Courses

CJ 101 (3 credits)
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Introduction to organization, administration and operation of the criminal justice system in the United States, with a broad view of interrelationships of police, courts and the correctional process. Major problems discussed include constitutional guarantees, conflicting purposes, mutual support and a view of recommended reforms. CJ 101 is a prerequisite for all other courses in the major.

CJ 104 (3 credits)
Introduction to Security Management
Nature and scope of private security in modern society from the historical, philosophical and legal vantage points. Basic principles of administration, organization, and operation of security and protection units.

CJ 171 (3 credits)
Policing in America
Provide an opportunity for the student to study evolution of policing in America from its earliest roots in Europe to the present day proactive police squad. The student will learn the jurisdiction, responsibilities, and history of the numerous policing agencies that respond to the crime problem in America. Students will also widen their career vista with the experience and exposure to all of the specialized talents and backgrounds that are required for employment in the profession. Ibis is an appropriate start to the study of criminal justice. CJ 101 is not required as a prerequisite.

CJ 175 (3 credits)
Fundamentals of Criminal Investigation
Principles and methods of investigating criminal offenses to include: history, theories and problems of criminal investigations; crime scene searches; collection, preservation, and recording of physical evidence; impartial gathering of information; interview and interrogation methods; identification of modus operandi and sources of information; development and handling of informants; scientific aids to investigating, and report writing.
Prerequisite: CJ 101

CJ 201 (3 credits)
Criminal Law
Study of criminal offenses by statutory and common law definition/classification; laws of arrest, search and seizure; and analysis of constitutional and statutory concepts governing introduction and use of information in formalized legal proceedings. PA Crimes Code is used as supplemental text reference.
Prerequisite: CJ 101

CJ 203 (3 credits)
Criminalistics
Familiarizes the student with the techniques, skills, and Imitations of the modern crime laboratory with respect to collection and processing of physical evidence. Areas analyzed include but are not limited to serology, DNA, hairs and fibers, fingerprints, soil, paint, and glass fragments.
Prerequisite: CJ 175.

CJ 207 (3 credits)
Rules of Evidence
Rules of evidence, principles of exclusion, evaluation and examination of evidence and proof, competency, consideration of witnesses, laws of search and seizure, and court procedures from perspective of moving evidence into court proceedings.
Prerequisite: CJ 201.

CJ 216 (3 credits)
Women and the Criminal Justice System
Review of the diversity in general as a developed theme and then focuses on the role of women in the criminal justice system with special interest in law enforcement agencies. The history and contribution as equity issues in the law will be discussed. The women will be studied as victims, offenders, and employees in the system. Discrimination, glass ceiling, sexual harassment, role barriers, and other gender issues will be presented in the context of the contemporary diversity themes. This course fulfills the human diversity graduation requirement.
Prerequisite: CJ 101 and 175

CJ 218 (3 credits)
Multicultural Issues in Criminal Justice
Examines diversity issues as they impact criminal justice agencies both internally and externally on race, sex, religion, ethnicity and related subjects. Racism, stereotypes and scapegoating themes are developed. This course fulfills the human diversity graduation requirement.
Prerequisite: CJ 101

CJ 221 (3 credits)
Research Methods I for Criminal Justice
Introduces students to fundamental issues associated with the application of scientific methods to criminal justice problems. Topics covered include research design, the relationship. Prerequisite: CJ 101

CJ 235 (3 credits)
Community Policing
Analysis of the relationships among police, courts, correctional systems, and community resources. Emphasis is on community policing as a continuing departmental philosophy that in which the police and the community forms a partnership to identify and solve crime problems. A variety of programs and resources are evaluated.

CJ 272 (3 credits)
Probation and Parole
Examines the role of probation and parole as a component of the criminal justice system. Areas which will be analyzed and discussed include probation and parole philosophy, programs and practices, theories, case law history, system components, supervision, presentence investigations, specialized programs, innovative sentencing, training issues, and probation and parole standards.
Prerequisite: CJ 101

CJ 274 (3 credits)
Corrections and Rehabilitation
Survey of the correctional field covering incarceration, institutions, probation and parole, modern correctional counseling, case method, and techniques of supervision.
Prerequisite: CJ 101

CJ 275 (3 credits)
Criminology
Examination of classical and contemporary theories of crime, nature and causes of crime and criminal behavior as well as relationship between law and crime. Emphasis placed on identifying various criminological theories and their advocates to give student an overview of the many theories posited as causes of criminal behavior and crime. Course satisfies the social science core requirement.
Prerequisites: CJ 101, 175.

CJ 285 (3 credits)
Victimology
Deals with the many concerns that surround the victims of crime and address the issues that tend to “twice victimize” the victim through the ways in which they are treated by the system that is supposed to help them. Current policies, trends, theories, and programs for dealing with the victims of crime and their family or survivors are discussed. Specialized responses to victims of violence as well as the etiology of victimization will be presented. Historical antecedents, victim compensation, victim impact statements, support agencies, and public policy will be presented. This course may be taken for four credits as an option without extra charge for those students who opt to include a community service component.
Prerequisite: CJ 101

CJ 301 (3 credits)
Organized Crime
Nature and problems of the criminal organization including historic roots; causal factors of organized crime in American society; activities, organizations, and economics of organized crime; the problems of corruption and graft, and the development of strategies to control the activities of organized crime. Presented through an overview of the several organized crime groups including traditional organized crime, gangs, and the new ethnic mobs. Proactive strategies of prosecution are presented.
Prerequisite: CJ 101 and 175.

