Criminology and Criminal Justice
Taylor 212
541-552-6505
Lee Ayers, Chair
The Criminology and Criminal Justice Department’s four major objectives are to:
- prepare students for successful service in the criminal justice system at local, state, and federal levels;
- provide University Studies experiences for all students with an interest in the criminal justice system;
- provide services and serve as a resource for organizations and agencies in the criminal justice system; and
- contribute to the field through academic and applied research.
Degrees
BA or BS in Criminal Justice
BA or BS in Criminal Justice with an emphasis in Forensics
BA or BS in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Minor
Criminal Justice
Requirements for the Major
- Fulfill baccalaureate degree requirements.
- Criminology and Criminal Justice majors must maintain a 2.5 GPA in the major and earn grades of C- or better to satisfy all lower and upper division major course requirements. After grades have been assigned in spring term, any student who has a GPA in the major that is less than 2.5 will be placed on academic probation in the CCJ major. The department will notify students that they are on academic probation and request they contact their advisor immediately to discuss a plan of improvement. To get off probationary status in the CCJ major, students on probation must increase their GPA in the major to a 2.5 or above by the end of the next academic term in which they enroll in a CCJ course. Student who are unable to increase their GPA in the major to the 2.5 within one term will be reassigned to undeclared status. Any student who has been reassigned as an undeclared student may petition to be reinstated as a CCJ major after maintaining a 2.5 major GPA for two consecutive terms. For more information about the academic standing policy, contact the department chair.
- Complete at least 68 credits in the major, 60 of which must be CCJ. Up to 8 elective credits may come from other approved departments. Complete a minimum of 52 upper division required and elective credits.
- Students enrolled in either the online degree completion program or registered in online CCJ courses must successfully complete CCJ 298 (Orientation to CCJ Online Courses). This 1-credit P/NP course increases major credit requirements to 69 and minor credit requirements to 25. Ashland campus-based students may take CCJ 298 as an elective to support their online work in hybrid courses.
Capstone
Criminology and criminal justice majors complete the capstone experience after earning at least 135 credits and finishing at least half of all required upper division coursework. The capstone involves an internship and research. The 3-credit internship (CCJ 409L Capstone: Practicum/Internship) is usually a field experience appropriate for the student’s projected career. Students may complete up to 14 credit hours of practicum/internship. They are also required to enroll in two sequential 1-credit research courses (CCJ 409A and CCJ 409B) in which they write a significant research paper on a criminal justice topic and make an oral presentation.
Required Courses for CCJ Majors
Lower Division
(16 credits)
| American Criminal Justice System (CCJ 230) or Introduction to Criminology (CCJ 231) | 4 |
| Introduction to Law Enforcement (CCJ 241) | 4 |
| Introduction to Criminal Law (CCJ 251) | 4 |
| Introduction to Corrections (CCJ 271) | 4 |
Upper Division
(40–41 credits)
| Orientation to Criminology and Criminal Justice Online Courses (CCJ 298)* | 1 |
| Essentials of Criminal Justice Research and Writing (CCJ 300) | 3 |
| Research Methods in Criminology/Criminal Justice (CCJ 309) | 4 |
| Theories of Criminal Behavior (CCJ 331) | 4 |
| Juvenile Delinquency (CCJ 361) | 4 |
| Capstone: Research (CCJ 409A, 409B) | 2 |
| Capstone: Practicum/Internship (CCJ 409L) | 3–14 |
| Criminal Law (CCJ 411) | 4 |
| Law of Criminal Procedures (CCJ 413) | 4 |
| Crime Control Theories and Policies (CCJ 430) | 4 |
| Criminal Justice Leadership (CCJ 451) | 4 |
| Comparative Criminal Justice (CCJ 460) | 4 |
| *Required for any online degree completion student or student registering in an online course. | |
Elective Courses
(12 credits)
Students must select at least three of the following elective courses.
