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National College Credit Recommendation Service

Board of Regents  |  University of the State of New York

Criminal Justice and Law - Coopersmith Career Consulting

Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences

Length:

Varies (self-study, self-paced).

Dates:

January 2025 - Present. 

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: explain the philosophy of community policing and its role in modern law enforcement; analyze the historical evolution of community policing and its impact on crime prevention and public safety; summarize the key components of effective community partnerships and their role in addressing public safety concerns; develop strategies to foster trust and collaboration between law enforcement and diverse community groups; evaluate the effectiveness of problem-solving models, such as the SARA model, in addressing community-based issues; compare and contrast the ethical challenges and considerations associated with implementing community policing strategies; discuss the impact of cultural competence, bias awareness, and inclusivity on the success of community policing initiatives; and explain the role of technology and data-driven approaches in enhancing community policing efforts.

Instruction:

Concepts in Community Policing (JUS-332) is an undergraduate course that examines the philosophy, strategies, and practices of community policing as a collaborative approach to law enforcement. Emphasizing partnerships between police and community members, the course explores problem-solving techniques, crime prevention strategies, and methods for building trust within diverse communities. Topics include the historical development of community policing, the role of law enforcement in fostering community engagement, and approaches to address challenges such as bias, cultural differences, and resource allocation. This course prepares students for roles in law enforcement, public policy, and community advocacy, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and mutual accountability in creating safe and resilient communities.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Justice, Community Policing, or Political Science (1/25)

Length:

Varies (self-study; self-paced). 

Dates:

March 2021 - Present. 

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: explain and analyze various psychological and developmental factors that contribute to criminal behavior; recognize the various types of crime and typologies; apply research and theory to understanding concepts; critically analyze the relationship between criminal behavior and mental health; and describe the sources of information and measurements of crime, including their limitations.

Instruction:

Criminal Behavior (JUS-395) is designed to provide an understanding of criminal behavior and antisocial behavior from a psychological perspective. Contemporary research, theory, and practice concerning the psychology of crime will be explored. Students  learn about the factors associated with the onset and maintenance of antisocial and criminal behavior.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Justice or Criminal Behavior (5/21).

Length:

Varies (self-study, self-paced).

Dates:

May 2023 - Present. 

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the learning experience, students will be able to: explain the basic rules of evidence applicable to criminal cases; discuss various methods for impeaching witness testimony; describe the hearsay rule and its exceptions in detail; conceptualize how documentary and physical evidence is admitted at trial; and summarize the rationale for various evidentiary rules. 

Instruction:

Criminal Evidence provides students with an overview of the rules of evidence applicable in criminal cases. Major topics include an overview of the criminal trial process; basic evidence concepts, with particular emphasis placed upon the Federal Rules of Evidence, evidence concepts including, but not limited to witness competency and impeachment, hearsay, admissions and confessions, circumstantial evidence, documentary and physical evidence and the exclusionary rule.

Credit recommendation:

In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Justice, Political Science, or Pre-Law (5/23)

Length:

Varies (self-study, self-paced).

Dates:
Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: explain and analyze various psychological and developmental factors that contribute to criminal behavior; recognize the various types of crime and typologies; apply research and theory to understanding concepts; critically analyze the relationship between criminal behavior and mental health; and describe the sources of information and measurements of crime, including their limitations.

Instruction:

Criminal Investigation (JUS-330) is an undergraduate course that explores the fundamental principles and practices involved in criminal investigation. The course covers each stage of the investigative process, including crime scene management, evidence collection and analysis, interview and interrogation techniques, and the legal considerations in criminal investigations. Key topics include the role of forensic science, criminal profiling, report writing, court presentation, ethical standards and the importance of procedural integrity in upholding justice.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Justice or Criminal Investigations (1/25).

Length:

Varies (self-study; self-paced).

Dates:

March 2021 - Present. 

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: analyze and interpret the diversity of social experience associated with criminology and social justice issues, especially as related to race, class, gender, age sexual preference, religion and nationality; assess competing theoretical approaches to criminology and social justice issues of publics with differing and multiple interests; specify structural or institutional sources of these criminology and social justice issues; propose and assess policies, interventions and/or modes of advocacy to enact positive change; articulate the applicability of employ a range of research strategies; and articulate the ethical and social justice implications of criminology and justice studies.

Instruction:

Criminology (JUS-185) provides an introduction to the field of criminology with an  overview of the issues involved in defining, measuring, and explaining crime. Students study the field of criminology, examine general characteristics of crime and criminals, review early and contemporary theories that attempt to explain criminal behavior, and discuss crime in the modern world.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminology, or Criminal Justice (5/21).

Length:

Varies (self-study; self-paced). 

