Presents the conceptual basis and application of statistical analysis in social and behavioral research. Includes descriptive statistics, correlation and regression, hypothesis testing and inferential statistics. An introduction to analysis of variance and non-parametric statistics will also be provided.

This course focuses on the nature, causes, and distribution of crime in the U.S. The first part of the course deals with definitional, methodological, and measurement issues in the field. The second part of the course focuses on the various social scientific attempts to explain criminal behavior and patterns of criminality. The third part of the course focuses more specifically on understanding particular types of criminal behavior: illegal drug use and crime, criminal homicide, rape, property crime, and white-collar crime. The primary concern will be an understanding of why it is that some people (or groups) are more likely to engage in criminal behavior than others.

This course examines the police as a profession, from both a historical and contemporary context. We will think about the police as a social institution, exploring the structure of police systems and the culture of policing, and how it is shaped by broader socio-cultural contexts. We will explore the major strategies of policing (e.g., community policing, “broken-windows”, Crisis Intervention Teams, etc.) and the implications for the communities they serve (e.g., minority communities). In the course, we will study issues in contemporary policing and consider police reforms, with a focus on policing in an urban environment Typically offered: Autumn.

This course covers the basic principles of criminal law such as the necessary components of a crime, the basic elements of specific criminal offenses, and legally recognized excuses and justifications. This course will also investigate the legal procedure that accompanies the offenses both before and after arrest. In particular, the constitutional constraints on the government investigation of crime will be examined. Topics include search and seizure, interrogations and confessions, eyewitness identification, stop and frisk, electronic surveillance, and the right to counsel. Typically offered: Winter.

This course examines corrections as an integral part of the criminal justice system, exploring issues of imprisonment, parole, and probation, with a focus on prisons as the main correctional institution. The course examines the organizational structure and culture of prisons, including the social roles of prisoners and prison guards. The course examines historical and contemporary practices of punishment and rehabilitation (e.g., mass incarceration, the death penalty, treatment of vulnerable populations, solitary confinement), and contemporary reforms.

This course introduces students to the use of Geographic Information Systems to learn how to use GIS software to map geographic features related to crime. Students will be equipped to locate and use datasets related to patterns of crime and the built environment. Typically offered: Spring.

This class provides an opportunity for students to reflect upon what they have learned in the criminal justice program and the significance of this knowledge for understanding contemporary issues in criminal justice. Students will reflect on how to partner with their communities to enhance security, justice and reconciliation. The class will address faith and ethical perspectives to criminal justice and consider alternative criminal justice models. Typically offered: Spring.

Student works independently with a faculty member on a mutually agreed upon topic. Typically offered: Occasionally.

Provides opportunities for students to integrate course learning in Criminal Justice with applied field experience. The internship program is designed for Junior or Senior Criminal Justice majors in good standing. Internships will be under the direction of the department internship coordinator and must be of clear relevance to criminal justice. A minimum of 4 hours per week of field work is required for all internships. Each credit is roughly equivalent to 4 hours per week. A maximum of 10 credits may be applied to the major.

Topics will vary.