Justice Studies

Requirements for a major in Justice Studies:

The minimum requirements for a major in Justice Studies will include 36 semester hours: core requirements (21 semester hours) and electives (15 semester hours).

Core requirements (21 semester hours): JUS 111, JUS 205, JUS 293, JUS 308, JUS 410, JUS 301, MAT 213

Core electives (3 semester hours from the following courses): JUS 206, JUS 214, JUS 294, JUS 300, SOC 111, PSY 302, POL 211

Electives (12 semester hours from the following courses): JUS 315, JUS 325, JUS 405, JUS 414, JUS 415, JUS 417, JUS 421, JUS 425, PSY 316, SOC 355, SOC 400

No more than six hours of JUS 421, Internship, can be applied to the major.

Requirements for a minor in Justice Studies:

JUS 111, JUS 205, JUS 293, JUS 301, JUS 410

JUS 111 Justice, Society, and the Law 3 SH

This introductory course will acquaint the student with the theoretical foundation of the criminal justice system. It will cover the relationship of law and morality, giving the student a philosophical base from which to establish a personal theory of the missions of the justice system.

  JUS 191 Research Topics 1-6 SH

An area of study of interest to the student and usually taught on a one on one basis between a faculty member and the student.

  JUS 205 Police in Society 3 SH

This course is designed to be an objective academic analysis of formal social control in our society, including the philosophies, limitations, and responsibilities of police. The course will focus on the human dimension of policing and the interactive relationship between the police and the public. (writing intensive)

  JUS 206 Judicial Process 3 SH

The court system is studied by examining the duties and responsibilities of the prosecutor, the defense counsel, the jury, and the judge. The federal and state court systems will be analyzed. The student will learn about topics ranging from plea bargaining to sentencing.

  JUS 214 Interpersonal Skills in Criminal Justice 3 SH

This course will focus on interpersonal skills in four primary areas: Knowing and Trusting; Understanding; Helping and Influencing; and Conflict Resolution. The student will be required to understand the importance of knowing self, while attempting to understand others. The student will learn techniques for effective listening, appropriate responses to others' concerns, and how to respond to others in a constructive and non-confrontational manner.

  JUS 293 Criminal Law 3 SH

Criminal law includes the study of the most common crimes prosecuted in American courts, including homicide, sexual assault, and theft. The student will also learn about the common defenses, including insanity and self-defense.

  JUS 294 Correctional Institutions 3 SH

Current conditions of incarceration in the United States will be the theme of this course. The student will learn about prison programs, life in prison, and the role of prison gangs and other subcultural groups.

  JUS 300 Victimology 3 SH

The relationship between the victims of crime and the agencies in the justice system is the focus of this course. Included will be victim assistance programs, restitution, and the study of the characteristics of victims. (writing intensive)

  JUS 301 Criminology 3 SH

Prerequisite: JUS 111 (recommended)

The study of criminal behavior as it relates to several varieties of crime is the focus of this course. Major emphasis will be placed on the evolution of criminological theories. (writing intensive)

  JUS 308 Research Methods 3 SH

Prerequisite: MAT 213

The student will be introduced to various methods of conducting empirical research, ranging from surveys to field experiments. The applied nature of research will be stressed, and a research project will be required. (Identical to POL/SOC 308)

  JUS 315 Criminal Investigation 3 SH

Prerequisite: JUS 205

This course is designed to provide students with the basic theoretical and philosophical understanding of the investigatory process. Analysis of problems encountered in interviewing, interrogating, evidence collection, and admissibility will be examined. Application of investigation theories to the administration of justice will also be developed.

  JUS 325 Criminal Procedure 3 SH

Prerequisites: JUS 111 (recommended)

This course is designed to allow students to discuss and analyze recent and past U.S. Supreme Court cases in areas of police procedures, confessions, searches and services, entrapment, electronic eavesdropping, pretrial process and the adjudication process.

  JUS 405 Evidence 3 SH

Prerequisites: JUS 111 and 293 (recommended)

A survey of the most common rules of evidence with emphasis on the use of these rules in the courtroom and the theories underlying the rules. Subjects will include hearsay, relevance, and circumstantial evidence.

  JUS 410 Constitutional Law 3 SH

A survey of constitutional law emphasizing civil rights and individual liberties. The method of teaching will include reading and discussing U.S. Supreme Court decisions.

  JUS 414 Counseling 3 SH

Prerequisite: JUS 214 (recommended)

Discussion and application of various therapeutic counseling models will be included along with the history of treatment and rehabilitation in correctional institutions and the community. The course will feature practical exercises with role-playing. (writing intensive)

  JUS 415 Selected Topics 3 SH

An advanced course on an instructor-selected topic in justice or criminology related studies that provides an intensive area of study for students.

  JUS 417 Administration of Justice 3 SH

Prerequisite JUS 111 and 205 (recommended)

An advanced course in justice administration designed to provide an overview of the problems faced by managers of justice-related agencies, including the principles of police, courts, and corrections management.

  JUS 421 Internship 3-15 SH

Prerequisite: Nine SH in JUS

Students will be placed by the faculty adviser in sites related to the field of justice including: law enforcement agencies, prisons, probation offices, social service organizations, or judges or lawyers. The faculty supervisor will meet weekly with the student to monitor progress. Interns are admitted to the program with the permission of the faculty supervisor. This experience is designed to provide practical job experience.

JUS 425 Forensic Law 3 SH

Prerequisites: JUS 315 (recommended)

This course is designed to provide students with a comprehensive analysis of ethical and legal issues involving forensic techniques in the justice system. Case analysis/briefs will include admissibility, relevance and materiality of evidence, forensic psychiatry, forensic pathology, ballistics, and questioned documents.

JUS 491 Research Topics 1-6 SH

An area of study of interest to the student and usually taught on a one on one basis between a faculty member and the student.