Criminal Justice online classes curriculum

View General Education Elective (Behavioral/Social Science 100-200 Level) offerings.

View General Education Elective (Humanities/Fine Art 100-200 Level) offerings.

How ethical are people when no one is looking? This course will sharpen your awareness of ethical behavior as it applies to criminal justice. You'll engage in focused discussions of Aristotle, Kant, John Stuart Mill, and other renowned philosophers. Each lesson provides you with the opportunity to work through ethical dilemmas. Then, you'll examine retribution, deterrence, incapacitation, and rehabilitation, the four primary theories of punishment. You'll also be exposed to US Supreme Court cases that address Constitutional rights, police misconduct, and the future of ethics.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Distinguish between morals, values, and ethics.
• Explain the moral virtues concepts espoused by Aristotle.
• Explain why lying is never permissible in formalism ethics.
• Contrast utilitarian ethics with the views of Aristotle and Kant.
• Identify the principles of classical, positivism, structural, and ethical theories of crime causation.
• Evaluate the ethical dilemmas posed by plea bargaining and sentencing decisions.
• Discuss ethical issues that arise in correctional facilities.
• Analyze foreseeable ethical dilemmas that can arise with technological advances.

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides a study of policing, including focused discussions that explain why police organizations differ from other organizations. Emphasis is given to policing in the modern world of technology and terrorism. Police subculture, their discretion and misconduct, US Supreme Court cases that address Constitutional rights, and internal and external measures of accountability are also highlights of this course.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Summarize the role of police in the criminal justice system.
• Explain how law enforcement agencies differ from other organizations.
• Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of police discretion.
• Identify various types of police missions.
• Analyze the influences of the Fourth Amendment on searches and seizures.
• Explain the different types of external accountability measures put in place to check police misconduct.
• Define several typologies proposed by scholars to account for police deviance.
• Identify the various levels of force police officers use.

Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed to introduce you to the correctional system in the United States. To this end, you'll explore the American correctional context, correctional practices, and a number of correctional issues and perspectives.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Point out the importance of corrections, the associated laws, and the types of issues.
• Categorize the types of correction programs, reforms, and the issues in them.
• Differentiate between the various correctional programs, treatment methods, and the changes made with time.
• Analyze the corrections used on different convicts and the factors that determine these corrections.
• Apply the philosophy and knowledge of corrections to initiating the process of reentry.
• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate effective quantitative skills.
• Demonstrate computer and information literacy.

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a graphical and numerical approach to algebra that incorporates the use of technology. Emphasis is placed on solving algebraic application problems, and results are solutions-oriented. The concept of a function as a tool to model real-world data will play a central role. Emphasis will also be placed on the study of equations and inequalities, graphs, matrices and determinants, quadratics, sequences, inductive reasoning, and probability.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Solve equations using the addition principle.
• Solve equations using the multiplication principle.
• Solve problems using applications of percentages.
• Solve inequalities.
• Identify functions.
• Graph linear functions.
• Find the domain & range of a graph or equation.
• Find equations of lines.
• Use and simplify integers as exponents.
• Evaluate exponents and scientific notation.
• Add and subtract polynomials.
• Multiply polynomials.
• Factor and expand differences of squares.
• Evaluate and simplify exponential functions.
• Recognize, create, and simplify composite functions.
• Create and simplify inverse functions.
• Evaluate and simplify logarithmic functions.
• Apply properties of logarithms to expand or simplify logarithmic expressions.
• Recognize mathematical modeling.
• Complete matrix arithmetic operations.
• Solve systems of equations with Cramer's Rule.
• Solve systems of equations with inverses.
• Identify and apply sequence notation.
• Identify and apply formulas to arithmetic sequences and series.
• Identify and apply formulas to geometric sequences and series.
• Use the counting principle to determine the number of possible outcomes.
• Calculate and interpret probability.
• Solve quadratic equations using the quadratic formula or factoring.
• Graph quadratics.
• Solve mathematic modeling problems using quadratics.

Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed to provide you with basic theories and skills that are essential to effective public speaking. Topics include audience analysis, organization, persuasion, credibility, and delivery. Ideally, you should be able to apply these skills in a variety of public speaking situations, whether in future college courses or in nonacademic settings. As a member of the class, you'll also become an active listener and learn to analyze, critique, and evaluate the speaking of others.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Demonstrate and apply knowledge of public speaking principles and concepts.
• Relate knowledge and skills needed for effective listening and doing speech criticism.
• Recognize the process of selecting and narrowing a speech topic and audience analysis.
• Identify and state purposes and central ideas for a speech.
• Specify sources and uses of supporting materials and presentation aids in speech preparation.
• Construct speech outlines applying organizational methods.
• Prepare a formal speech demonstrating skills in speech composition.
• Demonstrate knowledge of speech delivery techniques.

