Criminal Justice - Smarter Degree
Organization
Descriptions and credit recommendations for all evaluated learning experiences
Self-study, self-paced.
January 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze the history and development of corrections; evaluate correctional philosophies and practices; evaluate the impact of corrections on individuals, families, and society; analyze the various types of correctional institutions; and evaluate current issues and challenges in the field of corrections.
This course provides an introduction to the field of corrections. Students explore the history and development of corrections, including the evolution of correctional philosophies and practices. The course examines the various types of correctional institutions, including jails, prisons, and community corrections programs. Other topics include the impact of corrections on individuals, families, and society, and explore current issues in the field, including the use of technology and evidence-based practices.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Justice or Public Justice (6/23).
Self-study, self-paced.
January 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: critically analyze and evaluate the theories of organizational management and leadership within the Criminal Justice system; synthesize and apply knowledge of leadership, job design, motivation, and communication in criminal justice organizations to real-world situations; investigate and integrate modern-day management concepts to address contemporary challenges in the justice system; examine and assess the ethical issues arising within management and administration of criminal justice organizations, proposing solutions and preventive measures; and analyze the organizational structure and administration of the United States justice system, considering its historical development and current context.
This course provides students a theoretical, conceptual, and practical overview of criminal justice organization and management. Topics include an overview of the American criminal justice system as an interdisciplinary social science involving aspects of criminology, sociology, law, and political science, administrative and managerial concepts underlying decision making, policy formulation, operational strategies, and coordination and control procedures.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice Administration, Public Justice, Criminology, and Emergency Management (6/23).
Self-study, self-paced.
January 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze the underlying causes of crime and their connection to societal factors; evaluate societal responses to criminal behavior and their effectiveness in addressing the issue; examine the roles and interactions of the criminal justice system and correctional institutions in managing criminal behavior; investigate the development of criminal thought processes and the social dynamics within prison environments; define and differentiate between various crime types and the nature of criminal law; assess the impact of alcohol and substance abuse on criminal behavior and the prevalence of these factors in modern crime; and critique current strategies and policies for addressing social problems related to crime, such as alcohol and substance abuse.
This Criminology course deals with the causes of crime and how it relates to society, as well as the response of society to criminal behavior. The relationship of the criminal justice system and corrections is explored. The development of the criminal mind and the inmates’ social world and its importance within prison are examined. Defining the concept of crime and the nature of criminal law are important aspects of this course. Other topics include the effects of alcohol and substance abuse as prominent factors in modern criminal behavior since a majority of crimes are related to this type of abuse.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice Administration, Public Justice, Criminology, and Emergency Management (6/23).
Self-study, self-paced.
December 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: evaluate the historical context of emergency management and the role of the Department of Homeland Security; compare and contrast natural and technological hazards in emergency management, analyzing predictability, response strategies, and mitigation measures; examine emergency management mitigation techniques, including federal programs and specific examples like Hurricane Sandy and the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program; analyze FEMA's Whole Community Concept and its significance in involving all stakeholders in disaster management; evaluate crisis and risk communications, including the use of social media during crises and potential drawbacks; analyze the military's capabilities and roles in emergency management, including the integration of military assets with civilian agencies; examine recovery assistance programs and relief organizations, including FEMA's program and the roles of national and international organizations in disaster recovery; and evaluate the effectiveness of UN disaster management efforts, including the roles of UNICEF, UNDP, WHO, and initiatives such as the Sendai Framework.
Emergency Management measures students understanding of the field, the historical context, and future implications. The exam covers various aspects of emergency management, including hazard assessment, mitigation, preparedness, response, recovery, international efforts, and the intersection with terrorism and climate change. Through the course, students will gain knowledge and develop critical thinking skills necessary to analyze and address complex emergency management challenges.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Homeland Security, Emergency Management, Criminal Justice, Political Science, or Public Administration (3/24).
Self-study, self-paced.
January 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: synthesize various ethical theories and principles to develop a comprehensive understanding of ethical decision-making in the criminal justice context; analyze real-world cases involving ethical dilemmas faced by law enforcement officers, corrections officers, and court officials to identify the key ethical issues and challenges; create strategies for promoting ethical behavior and decision-making within criminal justice organizations, considering the unique challenges faced by these organizations; appraise the effectiveness of existing policies and practices related to ethics and accountability in criminal justice organizations, and propose recommendations for improvement; design an ethical framework for criminal justice professionals that incorporates ethical theories, principles, and real-world considerations to guide decision-making in complex situations; compare and contrast different approaches to criminal justice reform, focusing on the ethical implications and potential consequences of each approach; and evaluate the role of ethics in the criminal justice system and its impact on the behavior of criminal justice professionals.
