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Program Objective
This program's objective is to enhance interest, experience, and knowledge in the field of criminal justice. Professionalism, ethics, and leadership remain central themes throughout the program. Individual and organizational dynamics are explored from a "systems thinking" perspective, focusing on criminal justice. The study of history, research, and trends impacting the criminal justice system are examined as they interrelate with a changing society. This program is designed for students working in the criminal justice field who desire to improve the work they do, to position themselves for promotional opportunities, and to facilitate life transition. (This degree program is not intended for Minnesota peace officer licensure, but will qualify for continuing education credits where accepted.) Successful completion of this bachelor's degree program will enable students to:
- articulate an understanding of the varied roles and relationships comprising the criminal justice system;
- understand the organization and administration of criminal justice;
- apply a systems-thinking perspective to personal and professional relationships;
- demonstrate a theoretical and practical knowledge of American constitutional law;
- implement the personal and professional change that comes from examining such issues as ethics, diversity, academic growth, and spiritual reflection;
- develop strategies for maintaining a healthy balance of job and life in a uniquely stressful profession; and
- effectively transition to the master's degree program if desired.
Course Descriptions
CJU 401 Criminal Justice Revisited - 4 credits
This course builds upon student work experience and previous education in criminal justice. Learners will review and further study history, theories, and models of criminal justice programs while exploring those different than those in which they work.
CJU 411 Community Oriented Criminal Justice - 4 credits
This course examines the role expectations of criminal justice and the communities it serves. Research and trends in community and problem-oriented criminal justice will be discussed, and a variety of programs examined. Learners in this course will provide insight from their experience throughout the country and explore how these community-oriented initiatives can be applied throughout the criminal justice system.
CJU 412 Criminal Justice and the Media - 2 credits
This course explores the relationships between criminal justice and the media depicted in various ways including news and entertainment. Roles, responsibilities, and legal issues will be explored.
CJU 431 Inside the Criminal Mind - 4 credits
This course explores theories and research of criminal behavior. Students will examine how past and present understanding of criminals has determined responses of society and the criminal justice system.
CJU 451 Strategic Diversity - 4 credits
While multiculturalism is a popular term in today's society, diversity issues play a particularly important role in criminal justice. This course provides an understanding of diversity from theoretical, organizational, and personal perspectives to impact the effectiveness of those employed in criminal justice and mitigate the risk of legal liability and public perception issues that negatively impact this profession.
CJU 452 Constitutional Law - 4 credits
This course will develop the understanding and working knowledge of constitutional law that professionals in this field are expected to have. Students will review constitutional history and basic concepts to understand interpretations of the Constitution by the United States Supreme Court impacting criminal justice, and learn practical research strategies to find law.
CJU 453 Troubled Youth - 4 credits (3 credits beginning Summer 2005)
This course explores why and how governments have always treated children differently than adults. Theories of delinquency and the corresponding responses by society through the criminal justice system are addressed, as are current data, trends and programs.
CJU 454 First Things First: Priorities for the Criminal justice Practitioner - 4 credits
While part of the job, the unique nature of what people employed in criminal justice are subjected to impacts professional and personal lives. In this course students explore the emotional and physical risks associated with their work, and develop strategies that will assist in maintaining physical and emotional health.
CJU 455 Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice - 4 credits
Current criminal justice related events occurring nationally and locally will provide the scenarios for students to apply the knowledge acquired during this degree program in a thoughtful and scholarly manner. Students will draw upon their understanding of systems thinking, constitutional law, religion, modern trends, ethics, and individual and community behavior.
CJU 466 Contemporary Issues in Corrections - 4 credits
Students will discuss the challenges facing corrections in a society that continues to change in demographics, norms, and expectations of criminal justice. Institutional and community-based programs will be addressed and their relationship to other areas of the criminal justice system explored.
CJU 490 Portfolio and Synthesis - 2 credits
This final course is designed to help learners reflect on all they have done during this degree program. Through guest lectures, research study, and reflection on practice, students will synthesize all they have learned. Preparation of a professional portfolio will cap the learning experience.
HSV 401 Returning Student Seminar - 2 credits
This seminar course covers five areas that are critical to learner success: goal-setting, library, writing, personal life balance, and computer literacy. Each of the five areas is covered briefly, and then learners choose an area to explore with an instructor. This course models the collaborative learning and the self-directedness of the program.
HSV 422 Critical Problem Solving - 3 credits
Information today continues to grow exponentially. This course teaches students to identify issues; know and access data bases; discern what is legitimate information; manage the data, and present information in an articulate, professional manner.
HSV 421 Community and Family Dynamics for the Criminal Justice Practitioner - 4 credits
Understanding family and community dynamics is a basic skill required of all criminal justice professionals. This course examines the interactions of individuals in various settings in a society that continues to change the expectations of the criminal justice system. History, evolution, and demographics of family and community will be explored in relation to the criminal justice professional.
HSV 435 Systems Thinking - 2 credits
Given the dynamic complexity of organizations, it is vital that professionals have an understanding of how organizations and systems interact. This course provides the skills to diagnose interactions and engage in finding solutions to problems. "Systems thinking" serves as one of the threads of continuity running throughout this degree program.
HSV 460 Ethics - 2 credits
Everyone faces tough ethical decisions in our society, and criminal justice professionals frequently find theirs openly challenged by media, politicians, and the community. Classical and historical views of ethics are explored as students consider their own values system to develop decision-making strategies in their personal and professional lives.
SAC 430 Biblical Christianity for Thoughtful People - 4 credits
The question, "What is religious thought?" will be explored in the light of American culture. Students wrestle with basic questions of life, such as "What is the meaning of life?" World religions are discussed from the perspective of a Christian belief system. This course satisfies a general education requirement
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