Credit Hours: 3

Many minors commit acts at one time or another that could involve them in the juvenile justice system. Knowledge and understanding of both theory and practice in juvenile justice are important for anyone working in the justice system. Two important differences between juvenile justice and adult justice are that (1) the perpetrators are children, and (2) certain acts that adults can lawfully commit would be crimes if committed by children.

Historically, juvenile justice emphasized the philosophy of rehabilitation more than the adult criminal justice system. Those who work in the juvenile justice system have an opportunity to impact young lives through timely and intelligent intervention and, perhaps, to permanently set juveniles on a path that will be safe and will allow them to grow into responsible and successful citizens.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Identify the fundamentals of the juvenile justice system and its historical background.
• Explain the role of police in preventing drugs and gangs among the juvenile offenders.
• Recognize court procedures, methods of interventions, and corrections associated with juvenile justice.
• Distinguish between the issues, proposals for reforms, and factors of victimization for the juvenile offenders.
• Prepare essays on the juvenile crime problem, safe schools, traumatic events, and legal procedures.

Credit Hours: 3

View General Education Electives (100-200 Level) offerings.

View General Education Electives (100-200 Level) offerings.

This course is an introduction to basic statistics, including descriptive and inferential statistics. This course will place emphasis on understanding statistical calculations as well as interpreting statistics to understand the meaning behind the number. This course will use Excel to aid in statistical calculations. Topics include principles of experimental design; graphical and numerical methods for summarizing data; describing, exploring, and analyzing data; probability; confidence intervals; and hypothesis testing.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Apply statistical terminology and relevant statistical measurements.
• Utilize various visual data displays to understand simple and complex statistical relationships.
• Develop an understanding of basic statistical functions, distribution patterns, and variation measurements.
• Identify normal distribution patterns and apply the central limit theorem.
• Calculate statistical probability and apply its significance.
• Relate differences of correlation and causality and their strengths and limitations on projecting results from sample to population with varying confidence levels.
• Construct hypothesis testing for means and proportions and interpret results applicability.
• Develop hypothesis testing further with the use of t-test, tables, and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed to introduce you to the underlying political structure of the American judiciary and to explore the political and legal foundations for constitutional law in the American political system. This course is based on the premise that judges are political actors and courts are political institutions; both are integrally connected with other branches of American government, and federal and state governmental relationships are key because the system is based on the "rule of law."

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Explain the core principles of constitutional law as developed under the Articles of the Constitution.
• Examine the role of the judiciary as part of the political process.
• Summarize the role of the legislative branch of government as part of the political process.
• Explain the role of the executive branch of government, including administrative agencies, as part of the political process.
• Analyze contemporary federalism: the federal and state relationship.
• Discuss the Bill of Rights and the First Amendment.
• Analyze the core principles of privacy and equal protection as developed under the Fifth Amendment.
• Describe civil rights legislation and the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments to the US Constitution.

Credit Hours: 3

This course examines the report writing skills required of criminal investigators. The course explores in depth arrest and crime reports plus the rules of narrative writing, including interviews, search warrants, and special issues encountered in this type of writing. Probable cause and the chain-of-custody issues will also be given special attention.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Discuss the qualities of a superior investigator.
• Define the narrative rules of writing investigative reports.
• Explain the mechanics of competent note taking.
• Explain the importance of establishing and documenting probable cause.
• Describe how to write accurate descriptions of persons and property.
• Describe the importance and purpose of a crime report.
• Discuss the components of a proper Miranda admonishment, including its waiver.
• Discuss the search warrant process.

Credit Hours: 3

View General Education Elective (300-400 Level) offerings.

View General Education Electives (100-200 Level) offerings.

Criminology is the discipline that studies crime and criminal behavior. In this course, you'll study the causes of crime, reactions, and different forms of criminal behavior. You'll also explore the many interrelationships of the criminal enterprise, the criminal justice system, and the study of the reasons for criminality.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Analyze the disciplines of criminology, victimology, and the associated research methods.
• Point out the important theories in criminology.
• Distinguish among violent crime, property crime, and white-collar crime.
• Categorize the special types of crime and the future of crime.
• Analyze theories on the emergence of law.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the liberal arts, natural sciences, and social sciences.
• Demonstrate job-specific technical and professional skills.
• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate computer and information literacy.
• Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal communication skills.

