Undergraduate Certificate in
Criminal Justice

This course is an introduction to the criminal justice process, including an overview of crime in America, criminal law, policing, the courts, corrections, and juvenile justice.
Credit Hours: 3

This course discusses why we have criminal laws and begins to define the proof that is necessary to convict someone of a crime. Social issues that affect how and why laws are made are examined, as well as the behavior that is the subject of criminal law. Topics include criminal liability, criminal defenses and jurisdiction, crimes against persons and property, sex crimes, and other criminal conduct.
Credit Hours: 3

This course provides an overview of the procedures used to lawfully investigate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals suspected of and accused of violating criminal laws. It also explores the many facets of the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments to the Constitution and how the Constitution protects us from an oppressive government while at the same time providing the means to catch and bring wrongdoers to justice.
Credit Hours: 3

This course provides an introduction to the responsibilities of police officers, providing examples and applications of theory, including topics such as patrol techniques, use of discretion, and describing how police departments are organized and managed, and how they are responding to modern challenges.
Credit Hours: 3

This course provides a broad-based, foundational approach to understanding the many elements of America’s correctional system from the perspective of both the corrections worker and the criminal offender. Particular attention is paid to issues including alternative sanctions, incarceration of women and juveniles, and the effects of incarceration upon release.
Credit Hours: 3

This course bridges the gap between the ideals of justice and the ethical behavior that criminal justice professionals should exhibit in the furtherance of justice. It also presents information that criminal justice professionals need to resolve many of the ethical dilemmas they may face, and to understand the dilemmas faced by others within the justice system.
Credit Hours: 3

This is an introduction to the situations encountered and the security techniques commonly used by private security officers. Topics covered include loss prevention, physical security, community policing, business security, terrorism, computer and network security, and ethical issues in private security.
Credit Hours: 3

This course presents a careful examination of crimes committed by a family member against another family member, offering practical applications of theory and dispelling myths about victims and offenders. Topics covered include global violence against women, child abuse, stalking, and homicide.
Credit Hours: 3

This course examines the facts behind juvenile delinquency, the processes in the justice system affecting juvenile offenders, the roles of probation, institutionalization, parole, and delinquency prevention. The course also closely examines the robber, gang member, rapist, status offender, and the deprived child.
Credit Hours: 3

This is a thorough examination of the investigation process and of situations in which police officers apply specific investigative and information-gathering techniques to meet the evidentiary requirements of specific crimes. Topics include how law enforcement deals with violent crime, criminal investigative procedures for kidnapping, extortion, and homicide, and the investigative techniques used to solve complex criminal cases, such as organized crime, white-collar crime, arson, and bombings.
Credit Hours: 3

This is a hands-on course that examines various reports used by police officers and develops the writing skills needed for note taking, police reports, and warrants.
Credit Hours: 3