| Criminal Investigation (CCJ 321) | 4 |
| Correctional Institutions (CCJ 341) | 4 |
| Computer Forensics (CCJ 346) | 4 |
| Crime in Cyberspace (CCJ 347) | 4 |
| Seminar: Special Topics (CCJ 407) | 4 |
| Law of Criminal Evidence (CCJ 412) | 4 |
| Contemporary Issues in Corrections (CCJ 414) | 4 |
| Police Problems and Issues (CCJ 417) | 4 |
| Mediation and Conflict (CCJ 448) | 4 |
| Terrorism (CCJ 461) | 4 |
| Criminal Forensic Investigations (CCJ 462) | 4 |
| Business Law (BA 370) | 4 |
| Business Ethics (BA 476) | 4 |
| Nonverbal Communication (COMM 324) | 4 |
| Interviewing and Listening (COMM 330) | 4 |
| Administrative Law (PS 435) | 4 |
| Drugs and Society (either HE 453 or PSY 457 but not both) | 3–4 |
| Social Psychology I (PSY 334) | 4 |
| Social Psychology II (PSY 335) | 4 |
| Human Sexuality (PSY 369) | 4 |
| Lifespan Development (PSY 370) | 4 |
| Humanistic Psychology (PSY 414) | 4 |
| Creative Thinking (PSY 437) | 4 |
| Group Dynamics (PSY 438) | 4 |
| Cognitive Process (PSY 444) | 4 |
| Organizational Psychology (PSY 445) | 4 |
| Stress Management (PSY 453) | 4 |
| Psychopathology of Childhood (PSY 463) | 4 |
| Introduction to Helping Skills (PSY 471) | 4 |
| Crisis Intervention Strategies (PSY 475) | 4 |
| Intimate Violence Advocacy Skills Training (WS 418) | 4 |
BA or BS Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice with an Emphasis in Forensics
Required Courses:
Lower division:
(16 credits)
| American Criminal Justice System (CCJ 230) or Introduction to Criminology (CCJ 231) | 4 |
| Introduction to Law Enforcement (CCJ 241) | 4 |
| Introduction to Criminal Law (CCJ 251) | 4 |
| Introduction to Corrections (CCJ 271) | 4 |
Upper division:
(40–41 credits)
| Orientation to Criminology and Criminal Justice Online Courses (CCJ 298)* | 1 |
| Essentials of Criminal Justice Research and Writing (CCJ 300) | 3 |
| Research Methods in Criminology/Criminal Justice (CCJ 309) | 4 |
| Theories of Criminal Behavior (CCJ 331) | 4 |
| Juvenile Delinquency (CCJ 361) | 4 |
| Capstone: Research (CCJ 409A, 408B) | 2 |
| Capstone: Practicum/Internship (CCJ 409L) | 3–14 |
| Criminal Law (CCJ 411) | 4 |
| Law of Criminal Procedures (CCJ 413) | 4 |
| Crime Control Theories and Policies (CCJ 430) | 4 |
| Criminal Justice Leadership (CCJ 451) | 4 |
| Comparative Criminal Justice (CCJ 460) | 4 |
| *Required for any online degree completion student or student registering in an online course. | |
Forensic Specific Courses
(20 credits)
| Criminal Investigations (CCJ 321) | 4 |
| Crime in Cyberspace (CCJ 347) | 4 |
| Law of Criminal Evidence (CCJ 412) | 4 |
| Terrorism (CCJ 461) | 4 |
| Criminal Forensic Investigations (CCJ 462) | 4 |
| Recommended courses for the forensics emphasis include: ANTH 211, 213; BI 231, 232, 233; CCJ/CS 346; CH 100, 100L, 101, 101L, 300; COMM 310; PHL 201, 205, 339. | |
Online Degree Completion Program in Criminology
Designed for students with an interest in policing, probation, parole, jails, prisons, and delinquency, this degree prepares students for immediate entry into the criminal justice field. Because most of the criminology courses are available online, this degree works well for professionals currently in the criminal justice field who have difficulty continuing their education because of location or work schedules. For more information, call 541-552-6698.
Minor in Criminal Justice
Requirements for the Minor
- Maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA in minor field.
- No more than one grade lower than C- in all CCJ minor coursework.
- Complete 8 credits of lower division coursework and 16 credits of upper division coursework.
Lower division:
(8 credits)
| American Criminal Justice System (CCJ 230) or Introduction to Criminology (CCJ 231) | 4 |
| Introduction to Criminal Law (CCJ 251) | 4 |
Upper division:
(16–17 credits)*
Complete 16 credits from the following preapproved or advisor-recommended courses.
