CRIMINAL JUSTICE (CJ)
The Criminal Justice (CJ) program is a Bachelor of Science degree and is designed for adults who have already earned 60 or more transferable college hours. The required coursework focuses on theory and practical application of leadership skills such as professional communication, problem solving, and strategic thinking. The curriculum is multidisciplinary, focusing on three areas of concentrated study in the field of criminal justice: professional communication, community issues in criminal justice, and organizational development. Classes meet one night a week for 15 months. The CJ program is offered in Bethany.
CJ Course Numbers and Titles:
MODULE 1
SOC 3303
Professional & Technical Writing in Criminal Justice
This course is adapted from a typical college writing platform serving the particular needs of people who work in the Criminal Justice fields. It is a very task oriented course, focusing on skill development with an understanding of the reasons for skill development. It focuses on clarity, conciseness, and a disciplined understanding of meaning so the student/worker spends less time writing and more time conveying information.
MODULE 2
SOC 3313
Communication Concepts in Criminal Justice
This course is based on the premise that an increased understanding of communication and improved communication skills can improve the quality of our interactions with others. A complex interaction of factors affects the quality of our communication; several of these factors will be examined in this module, including perceptions, stereotyping, language, defensive supportive styles of communication and non-verbal cues. Practical application of the topics will be demonstrated through argumentation and debate stimulations, presentations, and interviews.
MODULE 3
SOC 3333
Introduction to the American Court System
This course introduces the student to the American Court System by defining the structure of the historical and current system, outlining the legistlative process, explaining the structure, role and function of the court system, and discussing ethical standards from professionals dealing with the courts. The course will conclude with a moot court session.
MODULE 4
SOC 3323
Advanced Criminal Procedures & Decision Making
A Study of the structure and processes of the court system with emphasis on trial procedure and strategies.
MODULE 5
SOC 3343
Crisis Intervention & Management
This course introduces techniques of crisis intervention and management as they apply to practitioners. Emphasis is on victim/offender behavior and situations and other high stress and/or dangerous citizen contacts requiring problem solving skills, as well as analysis skills for emotional, violent, drug-induced incidents that require field intervention and/or resolution.
MODULE 6
SOC 3353
Deviant Communities
This course is the study of current sociological theories of deviant behavior in groups and subgroups of society, including focus on crowd and mob behavior, gangs, and collective behavior. It includes individual-centered approaches through larger groups such as families, neighborhoods, etc. with application of theories focusing on factors contributing to deviance and crime in America.
MODULE 7
SOC 3363
Hispanic Culture & Language
This course is the study of cultural characteristics of Hispanics with an exploration of the sociological effects of Hispanic immigration to America. It also focuses on the interaction of Hispanic and traditional American culture and the effects on each in terms of education, values, politics, economics, family, and the impact on the justice system. Instruction in common words and phrases relevant to the field of law enforcement and the Hispanic community will be included.
MODULE 8
REL 3413
Biblical Perspectives in Western Culture
This course provides study of the Bible as a foundation to an understanding of Western culture and history. The course also explores the relevance of the Bible to modern day life.
MODULE 9
MGT 3413
Organizational Behavior 1; Diagnosis & Planned Change
This course analyzes the formal and informal functions and problems of organizations. The course also examines the strategies to plan, implement, and manage change in an organization.
MODULE 10
SOC 3373
Finance for Decision Making
The course provides a framework, concepts, and tools for analyzing financial decisions based on fundamental principles of modern financial theory. The approach analyzes corporate financial policy, including capital structure, costs of capital, dividend policy, and related issues.
MODULE 11
SOC 3383
Crime Mapping & Analysis
This course introduces Criminal Justice professionals to the availability and potential uses of electronically available geographical information. Students will examine the use of various tool kits for analyzing and visualizing criminal justice issues in light of available geographical and intelligence information.
MODULE 12
GS 4423
Personal & Professional: Ethics and Values
This capstone course examines various theories of man and their relevance to personal and social values. The course provides the basis to formulate or clarify a philosophy of life that is consistent with the demands of a responsible lifestyle in the contemporary world.
Contact the Office of Professional Studies
(405) 491-6332
www.snu.edu/pgs