Credit Hours: 3

This course explores the structures of both federal and state criminal courts. The roles and duties of key players will be examined, as well as the constitutional rights of defendants. The history of juries and development of criminal law will be explored as well. The entire trial process, including pretrial procedures, plea bargains, appeals, and differential treatment of offenders will be studied in depth.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Describe the hierarchical structure of the courts.
• Outline the history and development of the federal courts.
• Outline the history and development of the juvenile courts.
• Describe the qualifications and appointments of federal judges.
• Outline the history of criminal defense.
• Explain plea bargaining, including its history and development.
• Describe the jury's decision-making process and factors that influence its decisions.
• Summarize factors that lead to differential treatment in the criminal justice system.

Credit Hours: 3

Did you know that probation is the most common method used in America to deal with offenders? Or that 97% of all incarcerated persons will be released at some point? This course will sharpen your skills in the areas of probation and parole. You'll examine the history of probation and parole and discover how the mistreatment of children on farms and in factories led to the current system of probation and parole. You'll engage in discussions that focus on the balance between achieving public safety and protecting offenders' rights. Each lesson provides you the opportunity to assess current and novel approaches to the fields of probation and parole. You may decide these are the careers for you!

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Explain why probation is the most common sentence in the American criminal justice system.
• Discuss the complexities of the American criminal justice system.
• List the dispositions available to the juvenile.
• Distinguish determinate sentencing from indeterminate sentencing.
• Evaluate theoretical and practical models for rehabilitation in probation and parole.
• Identify the qualifications and duties of probation and parole officers.
• Outline the benefits of intermediate punishments.
• Evaluate the problems associated with determining "success" and "adequate supervision."

Credit Hours: 3

View General Education Elective (300-400 Level) offerings.

View General Education Electives (100-200 Level) offerings.

This course explores the concept of victimology, its history, and evolving role in the criminal justice system. The roles and duties of victims' advocates and victims' services providers will also be examined. Victims' rights, restitution, hate crimes, intimate partner violence, abuse and sexual victimization of children, special victim populations, and victimology at the international level will be studied in depth.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Discuss the social forces that have shaped the discipline of victimology.
• Describe the limitations of statistical reports on crime.
• Describe the typical homicide victim.
• Explain why the term domestic violence has been expanded to intimate partner violence.
• Explain the injuries elder populations experience as victims of crime.
• Discuss the unique challenges special victim populations pose for law enforcement and victims' advocates.
• Explain the significance and history of 42 U.S.C. Section 1983.
• Summarize the pros and cons of victim impact statements.

Credit Hours: 3

This course presents the latest research, theories, and techniques of what to do in a crisis, along with case material based on real crisis situations. Practitioners are given a systematic way of dealing with people in crisis using a six-step model. Throughout the lessons, the model is applied to many different crisis situations, such as suicide, domestic violence, sexual assault, addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, and school violence.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Recognize the importance of following proper procedures when conducting a crisis intervention.
• Describe how someone's stage of development, culture, and feelings of loss can lead to a crisis.
• Explain how to provide trauma-informed care for victims, veterans, and those who survived a disaster.
• Create a crisis intervention plan.
• Identify the intervention techniques needed for crises related to sexuality, substance abuse, and illnesses and disabilities.
• Develop a plan to minimize the effects of posttraumatic stress disorder after a crisis.

Credit Hours: 3

This course takes a close look at the structures, leadership, and behaviors found in a typical police agency. Course materials devoted to human resource management and on-the-job stress include a discussion of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs). This course also examines the impact that severe budget cutbacks and a culture of violence have had on law enforcement agencies across the nation. Legal issues are highlighted throughout the course.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Summarize the ways in which policing has evolved.
• Assess the influence of the 9/11 terrorist attacks on intelligence and policing.
• Outline two sources of pressure that are exerted on police departments.
• Compare transactional and transformational styles of leadership.
• Assess the purposes and benefits of progressive discipline.
• Discuss the ways in which police agencies have addressed budget cutbacks.
• Summarize the typical actions of police officers that give rise to civil lawsuits.
• Evaluate the role of the rank and file in organizational change.

Credit Hours: 3

View Elective (300-400 Level) offerings.

View Elective (300-400 Level) offerings.