The following courses are preapproved for the minor:
| Orientation to Criminology and Criminal Justice Online Courses (CCJ 298)* | 1 |
| Research Methods in Criminology/Criminal Justice (CCJ 309) | 4 |
| Theories of Criminal Behavior (CCJ 331) | 4 |
| Juvenile Delinquency (CCJ 361) | 4 |
| Criminal Law (CCJ 411) | 4 |
| Law of Criminal Procedures (CCJ 413) | 4 |
| Crime Control Theories and Policies (CCJ 430) | 4 |
| Criminal Justice Leadership (CCJ 451) | 4 |
| Comparative Criminal Justice (CCJ 460) | 4 |
The following courses may be taken toward the 16 credits for the minor if approved by the student’s CCJ advisor:
| Criminal Investigation (CCJ 321) | 4 |
| Correctional Institutions (CCJ 341) | 4 |
| Computer Forensics (CCJ 346) | 4 |
| Crime in Cyberspace (CCJ 347) | 4 |
| Special Studies (CCJ 399) | 4 |
| Seminar: Special Topics (CCJ 407) | 4 |
| Law of Criminal Evidence (CCJ 412) | 4 |
| Contemporary Issues in Corrections (CCJ 414) | 4 |
| Police Problems and Issues (CCJ 417) | 4 |
| Mediation and Conflict Management (CCJ 448) | 4 |
| Terrorism (CCJ 461) | 4 |
| Criminal Forensic Investigation (CCJ 462) | 4 |
| *Students who wish to complete their minor coursework online must successfully complete CCJ 298 (Orientation to CCJ Online Courses) prior to registering. | |
Criminology and Criminal Justice Courses
See Course Prerequisites PolicyLower Division Courses
| CCJ 230 American Criminal Justice System |
| 4 credits |
| Surveys the functional areas of criminal justice in the U.S. Covers law enforcement, criminal courts, sentencing, penal institutions, and community-based sanctions. Includes historical and contemporary perspectives on components of the criminal justice system, as well as the legal and constitutional frameworks in which they operate. Approved for University Studies (Explorations). |
| CCJ 231 Introduction to Criminology |
| 4 credits |
| Surveys descriptive, empirical, and theoretical issues in the study of crime and delinquency. Considers the roles of social, cultural, economic, political, psychological, chemical, biological, and ideological factors in the causes and treatment of criminal behaviors. Exposes students to the major theoretical perspectives in the field, as well as to the critiques and uses of these perspectives in the prevention of and response to crime. Approved for University Studies (Explorations). |
| CCJ 241 Introduction to Law Enforcement |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the roles and public expectations of law enforcement and the police. Involves task analysis of municipal and county police and examines police discretion. Covers minorities and women in policing, the education and training of police, the dangers of policing, the police and change, and a brief introduction to community policing and police issues. |
| CCJ 251 Introduction to Criminal Law |
| 4 credits |
| Surveys the criminal justice process, from arrest to exhaustion of post-conviction remedies. Introduces students to such substantive criminal law topics as the elements of a crime, defenses to criminal liability, definitions of key crimes, search and seizure, confession and interrogation, and pretrial and trial procedures. Familiarizes students with the jurisdiction, structure, and purpose of the federal and state courts. Serves as a prerequisite for many upper division criminology and criminal justice courses. |
| CCJ 271 Introduction to Corrections |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the American correctional system. Provides an overview of local, state, and federal correctional agencies. Examines the history and development of correctional policies and practices, criminal sentencing, jails, prisons, alternative sentencing, prisoner rights, rehabilitation, and parole and probation. Explores current philosophies of corrections and the debates surrounding the roles and effectiveness of criminal sentences, institutional procedures, technological developments, and special populations. |
| CCJ 298 Orientation to Criminology and Criminal Justice Online Courses |
| 1 credit |
| Promotes and surveys student online readiness. Introduces students to all aspects of online learning, including SOU’s online teaching platform (Blackboard), online research strategies, online class etiquette, threaded discussion, submitting assignments online, peer review, and creating and maintaining a supportive online learning community. Introduces criminology and criminal justice faculty and their expectations of online students, as well as administrative and support staff and their role in promoting online student success. Describes major requirements, capstone and internship requirements, major advising, and scheduling. Graded P/NP. |
Upper Division Courses
| CCJ 300 Essentials of Criminal Justice Research and Writing |
| 3 credits |
| Concentrates on oral and written communication and information literacy skills essential to the criminal justice discipline. Focuses on improving writing ability, APA and legal citation formats, and critical thinking skills, including analysis of information. Provides exposure to library research, basic research methodology, and evidence-based practices to prepare students for the capstone experience, graduate school, and careers in criminal justice. Prerequisites: CCJ major; CCH 230 or 231; CCJ 251. |
