Cohort Master Program - Course Sequence and Descriptions

Course Sequence

Fall Semester
5301 – Proseminar in Criminology and Criminal Justice*
5350 – Theoretical Criminology*

Spring Semester
5318 – Criminal Justice Personnel Administration
5319 – Issues in Policing

Summer Semester
5351 – Terrorism and Crime
5353 – Criminal Justice Organizational Theory and Management

Fall Semester
5327 – Judicial and Constitutional Processes*
5342 – Ethics in Criminal Justice

Spring Semester
5381 – Crime and Public Policy
5380 – Criminal Justice Seminar

Summer Semester
5309 – Research Methods in Criminal Justice*
5310 – Statistics and Research Practices in Criminal Justice*

*Depicts a core course

Course Descriptions

CRCJ5301 – PROSEMINAR IN CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE (3 – 0)
An exploration of classical and contemporary literature in criminology and criminal justice. Theoretical perspectives and empirical research will be used to examine criminal behavior and the structure, function, operation, and interaction of the criminal justice system components as well as current practices and future trends in criminology and criminal justice.

CRCJ5350 – THEORETICAL CRIMINOLOGY (3 – 0)
Explores the etiology of crime, theory development and crime causation. Emphasis is on theoretical perspectives and policy implementation.

CRCJ5318 – CRIMINAL JUSTICE PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION (3 – 0)
Personnel administration and management in criminal justice agencies and institutions; analyzes functions of recruitment, selection, hiring, placement, evaluation, dismissal, benefits systems, minority recruitment, training, education, promotion, career development, and retirement.

CRCJ5319 – Issues in Policing (3 – 0)
In-depth analysis of historical, current, and future issues in policing and police administration. Emphasis will be placed on the role of police in society, police-citizen relationships, and empirical evaluations of police effectiveness, police behavior, and programs and strategies.

CRCJ5351 – TERRORISM AND CRIME (3 – 0)
This course examines the origins, nature, and operational characteristics of terrorist groups. Students are exposed to topics ranging from the definition of “terrorism” to the unique characteristics of terrorist cells in the United States and abroad. Particular emphasis is on historical and contemporary terrorist attacks against the United States.

CRCJ5353 – CRIMINAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY & MANAGEMENT THOUGHT (3 – 0)
An examination of organizational theory with specific application to the operation and management of criminal justice agencies. The historical precedents and emergence of contemporary perspectives are presented with their implication for effective functioning of the criminal justice system.

CRCJ5327 – JUDICIAL AND CONSTITUTIONAL PROCESSES (3 – 0)
Examination of the structure, functions, and operations of the courts, with special attention to contemporary constitutional issues and their impact on the criminal justice process.

CRCJ5342 – ETHICS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE (3 – 0)
This course focuses on the ethical decisions and dilemmas encountered in the criminal justice system. Topics covered include criteria for ethical decision-making, professional codes of ethics, and ethical and legal dilemmas faced by criminal justice professionals.

CRCJ5381 – CRIME & PUBLIC POLICY (3 – 0)
This course addresses crime and criminal justice policy. Emphasis is on the examination of media and political forces that shape criminal justice responses and policy initiatives. In the context of theoretical paradigms, the impact of race, class, economics, and gender on development of criminal justice public policy is examined.

CRCJ5380 – CRIMINAL JUSTICE SEMINAR (3 – 0)
Synthesis course for advanced graduate students. Special emphasis on examination of constructs of crime/criminals, justice and systems. Requires individual research in area of particular concern to student.

CRCJ5309 – RESEARCH METHODS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE (3 – 0)
Examination of research methodology in criminal justice. Special emphasis on methods and techniques for conducting research in criminal justice, including a review of problems encountered in sampling and survey research, field research, public policy implementation, and program evaluation.

CRCJ5310 – STATISTICS & RESEARCH PRACTICES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE (3 – 0)
Advanced methods and techniques of research and research design in criminology and criminal justice. Course will cover pure and applied research and expose students to contemporary methodological and analytical issues. Students will be instructed on the use of existing CRCJ databases as well as the collection of new data and particular aspects of SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software) and advanced data analysis.