Criminal Justice Studies
(Interdepartmental Undergraduate Program)
Matthew J. DeLisi, Program Coordinator

The criminal justice studies minor, a cross-disciplinary course of study in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, offers an opportunity for students to learn about the components of the criminal and juvenile justice systems, to become acquainted with the issues and problems affecting these systems, to apply theoretical concepts to real world problems, and to plan a career in criminal or juvenile justice.

Students who declare a minor in criminal justice studies are required to complete 15 credit hours of course work. Students must take five of the following six courses: CJ St 240, 241, 320, 332, 340 or 341. Students are also required to complete a minimum of 3 credit hours of internship experience (CJ St 460). Completion of the minor requires 18 total credits.

Courses open for nonmajor graduate credit: CJ St 332.

Primary Courses
CJ St 240. Introduction to the U.S. Criminal Justice System. (3-0) Cr. 3. F. Provides systemic overview of law, polic organization and behavior, prosecution and defense, sentencing, the judiciary, community corrections, penology, and capital punishment. The course demonstrates the role of discretion in all of these agencies as well as the sociological influences of age, race, gender, and social class on criminal justice system processes.

CJ St 241. Youth and Crime. (Same as Soc 241.) See Sociology.

CJ St 320. American Judicial Process. (Same as Pol S 320.) See Political Science.

CJ St 332. Philosophy of Law. (Same as Phil 332.) See Philosophy. Nonmajor graduate credit.

CJ St 340. Deviant and Criminal Behavior. (Same as Soc 340.) See Sociology.

CJ St 341. Criminology. (Same as Soc 341.) See Sociology.

CJ St 460. Criminal and Juvenile Justice Practicum. (Same as Soc 460.) See Sociology.