| CCJ 309 Research Methods in Criminology/Criminal Justice |
| 4 credits |
| Examines social science research methods, including survey research, methods of evaluating research, sampling, and contrasts between quantitative and qualitative research. Prerequisite: CCJ 230 or 231. |
| CCJ 321 Criminal Investigation |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the principles, procedures, and methods used in criminal investigation. Covers sources of information, methods of data collection, interviewing, and the types and power of physical evidence. |
| CCJ 331 Theories of Criminal Behavior |
| 4 credits |
| Offers an advanced, in-depth analysis of the major theories of crime and delinquency. Examines theories in historical context, with emphases on biological, psychological, sociological, and political frameworks. Prerequisite: CCJ 230 or 231. |
| CCJ 341 Correctional Institutions |
| 4 credits |
| Provides an in-depth examination of the social and historical foundations of the American correctional institution. Focuses on the structure and social processes of institutions of confinement in relation to treatment and rehabilitation. Includes a systematic evaluation of recidivism, general and specific deterrence, rehabilitation, incapacitation, and retribution in relation to the American correctional system. Emphasizes philosophies of punishment, sentencing strategies, the prison community, alternatives to incarceration, and reform efforts. Prerequisite: CCJ 271. |
| CCJ 346 Computer Forensics |
| 4 credits |
| Surveys the technologies, techniques, and responsibilities of criminal or civil investigation that involves computers, computer networks, network service providers, and electronic evidence. Explores various ways in which a computer or computer network can be associated with a crime. Examines computer and networking technologies. Explores rules of evidence and proof. Emphasizes maintaining an evidentiary trail through computer data and network activity. Approved for University Studies (Synthesis/Integration). Prerequisite: Completion of all lower division University Studies requirements. (Cross-listed with CS 346.) |
| CCJ 347 Crime in Cyberspace |
| 4 credits |
| Provides an introduction to the practical aspects of understanding crime on the Internet through computer investigations. Students will examine the impact to the criminal justice system because of computers, computer applications, and the benefits and challenges of the World Wide Web, copyright laws, privacy issues and laws, computer crime statistics and trends, constitutional issues, risks of computer failures, computers in the workplace, cyber-terrorism, and responsibilities of the criminal justice professional in the growing cyber-community. Prerequisites: CCJ 230 or 231; CCJ 251. |
| CCJ 361 Juvenile Delinquency |
| 4 credits |
| Analyzes the statistics, trends, characteristics, and causes of juvenile delinquency. Discusses biological, psychological, and sociological theories. Examines the relationships between juvenile delinquency and the socialization process, family environment, and social structure. Introduces the theories of delinquency, social influences on delinquency, the history of the juvenile justice system, the juvenile justice process, and the focus on prevention models currently used in the U.S. Approved for University Studies (Integration). Prerequisite: CCJ 230 or 231. |
| CCJ 399 Special Studies |
| Credits to be arranged |
| CCJ 405 Reading and Conference |
| Credits to be arranged |
| CCJ 406 CCJ Teaching Assistant |
| 1–8 credits |
| Explores the process of teaching by working closely with an instructor. Involves many aspects of teaching, including research, content presentation, tutoring, paper-grading, and grade recording. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. Graded P/NP or A through F. |
| CCJ 407/507 Seminar: Special Topics |
| 4 credits |
| Offers a critical analysis of selected criminal justice areas, with emphasis on individual research projects. Prerequisite: Instructor consent. |
| CCJ 409A Capstone: Research |
| 1 credit |
| Prerequisites: Criminology and criminal justice major, 135 credit hours completed, at least half of all required upper division coursework. |
| CCJ 409B Capstone: Research |
| 1 credit |
| Prerequisites: Criminology and criminal justice major, 135 credit hours completed, at least half of all required upper division coursework. Prerequisite: CCJ 409A. |
| CCJ 409L Capstone: Practicum/Internship |
| Credits to be arranged (3 credits required for major, but up to 14 credits may be taken) |
| Prerequisites: Criminology and criminal justice major, 135 credit hours completed, at least half of all required upper division coursework. |
| CCJ 411/511 Criminal Law |
| 4 credits |
| Covers the nature, origins, and purposes of criminal law, constitutional limits on criminal law, general principles of criminal liability, complicity and vicarious criminal liability, inchoate crimes, defenses to criminal liability, and crimes against persons, public morality, and the government. Prerequisites: CCJ 251, 300. |
| CCJ 412/512 Law of Criminal Evidence |
| 4 credits |