CJ 302 (3 credits)
Judicial Process and Procedures
Explanation of the role of the judiciary, it historical background and development in the United States with stress on due process of law, and the judicial procedure by which an arrested offender enters the system. Problems of change and reform of the process are also discussed. Prerequisite: CJ 201.

CJ 307 (3 credits)
Court Administration
Introductory course designed to acquaint students with the problems of management of the courts from the local systems up to the Supreme Court. The role of the Prothonotary is examined.
Prerequisite: CJ 201, 302.

CJ 308 (3 credits)
Commercial Security Management
Retail, commercial and corporate security functions of organizations and establishments with emphasis on internal theft, shoplifting, armed robbery, dignitary protection, economic espionage, and tested security programs. Role of management, public relations, and special laws and procedures are discussed.

CJ 309 (3 credits)
White Collar Crime
Analyzes the usually nonviolent criminal conduct described as official corruptions systematic crime, or violations of trust; this is characterized by calculation, deceit, and personal enrichment. Several theories will be presented including Sutherland and Coleman.The violent effects of the “crime in the suites” will be presented through contemporary case studies. Students are challenged to examine the American economic structure as a source of criminal activity.
Prerequisite: CJ 101 and 175.

CJ 346 (3 credits)
Terrorism
Students will gain an understanding of the concept of terrorism through an integrated approach to the subject, which will include domestic and international issues. Effects on the political agenda will be viewed from the religious and historical perspective. Case studies of terrorist groups and their activities will be presented.
Prerequisite: CJ 175.

CJ 377 (3 credits)
Juvenile Justice System
Study of juvenile court procedures including techniques for prevention, investigation and apprehension of the juvenile offender, juvenile institutions, juvenile probation and parole, philosophy and terminology, current juvenile programs, adjudication and aftercare.
Prerequisite: CJ 101 and 175.

CJ 379 (3 credits)
Ethics in Criminal Justice
Examines challenge and conflict between professional standards of behavior and the acceptable system within the organization. Roles of Inspector General and Internal Affairs will be presented. Issues concerning dual relationships, corruption, perjury, false reports, gratuities, wrongful acts, and code of silence will be discussed. Civil Rights and brutality, and use of deadly force will be viewed as ethical concerns. Honesty, integrity and ethical behavior in criminal justice professions are key themes in course.
Prerequisites: CJ 101, 175.

CJ 401 (3 credits)
Legal Aspects of Drug Abuse
Analysis and definition of drugs and drug abuse with their effects, types, extent of abuse, and legal classifications. Present state of law and constitutional problems, techniques of enforcement, sentencing and alternative systems are examined. Major offenders including gangs and cartels are discussed as case studies. Current strategies, trends and policies will be presented.
Prerequisite: Senior Status.

CJ 403 (3 credits)
Senior Seminar in Criminal Justice
Examine basic principles, structures and processes of supervision and management. Emphasis on legal issues associated with CJ administration which provide student with informative, balanced and realistic perspective taught in a seminar.
Prerequisite: Senior Status.

CJ 408 (6 credits)
Agency Practicum
Actual involvement in a work-study internship designed to broaden educational experience through appropriate observation and assignment with criminal justice, private corporate security, and service agencies on the local, state, or federal level. Students are required to spend at least 200 hours with an agency. It is the responsibility of the student to locate and secure the internship placement.
Prerequisite: 2.0 GPA overall, 2.0 GPA in Major, Senior Status (90 credits or more), premission of instructor.

CJ 411 (3 credits)
Domestic Violence
Study of various forms of violence that take place within the family and partnership relations. Focuses on spousal abuse, partner abuse, adolescent abuse, abuse of elderly and societal/legal responses.
Prerequisites: CJ 175, 201, 275. May be taken as elective for Women’s Studies minor without prerequisites.

CJ 412 (3 credits)
Undercover Investigations
Comprehensive study of undercover operations as they pertain to various aspects of CJ system, including but not limited to: controlling an informant, various dangers and precautions associated with undercover operations, forensic photography and benefits provided to law enforcement and private/corporate security.
Prerequisite: CJ 175, 201, 302.

CJ 422 (3 credits)
Crisis Management
Study of crisis as it affects law enforcement and private business from hostage taking to product tampering, including case studies on the issues with an emphasis on decision making. Psychological and behavioral profiles of perpetrators will be discussed. Protocols for dealing with the several identified issues will be presented.
Prerequisite: CJ 101, 175, 201, and either 216 or 218

CJ 426 (3 credits)
Interview and Interrogation
Study of interview and interrogation techniques to include: a step-by-step pragmatic approach using psychological methods and principles; studies of actual criminal cases, legal issues involved; and extensive classroom practical exercises.
Prerequisite: Senior status in CJ major or permission of instructor.

CJ 444 (3 credits)
Violent Crime
The nature, theory, history and psychology of violence in America is discussed through a study of the crimes of violence including homicide, rape, assault, and serial crimes. Interpersonal, group, and official violence will be explored.
Prerequisite: CJ 201, 275.

NOTE: Prerequisites may be waived for non-criminal justice majors. Decision will be made by the Criminal Justice Department chair.

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