This course explores the ethical problems and challenges encountered in the various parts of the justice system including law enforcement, litigation, sentencing, corrections, and policy making.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice Administration, Public Justice, Criminology, and Emergency Management (6/23).
Self-study, self-paced.
January 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: describe the history and philosophy of the American criminal justice system: Explain 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.
This course provides an introduction, overview, and survey of Criminal Justice and the American criminal justice system by examining the role, development, policies and management of different public agencies and organizations that constitute the criminal justice system. Other topics include the study of current and future critical criminological issues such as due process, discretion in the administration of justice, community policing, police ethics, domestic violence intervention, probation and parole effectiveness and correctional issues.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice Administration, Public Justice, Criminology, and Emergency Management (6/23).
Self-study, self-paced.
January 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: describe the history and philosophy of the American criminal justice system; explain 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.
This course provides an introduction, overview, and survey of Criminology and the American criminal justice system by examining the role, development, policies and management of different public agencies and organizations that constitute the criminal justice system. Other topics include the study of current and future critical criminological issues such as due process, discretion in the administration of justice, community policing, police ethics, domestic violence intervention, probation and parole effectiveness and correctional issues.
In the lower division baccalaureate/associate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice Administration, Public Justice, Criminology, and Emergency Management (6/23).
Self-study, self-paced.
January 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: evaluate and apply principles of forensic science within the broader context of natural sciences, engineering, and the legal system; analyze various types of physical evidence and discuss their significance in forensic investigations; investigate and interpret the role of interviews, field notes, and reporting in the forensic science process; examine follow-up investigation techniques, interrogation strategies, and their impact on the resolution of criminal cases; critically evaluate the rules of evidence and their application in the legal system as they pertain to forensic science; analyze and differentiate between inductive and deductive reasoning in investigation methodologies, explaining their influence on the decision-making process in solving crimes; and synthesize knowledge of forensic science principles, investigative techniques, and legal implications to develop comprehensive strategies for solving complex criminal cases.
This course introduces forensic science or criminalistics and captures the broader context of both the natural sciences and the practical application including physical evidence, interviews, field notes and reporting, follow-up investigation, interrogation, and rules of evidence. There is an in-depth analysis of investigation methodologies addressing inductive and deductive reasoning to assess the decision-making process to solve crimes.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice Administration, Public Justice, Criminology, and Emergency Management (6/23).
Self-study, self-paced.
December 2023 - Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the historical development of different types of American law and their impact on the current legal landscape; analyze the structure and organization of both state and national court systems, including their jurisdiction, functions, and hierarchical relationships; evaluate the fundamental processes involved in trials and appeals, including pretrial procedures, courtroom proceedings, and post - conviction remedies; analyze the rules of evidence used in civil and criminal trial courts, including their foundation, admissibility, and application in the courtroom; examine the legal profession, including the selection process for judges and the various factors that influence appointments to the bench; evaluate the historical development of the U.S. Supreme Court, including its role as the highest court in the land and the procedures and practices employed by the Court in deciding cases; and analyze the fundamental role that the criminal justice system plays in modern societies and connect it to the importance of courts in maintaining order and imposing justice.
Major topics include the intricate workings of the American courts and the dynamic system that upholds justice and safeguards individual rights. The course provides an in-depth exploration of the American courts and their pivotal role in the criminal justice system today. It offers a comprehensive overview of the structures, processes, and challenges faced by the judiciary in carrying out its essential functions.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Justice, Emergency Management, Homeland Security, or Political Science (3/24).
Self-study, self-paced.
January 2023 – Present.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to: analyze the historical and social contexts of race, ethnicity, and crime in the United States, including the impact of systemic racism and historical oppression on crime rates and criminal justice outcomes; evaluate the complex interplay of race, ethnicity, and social class in shaping crime patterns, victimization, and criminal justice system responses; assess the role of cultural stereotypes and media representations in perpetuating racial and ethnic disparities within the criminal justice system; synthesize knowledge of existing research on race and crime to identify and critique policies, practices, and interventions aimed at reducing racial and ethnic disparities within the criminal justice system; apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills to develop evidence-based recommendations for improving fairness, equity, and cultural competence within the criminal justice system; and engage in informed and constructive debates on key issues related to race, ethnicity, and crime in America, demonstrating the ability to articulate well-reasoned arguments and consider alternative perspectives.
This course explores the impact of cultural diversity on the criminal justice system, focusing on the historical and contemporary issues involving race, ethnicity, gender, and social class. Topics include the role of law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections in addressing multicultural challenges and promoting fairness and equality.
In the upper division baccalaureate degree category, 3 semester hours in Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice Administration, Public Justice, Criminology, and Emergency Management (6/23).