| Offers an in-depth analysis of the controlling rules of evidence and proof applied in criminal cases. Major topics include relevancy, hearsay, impeachment, cross-examination, the Confrontation Clause, real and demonstrative evidence, privilege, scientific and expert testimony, authentication of evidence (laying the foundation), judicial notice, and legal presumptions. Prerequisite: CCJ 230 or 231; CCJ 251, 300. |
| CCJ 413/513 Law of Criminal Procedures |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the balance between individual and societal rights. Explores the limitations of governmental actions as provided by state and federal constitutions, statutes, and case law with regard to criminal investigations (search, seizure, confessions, and interrogations), pretrial procedures (plea bargaining, grand juries, and preliminary hearings), and trial procedures (right to counsel, juries, bail, and appellate procedures). Prerequisite: CCJ 230 or 231; CCJ 241, 251, 300. |
| CCJ 414 Contemporary Issues in Corrections |
| 4 credits |
| Addresses contemporary and controversial issues in corrections such as gross incapacitation, plea bargaining, competency to stand trial, insanity, and the death penalty. Covers mandatory guidelines, diversion, the structure and administration of probation, parole, and post-prior supervision. Prerequisites: CCJ 251 and 271. |
| CCJ 417 Police Problems and Issues |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the major issues of modern policing, including recruitment, selection, hiring, retention, training, education, women, change, limited resources, and the political economy of policing. Prerequisite: CCJ 241. |
| CCJ 430/530 Crime Control Theories and Policies |
| 4 credits |
| Examines traditional and innovative practices of crime prevention and repression. Surveys programs designed to reduce criminal behavior and risk factors associated with criminal behavior in schools, communities, and families. Analyzes policies and practices linked to crime prevention and control, with an emphasis on program evaluation and measurement of success. Prerequisites: CCJ 230 or 231; CCJ 241, 251, 271. |
| CCJ 448/548 Mediation and Conflict Management |
| 4 credits |
| Introduces students to the fundamental concepts and theories of dispute resolution and assists them in developing the basic skills and knowledge for productively managing their own and intervening in others’ disputes. Class time consists primarily of practice and roleplay, as well as lecture, lecture-discussion, and coaching by professional mediators. Certificate of completion provided with successful completion of the course. Cross-listed in other departments. Additional fees/tuition may apply. |
| CCJ 451/551 Criminal Justice Leadership |
| 4 credits |
| Analyzes the criminal justice process and its effects on practitioners, clients, and the public. Studies the resources, organization, and leadership involved. Emphasizes the influence leaders exert on the effectiveness of the organization. Examines the construct of bureaucracy and the major philosophical camps of leadership. Prerequisites: CCJ 230 or 231; CCJ 241, 251, 271. |
| CCJ 460 Comparative Criminal Justice |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the global crime scene and criminal justice systems of other nations. Reviews the major families of law and other nations’ approaches, philosophies, and methods of dealing with their national crime. Topics include cross-national crime data and comparisons, the roles of substantive and procedural law within the nation, and the structure, practices, and training of police, corrections, courts, and court personnel. Approved for University Studies (Integration). Prerequisites: CCJ 230 or 231; CCJ 241, 251, 271. |
| CCJ 461/561 Terrorism |
| 4 credits |
| Covers the emergence of modern terrorism from several different areas of the world. Students will acquire knowledge of the terrorist philosophy and how the history of terrorism has influenced subsequent movements, as well as attaining an appreciation for the complexity and challenge of terrorism, identifying elements of the criminological perspective of terrorism, examining viewpoints of various experts in the field of counter-terrorism, and taking a critical look at the research of terrorism and irregular warfare in the twenty-first century. Prerequisites: CCJ 230 or 231; CCJ 251, 300. |
| CCJ 462 Criminal Forensic Investigations |
| 4 credits |
| Examines the role of forensic investigation in the field of law enforcement. Students study sophisticated methods of evidence-gathering through forensics and explore the various components that make up the realm of forensic investigations. Students are exposed to the emergence of modern technology from several different areas of forensics. This course is designed for criminology majors and introduces the student to the use of forensic investigative techniques. Details from actual criminal cases will be used as examples. Topics covered include forensic pathology and related specialties, evaluation of crime scenes, forensic science and laboratory, forensic engineering, cyber-technology, forensic applications of social sciences, and the legal and ethical issues in forensic science. Students will be introduced to the fundamental principles and theories relevant to the scientific investigation of criminal forensic investigations. Prerequisites: CCJ 230 or 231; CCJ 321. |
