Course Highlights
In our core courses, you will gain exposure to a solid foundation in the basic principles of criminal justice. In addition, you can choose from concentration courses and electives that focus on timely topics and current challenges facing the criminal justice profession. These courses include• Profiling Serial and Mass Murderers
Study theories of criminal behavior (including the history of serial killers in the U.S.), profiling, and serial murder and their relationship to gender and race. Apply criminal theories to cases of serial and mass murder.
• Drugs, Gangs, and Organized Crime
Study the different types of organized crime from gangs to motorcycle clubs to the Mafia. Learn the techniques that groups use to recruit and retain members, such as tattooing and tagging.
• Restorative Justice
Explore a theory of justice and practice that emphasizes repairing the harm caused by criminal behavior to the victim and the community. Identify strategies for restoring justice and improving relationships among victims, offenders, communities, and criminal justice agencies.
• Weapons of Mass Destruction and Disaster Response
Expand your knowledge of all types of weapons of mass destruction and biological and chemical threats and disasters, and how to respond to such incidents. Enhance your understanding of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the nation’s Incident Command System, as well as their roles in the response to and management of disasters.
• Critical Incidents and Cross-Agency Coordination
Develop broad-based contingency planning and strategies, policies, and procedures that coordinate the activities of local, state, and federal agencies in response to critical incidents. Create models of cross-agency coordination that anticipate critical incident responses.
• Computer Forensics
Explore basic approaches to analyzing information systems for evidence of illegal or inappropriate activities. Consider the legal, ethical, and policy implications of using forensic techniques to monitor technology systems.
