Designed for students who already hold an associate degree in criminal justice, this track widens the lens from day-to-day procedure to the larger systems that shape how justice is administered. You'll compare how different jurisdictions structure policing, courts, and corrections, and examine the policy forces that drive reform across the field.
The program emphasizes analytical and coordination skills that entry-level roles rarely require, preparing you to work across agencies rather than within a single one. Graduates are positioned for policy analyst roles, interagency liaison positions, and administrative paths within justice-related organizations.
CJ 125Introduction to Criminology
Surveying the major theories that explain why crime occurs and how societies respond to it.
- Classical and positivist theories of crime
- Biological, psychological, and sociological explanations
- Measuring and interpreting crime data trends
SS 126Sociology
Introducing the study of social groups, institutions, and the structures that shape human behavior.
- Socialization and group dynamics
- Social stratification and inequality
- Institutions and social change
CJ 448Corrections
Examining the structure and goals of correctional institutions and community supervision programs.
- Prison and jail administration
- Probation and parole systems
- Rehabilitation versus punishment models
CJ 493Issues in Criminal Justice
Exploring current controversies and emerging challenges facing the criminal justice system.
- Contemporary policy debates
- Reform movements and their impact
- Balancing public safety and civil rights
CJ 519Criminal Procedures
Analyzing the constitutional rules that govern arrest, search, and trial processes.
- Fourth and Fifth Amendment protections
- Arrest and search procedures
- Due process throughout the criminal case lifecycle
CJ 585Investigation
Developing systematic techniques for gathering, documenting, and analyzing case evidence.
- Interview and interrogation methods
- Evidence collection and preservation
- Case file organization and reporting
LLS 642Introduction to Laws
Providing a foundational overview of legal systems, sources of law, and how statutes are applied.
- Structure of the legal system
- Statutory versus case law
- Legal research and interpretation basics
CJ 720Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
Comparing how different nations structure policing, courts, and corrections.
- International policing models
- Comparative court and sentencing practices
- Cross-cultural approaches to justice reform
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Specialist Courses
6 Courses
JUJ 035Research in Criminal Justice
Teaching foundational research design and data analysis for justice-related studies.
- Research design fundamentals
- Quantitative and qualitative methods
- Interpreting criminal justice data
CRJ 322Introduction to Criminal Justice Statistics
Applying statistical methods to analyze crime trends and justice system outcomes.
- Descriptive and inferential statistics
- Crime data measurement techniques
- Interpreting statistical reports
CRJ 357Introduction to Criminal Justice
Providing a broad overview of the police, courts, and corrections subsystems.
- Structure of the justice system
- Roles of key justice agencies
- How a case flows through the system
CRJ 526Victimology
Studying victimization patterns and the services available to crime victims.
- Theories of victimization
- Victim advocacy and support services
- Legal rights of crime victims
CRJ 593Special Topics in Criminal Justice
Investigating emerging and specialized issues shaping the justice field.
- Current event case analysis
- Emerging policy trends
- Applied problem-solving discussions
CRJ 674Ethics in Criminal Justice
Examining ethical dilemmas faced by justice professionals in daily practice.
- Ethical decision-making frameworks
- Professional codes of conduct
- Case studies in misconduct and accountability
$24,000
Total Program Cost
Fees are billed per term and are subject to change. Financial aid, scholarships, and flexible payment plans are available to students who qualify.
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Admission requires Associate Degree or equivalent credits.
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Submit Your Application
Complete the online application with your basic and academic details.
An admissions advisor reviews your application and any transfer credit.
Receive your decision, complete enrollment, and start your first term.
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