MA in CRJ Curriculum

The passage of a law or program designed to address a particular problem is often assumed to resolve that issue. In actuality, however, the law itself may generate more problems than it solves. This course examines some of the problems in the application of laws that have come to light through the use of social science research, or that can be minimized through an empirical investigation of the problem. Three (3) Credit Hours.

The nature, extent and impact of illicit behavior on the part of corporations, illicit organizations, government agencies, and employees. The causes, enforcement, prosecution, sentencing, and prevention of organized criminal behavior will be examined. Political, white-collar, organized, and corporate crime are assessed, and their similarities and differences evaluated in terms of investigation, prosecution, defense, and sentencing strategies.. Three (3) Credit Hours.

This course examines the constitutional rules and principles that help shape the law of criminal procedure. The issues covered include: pretrial rights and proceedings, the adversarial system, interrogation and confessions, and search and seizure. Attention will be given to U.S. Supreme Court decisions that interpret and apply federal constitutional provisions to these issues.
Three (3) Credit Hours.

This course will critically examine the philosophy and practice of restorative justice. It will begin with an overview of the philosophical framework, as well as some strengths and weaknesses, of our current justice system. The course will then cover the history, philosophy, and practices of restorative justice, including objections to this approach and methods and results of evaluating current programs.
Three (3) Credit Hours.

This course considers the interrelationships among race, gender and class in the criminal justice system. Examined are the patterns and variations in crime across these variables. The assumptions, biases and relative strengths and weaknesses of theories of crime as applied across race and gender will be addressed. Attention will be given to women and minorities as offenders, victims and professionals in criminal justice with particular emphasis given to criminal justice sanctioning of crimes by and against women and minorities.
Three (3) Credit Hours.

This seminar is designed to examine a current issue in criminology and criminal justice of particular concern. Topics such as the future of crime and justice, mala prohibita offenses and their adjudication, or the criminal or juvenile justice system and contemporary social problems may be offered depending on the critical issues of the period. This course may be taken more than once as long as the subject matter differs.
Three (3) Credit Hours.

This seminar is designed to examine a current issue in criminology and criminal justice of particular concern. Topics such as the future of crime and justice, mala prohibita offenses and their adjudication, or the criminal or juvenile justice system and contemporary social problems may be offered depending on the critical issues of the period. This course may be taken more than once as long as the subject matter differs.
Three (3) Credit Hours.

This seminar is designed to examine a current issue in criminology and criminal justice of particular concern. Topics such as the future of crime and justice, mala prohibita offenses and their adjudication, or the criminal or juvenile justice system and contemporary social problems may be offered depending on the critical issues of the period. This course may be taken more than once as long as the subject matter differs.
Three (3) Credit Hours.

This class focuses on the extent, nature, causes, and consequences of domestic violence in the United States. We will focus on the complexities of domestic violence, including individual, societal, and historical factors, the implications of making distinctions in types of violence and perpetrators, and the relationship between institutional and individual responses.
Three (3) Credit Hours.