Relations and the Police
Introduces the history of community relations and the police. This course explores public relations programs and strategies.
Prerequisite: JUS1100
3 Credit Hours
JUS2220 Justice and the Media
Introduces the relationship between the media and the justice system. Topics include freedom of the press, the individual’s right to privacy, the Freedom of Information Act, sensationalism in the media in regards to crime, and the role of the media in crime-solving and law enforcement.
Prerequisite: JUS1100
3 Credit Hours
JUS2225 Criminal Investigations
Introduces criminal investigation procedures. This course explores the historical development of criminal investigations; how investigation processes relate to the various functions of law enforcement; the collection, organization and preservation of evidence; and the constitutional limitations of criminal investigation.
Prerequisite: JUS1100
3 Credit Hours
JUS2235 Juvenile Justice
Examines the factors that contribute to juvenile delinquency, and ways in which the American juvenile justice system responds to youthful offenders. Students examine societal shifts between punitive and therapeutic approaches to delinquency and the merits of various formal and informal treatment options.
Prerequisite: JUS1100
3 Credit Hours
JUS2240 Justice and the Judiciary
Introduces the history, structure and procedures of the state and federal judicial systems. Topics include the roles and responsibilities of the district attorney, the defense attorney, the bailiff, the judge, the jury, and the expert witness in determining guilt or innocence. Pretrial activities are also discussed.
Prerequisite: JUS1100
3 Credit Hours
JUS2260 Contemporary Issues in Justice Studies
Focuses on social issues such as violence, abuse, racial and ethnic relations, racism, concentrated poverty, joblessness, terrorism, and suicide, and explores how these issues impact justice in the United States.
Prerequisite: JUS1100
3 Credit Hours
JUS2270 Special Topics in Justice Studies
Changes depending on the instructor's selected topic.
Prerequisite: JUS1100
1 to 3 Credit Hours
JUS2293 Internship
Students work in a position related to their course of study while at the same time completing online course requirements – including focused online discussions and special online projects – that integrate the skills and knowledge learned through their degree program.
Prerequisite: Departmental permission
3 Credit Hours
JUS3301 Police Administration and Management
Examines the management practices and organizational designs in American policing. Topics include leadership and leadership development, law enforcement and politics, CompStat, organizational development, and human resources.
Prerequisites: JUS1100, SOC2218
3 Credit Hours
JUS3302 Homeland Security
Introduces the emerging issues of Homeland Security and potential terrorist threats. Course topics include the history of terrorism, the National Security Act, the events of September 11th, and overall public safety challenges.
Prerequisite: JUS1100
3 Credit Hours
JUS3307 Corrections, Probation, and Parole
Introduces the history and current state of corrections, probation, and parole in the United States. Topics include the roles of corrections, probation, and parole officers; different types of jails and prisons; restorative justice; community-based correctional models; and extra-institutional supervision of convicted offenders.
Prerequisite: JUS1100
3 Credit Hours
JUS3314 Introduction to Intelligence
Considers the intelligence function within the context of the Patriot Act. Topics include the use of informants, issues in police interrogation practices, Miranda warnings, electronic eavesdropping and surveillance, and the civil rights implications of electronic evidence.
Prerequisite: JUS1100
3 Credit Hours
JUS3315 Terrorism
Examines the history and causes of terrorism. This course concentrates on the structure and function of major terrorist groups and the response of democratic governments in combating terrorism. Includes an investigation of terrorist activities, legal viewpoints, and media responsibility.
Prerequisite: JUS1100
3 Credit Hours
JUS3330 Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) Forensics
Students will learn about Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), from the first response on the crime scene to documenting crime scene evidence and preparing evidence for courtroom presentation. The course will focus on the day-to-day aspects, examining and learning the methodologies and technologies employed by crime scene personnel. The course also offers a comprehensive overview of the practical application of forensic science in crime scene investigation while identifying the interrelated components of the investigative and evidence-collection process.
Prerequisite: SCI2230
3 Credit Hours
JUS4401 Corporate Security Management
Introduces contemporary security management in the private sector. This course emphasizes the integration of the security function into an organization’s operations in order to ensure safety and security, and enhance overall efficiency and profitability.
Prerequisite: JUS1100
3 Credit Hours
JUS4402 Private Security Management
Examines security management and the role of management in handling protection and control of facilities, property, and personnel in the private sector. Topics include disaster control, fire safety and prevention, industrial espionage, labor disputes, public disorder, computer security, and coordination with public safety agencies.
Prerequisite: JUS1100
3 Credit Hours
JUS4403 Cyber Crime
Introduces the links between computers, crime, and social control. This course includes an analysis of the technological, social, economic, and political context from which cybercrime has emerged. Students consider social and political relations to cybercrime, as well as social policy questions of privacy and freedom on the Internet.
Prerequisite: JUS1100
3 Credit Hours
JUS4404 White Collar Crime
Introduces the social and legal dimensions of crimes committed by corporations, as by individuals. Covers the social definition of white collar crime, who commits it, who is harmed by white collar offenses, and how law enforcement and society respond.
Prerequisite: JUS2205
3 Credit Hours
JUS4405 Transportation Security
Analyzes the security challenges created by economic dependence on public transportation. This course emphasizes the impact of compromised public transportation systems.
Prerequisite: JUS1100
3 Credit Hours
JUS4406 Research Methods in Criminal Justice
Examines the process of academic research with particular attention to research designs, data collection, and sampling. This course will address the procedures and methods necessary to conduct a research study in criminal justice. Methodological problems and ethical issues will be considered in detail.
Prerequisites: JUS1100, SOC2220, MAT2215
3 Credit Hours
Introduces various international security concepts such as international terrorism, multi-national military conflict, economic growth and expansion, and the global environment.
Prerequisite: JUS1100
3 Credit Hours
JUS4460 Capstone Project
The capstone experience is a culminating set of experiences that “captivate, encapsulate, synthesize, and demonstrate learning” (Rowles et al. 2004, 2008). In this Capstone Project course, students will complete Capstone projects and assignments that address and assess the program outcomes for the BS in Justice Studies-Criminal Justice and National Security programs. Students will have the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned throughout their degree program by applying creativity skills to real-world situations, critical thinking, leadership, and problem-solving. This course reemphasizes major topics students have learned throughout their coursework with implications on current or emerging trends along with best practices to explore concepts to help prepare for and succeed in, a career within the criminal justice system or indirectly related fields such as the private sector.
3 Credit Hours
JUS4470 Special Topics in Criminal Justice
Changes depending on the instructor's selected topic.
Prerequisite: JUS1100
1 to 3 Credit Hours
JUS4483 Internship
Students work in a position related to their course of study while at the same time completing online course requirements – including focused online discussions and special online projects - that integrate the skills and knowledge learned through their degree program.
Prerequisite: Departmental permission
3 Credit Hours