CJ450 - Private Security This course examines private security. It explores in-depth the history of security, civil and criminal law, and the changes that have occurred in homeland security and the policing landscape of the US since the events of 9/11. Terrorism and cybercrimes will also be covered in detail. Retail security concerns and the ongoing threat of workplace violence are studied. Throughout, job opportunities for security professionals will be addressed.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Outline theories of crime that are important to security professionals.
• Describe the role ethics play in the security professional's career.
• Explain why security professionals must be familiar with both civil and criminal law, as well as trends in the security industry.
• Describe the practice of Crime Prevention through Environmental Design.
• Discuss the skills and attributes security professionals need to be successful in their careers.
• Outline the losses caused by employee theft and steps an organization's leadership can take to discourage employee theft.
• Identify the five core homeland security concepts.
• Analyze why government and private sectors must collaborate to protect critical infrastructure sectors.

Credit Hours: 3

T02 - Introduction to Terrorism Terrorism became a household term for all American citizens, but particularly for law enforcement professionals, after the September 11, 2001 attacks. This course examines the theory and practice of domestic and international terrorism. This course delves into the world of terrorism and terrorists — mostly unknown to the average American citizen before September 11, and obscure even to trained law enforcement officers.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate computer and information literacy.
• Point out the criminology of terrorism and how it has evolved over time.
• Prepare an essay on establishing and improving the public and police relationship within a community.
• Show the impact of national and ethnic terrorism on different countries.
• Analyze how the ideological and religious terrorism has impacted Middle Eastern countries
• Develop the answers by reading the given articles.
• Point out the various counterterrorism measures that the United States has incorporated.

Credit Hours: 3

T04 - Aviation Security This course provides you with an overview of how airports and airlines operate and generate revenue to make a profit, but its primary focus is aviation security. The course explores the history of aviation security, including events that have brought about changes in policies and regulations. In particular, the course will examine how the tragic events of September 11, 2001 radically changed national and global aviation security procedures. The course concludes with a look at how terrorists are adapting to heightened security measures.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Describe the roles of airports, airport operators, and regulatory agencies.
• Summarize the most significant hijackings and terrorist attacks.
• Discuss key changes to aviation security pursuant to the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001.
• Debate the effectiveness of aviation security measures that have been implemented since September 11, 2001.
• Debate whether current security procedures violate passengers' Fourth Amendment rights.
• Identify the pros and cons of security screening technology.
• Discuss the challenges unique to air cargo security.
• Distinguish among existing and emerging threats to aviation security.

Credit Hours: 3

T06 - Cyber Security This course presents the procedures used in criminal cases that involve the use of computers and cyberspace. It examines the history of computer-based crime and how technology has created new avenues to commit traditional crime as well as all-new opportunities for criminal behavior. This course discusses a wide range of modern-day cybercrime, including hacking, malicious software, digital piracy, online fraud, sex crimes, cyberbullying, and cyberterrorism. It looks at key theoretical perspectives, legal challenges, and perspectives on the future.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Demonstrate effective written and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrate a high level of inquiry, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrate computer and information literacy.
• Analyze the various factors that influence cybercrimes.
• Analyze the implications of hacking, malware, piracy, identity fraud, and other computer-based traditional statutes crimes.
• Describe the threat of online sex crimes, cyberbullying, and cyberterrorism.
• Analyze the implications of various government legislation and the trends to minimize cybercrimes in the future.
• Create a research paper based on internet research and the concepts learned in this course.

Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed to introduce you to an examination of white-collar crime. This includes a review of the forms, causes and consequences, relevant social scientific theories, and the mechanics of this type of crime. How the schemes work, who perpetrates them, and the relationship to the environment in which they're perpetrated are also reviewed. This includes a closer look at consumer fraud, unsafe products, environmental crime, and institutional corruption, including religious-affinity fraud, securities fraud, corporate fraud, fiduciary fraud, crimes by the government, corruption, healthcare fraud, and computer-related crime.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to do the following:

• Explain the meaning, measurement, costs, categories, and evolution of white-collar crime.
• Explain crimes against consumers and crimes involving unsafe products.
• Describe environmental crime and institutional corruption.
• Explain securities fraud, corporate fraud, and fiduciary fraud.
• Describe crimes by the government and corruption of public officials.
• Describe the extent of healthcare fraud, its effect on government programs, and its costs.
• Describe computer-related crime including its origins and its costs.
• Explain the causes and responses to white-collar crime.

Credit Hours: 3

View Elective (300-400 Level) offerings.

View Elective (300-400 Level) offerings.