Justice Studies - Criminal Justice Bachelor of Science Degree (BS)

Not all programs are offered for completion at each campus or through Berkeley College Online®. Please review the academic program pages (https://berkeleycollege.edu/academics/index.html) for information on where each program is offered. Additionally, all students may be required to take some courses at another campus or online. The Internship courses are only offered online.

PROGRAM LEARNING OBJECTIVES

SAMPLE PROGRAM SEQUENCE

Course Requirements

MAJOR CORE COURSES

CIS1115 Computer Applications

3 Credits

Provides an introduction to computer technology with an emphasis on applications. Students learn to use software, such as Microsoft Windows, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

JUS1100 Introduction to Justice Studies

3 Credits

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.

JUS1110 Communication Skills for Criminal Justice Professionals

3 Credits

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.

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

3 Credits

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

JUS2205 Criminal Law

3 Credits

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

JUS3307 Corrections, Probation, and Parole

3 Credits

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

JUS4460 Capstone Project

3 Credits

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.

JUS4483 Internship

3 Credits

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

SOC2218 Police and Society

3 Credits

Introduces the history and traditions of American policing. Examines the role of the police in advancing justice in a democratic society. Topics include law enforcement operations and strategies, such as profiling, organizational structure, community affairs, police use of force, and various major concerns in public policy.

SOC2220 Criminology

3 Credits

Introduces the various causes of crime in a free society. This course considers factors such as free will, biology, and other possible causes, such as DNA, nutrition, hormones, and subcultures of violence.

Justice Studies Elective- 6 Credits

Major Concentration*- 12 Credits

LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCE CORE COURSES

ENG1105 Writing and Research

3 Credits

An introduction to expository writing through a comprehensive survey of forms of composition. Students are taught to use words with precision and strengthen their understanding and application of grammatical and rhetorical principles. Students are encouraged to appreciate and incorporate the principles of academic and professional writing.

ENG2205 Writing Through Literature

3 Credits

Further develop the writing, reading, and interpretive abilities introduced in ENG1105 through critical engagement with literary texts from a myriad of genres.

Prerequisite: ENG1105

ENG3316 The Confident Writer 

3 Credits

Explores a wide variety of non-fiction writing genres, including personal profile, journalism, criticism, and more. Students build their reading, writing, and researching skills while also reinforcing the fundamental concepts and current developments associated with the areas of their respective majors.

Prerequisite: ENG2205

HUM2225 Introduction to Ethics

3 Credits

MAT2215 Statistics I

3 Credits

Introduces statistical methods and procedures. Students become acquainted with the collection, analysis, and presentation of quantitative data. Topics include basic concepts of probability, frequency distributions, binomial distributions, sampling theory, hypothesis testing, and regression and correlation.

SCI2230 Forensic Science

3 Credits

Focuses on the application of science to law. This course introduces students to the field of forensic science through a hands-on approach in its applications to criminal investigations. Students are presented with clear explanations of the techniques, abilities, and limitations of the modern crime laboratory and crime scene.

SOC1123 First Year Experience

3 Credits

Explores the challenges students most frequently face in pursuing and achieving a college degree. Students will identify their own perceived challenges, share critical insights to meeting them, and implement their own plan of action to address and overcome such challenges.

SOC2210 Introduction to Sociology

3 Credits

SOC2231 Human Relations

3 Credits

Students will develop the interpersonal skills known to be key ingredients for successful everyday interactions with a focus on the challenges of workplace relationships involving coworkers, supervisors, and customers/clients. Some major skill areas covered in the course include making a good impression with your employer, managing conflict with difficult coworkers, working on a team with diverse groups of people, providing exceptional service for customers/clients, and managing on-the-job stressors.