Faculty: Institute of Addiction and Legal Sciences

This major prepares students to work in the criminal justice system with a focus on law enforcement, corrections, criminology, and legal studies. Students develop practical skills and theoretical knowledge to understand and address crime, justice, and public safety. Graduates are equipped for roles in law enforcement agencies, correctional facilities, courts, and private security companies.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the fundamentals of criminal justice, criminology, and legal studies.
• Develop skills in law enforcement, corrections, and criminal investigations.
• Learn techniques in crime analysis, criminal profiling, and victimology.
• Explore principles of criminal law, constitutional law, and ethical considerations.
• Analyze challenges and opportunities within the criminal justice system.
• Develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills for criminal justice practice.

Main Curriculum:

1. Introduction to Criminal Justice
   • Overview of key concepts and industry trends in criminal justice.
   • Fundamentals of criminal justice, criminology, and legal studies.
2. Criminology
   • Principles of criminology and criminal behavior analysis.
   • Techniques for understanding criminal behavior.
3. Law Enforcement
   • Fundamentals of law enforcement strategies and policing.
   • Techniques for effective law enforcement and crime prevention.
4. Corrections
   • Principles of correctional programs and rehabilitation.
   • Techniques for managing and rehabilitating offenders.
5. Criminal Investigations
   • Fundamentals of criminal investigations and evidence collection.
   • Techniques for conducting criminal investigations.
6. Criminal Law and Procedures
   • Principles of criminal law and constitutional rights.
   • Techniques for understanding and applying criminal law.
7. Victimology
   • Understanding and meeting the needs of crime victims.
   • Techniques for victim assistance and support services.
8. Crime Analysis and Intelligence
   • Principles of crime analysis and intelligence gathering.
   • Techniques for analyzing crime patterns and trends.
9. Ethics in Criminal Justice
   • Ethical considerations and professional standards in criminal justice.
   • Techniques for ensuring ethical behavior and decision-making.
10. Practical Training in Criminal Justice
    • Real-world criminal justice experiences through internships and projects.
    • Application of acquired skills in practical criminal justice scenarios.
11. Capstone Project in Criminal Justice
    • A comprehensive project to apply skills in criminology, law enforcement, or corrections.
    • Presentation of a polished project or case study in criminal justice.

Assessment Methods:

Crime analyses, law enforcement plans, corrections management projects, criminal investigation reports, legal analyses, victimology studies, crime analysis presentations, internship reports, capstone projects, group projects, and internship evaluations.

Recommended Textbooks:

• "Criminology: Theories, Patterns, and Typologies" by Larry J. Siegel.
• "Policing America: Challenges and Best Practices" by Kenneth J. Peak.
• "Corrections: An Introduction" by Joycelyn M. Pollock.
• "Criminal Investigation" by Charles E. O'Hara and Gregory L. O'Hara.
• "Criminal Law and Procedure" by John L. Costello.
• "Victimology: Theories and Applications" by Leila W. McNeill and Richard A. Wright.
• "Crime Analysis with Crime Mapping" by Rachel Boba Santos.
• "Ethics in Criminal Justice" by Michael Braswell and Belinda McCarthy.

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of criminal justice, sociology, and legal studies. Suitable for students interested in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, and related fields.

Duration of the Specialty:

Typically 4 years for obtaining a bachelor's degree, including coursework, projects, practical training, and internships.

Certification:

Graduates may earn a degree in criminal justice and pursue professional certifications or further education in related fields.

Target Group:

Aspiring law enforcement officers, correctional officers, criminal investigators, criminologists, and individuals seeking to work in criminal justice, public safety, and related fields. This major equips students with the skills necessary to excel in criminal justice and support careers in law enforcement, corrections, criminal investigations, and related fields.