Dates:

March 2021 - Present.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: categorize the different types of drugs and their impact on individuals; describe the social implications of drug use in society; analyze the effectiveness of drug control strategies and policies; and differentiate drug types, treatment, and interventions used in the Criminal Justice System.  

Instruction:

Drugs, Society, and Criminal Justice (JUS-250 ) is a study of substance abuse and crime. Topics include the history and classification of drug abuse, the impact of drugs on offense, and criminal justice strategies to manage drug abuse; identification of various types of drugs and their effect on human behavior and society, treatment modalities within the criminal justice system, and the impact of drug policy on society.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Justice, Police Science, Public Justice, or Criminal Justice Administration (5/21).

Length:

Varies (self-study, self-paced).

Dates:

January 2025 - Present. 

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: explain the historical development and role of firearms in law enforcement, public safety, and criminal activity; identify and describe various types of firearms, their components, and their mechanisms of action; analyze key firearm laws and regulations at the federal, state, and local levels, and discuss their implications for law enforcement and civilian ownership; apply principles of forensic ballistics to identify firearm evidence and analyze ballistic trajectories; describe the process of collecting, preserving, and documenting firearm-related evidence at crime scenes in accordance with legal standards; evaluate the use of ballistic patterns and projectile motion in reconstructing shooting incidents; interpret forensic reports and ballistic evidence to draw conclusions in criminal investigations; and discuss ethical considerations and challenges related to handling firearm evidence and conducting forensic ballistic analysis.

Instruction:

Firearms, the Law, and Forensic Ballistics is an undergraduate course that provides a comprehensive exploration of firearms, their legal implications, and the science of forensic ballistics in criminal investigations. Topics include the historical and contemporary role of firearms in society, key firearm-related laws and their impact on law enforcement and public safety. The course delves into the technical aspects of firearms, including types, mechanics, and the process of forensic ballistics. Students learn how to analyze firearm-related evidence, understand the physics of projectile motion, and interpret ballistic patterns to reconstruct shooting incidents.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Justice, Firearms, Forensic Science, Forensic Anthropology, or Ballistics (1/25).

Length:

Varies (self-study; self-paced). 

Dates:

March 2021 - Present. 

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: describe the fundamental homeland security management theories; discuss the basic terminology and definitions related to homeland security understanding of emergency management in the United States; discuss the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the laws that provide DHS with its authority, including the U.S.A. Patriot Act; compare the critical components of safety and security for homeland security and emergency management; outline the homeland security advisory system and crisis communications; and explore technology and science efforts in homeland security. 

Instruction:

Homeland Security and Terrorism (JUS-275) covers the historical and contemporary issues interrelating terrorism, intelligence, and homeland security. The course represents not only a robust scholarly approach to the study of terrorism but also incorporates the real-world experience of federal agents, police officers, and soldiers tasked with preventing the next terrorist attack on the country. It is designed to help students develop a working knowledge of people, ideas, organizations, and current issues in the field. The approach provides students with a unified and cutting-edge understanding of terrorism, intelligence, and homeland security and their interrelationships.

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Homeland Security (5/21).

Length:

Varies (self-study; self-paced). 

Dates:

March 2021 - Present.

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: describe the history and philosophy of the American criminal justice system; discuss the nature and extent of crime in America; analyze the impact and consequences of crime; evaluate the development, concepts, and functions of law in the criminal justice system; and describe the structure of contemporary federal, state, and local justice agencies and processes.

Instruction:

Introduction to Criminal Justice (JUS-175) is designed to provide an introduction to the criminal justice system with a primary goal of developing a general understanding of the criminal justice system and its response to crime in society today. Students explore crime in the United States, the criminal justice system (policing, courts, and corrections), and  several special issues relevant to criminal justice today. 

Credit recommendation:

In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Justice, Police Administration, Forensic Investigations, Financial Crimes Investigations, Cybersecurity, Criminal Intelligence Analysis (5/21).

Length:

Varies (self-study; self-paced).

Dates:

March 2021 - Present. 

Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: describe the history and development of forensic science; outline the proper procedures for securing, assessing, and processing crime scenes; describe the proper handling, value, and capabilities of DNA evidence; compare the various types and analysis methods of physical and trace evidence; explain the fundamental analysis of ballistic evidence, tool mark, and other impressions; and discuss the importance of Serology and blood spatter analysis

Instruction:

Introduction to Forensic Science (JUS-177)) examines the principles, theories, and practices of forensic science utilized within the law enforcement community and the American legal system. Forensic science is the study and application of science to the process of law and involves the collection, examination, evaluation and interpretation of evidence. Students will gain a basic understanding of the scientific and analytical approach to determining the evidence's value related to the court of law. 

Credit recommendation:

In the associate degree/certificate category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Forensics, Law, or Forensic Biologic Science (5/21).

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