Criminal Justice

CRJ 550 Research Methods and Analysis (3 credits)

The functions of concepts, hypotheses, and theories for an empirical discipline; the operationalization of theoretical variables; the principles of research design; and the problems of inference. The association between criminological theories and research methods used to study crime is explored through the utilization of a variety of related data sources. Also covered are basic quantitative techniques, relevant statistics, data interpretation, and an overview of SPSS. Required of all students unless CRJ 575 is taken.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 560 Criminological Theory (3 credits)

A systemic and critical analysis of the major theories of criminality, including an examination of both traditional and contemporary theories. Consideration will be given to conceptualizations of crime, the relationship of criminological theories to crime on the streets, and specific aspects of criminal behavior.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 565 Ethics and Criminal Justice (3 credits)

This course will address ethical issues in the criminal justice system at both the theoretical and applied levels. Typical theoretical issues addressed might include the following: the relationship between law and morality; theories of punishment; conditions for the moral and/or legal responsibility of individuals; notions of procedural justice. Typical applied ethics issues might include the following: search and seizure rules; the insanity defense and the "guilty but mentally ill" verdict; plea bargaining; capital punishment; mandatory sentencing; civil disobedience; limits on the use of deadly force.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 570 Prof Writ for Criminal Justice (3 credits)

The course is designed to develop the cognitive and technical skills of effective writing across the field of criminal justice. Primary emphasis will be given to the "craft of writing," thus learning the techniques and skills of effective professional communication in criminal justice.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 575 Adv Resrch Methds & Analysis (3 credits)

In-depth coverage of data collection including questionnaire construction, advanced quantitative techniques and statistics, interpretation and drawing inferences, comprehensive use of SPSS, function of the SJU Institutional Review Board, and research report formulation. Students will select a topic, complete the literature review, and develop a research methodology that may later be used as the initial components of the master's thesis. Prerequisite: recent coursework and present working knowledge of basic research methods. Required of students intending to complete a master's thesis via CRJ 793. May be substituted for CRJ 550 as a core course.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 600 Drugs and Society (3 credits)

Alcohol and drug use and abuse are a part of life in contemporary America. This course examines their role from the standpoints of sociology, criminology, and public health. What social factors such as gender, race, and class shape substance use? How do major social institutions such as the legal system and healthcare deal with substance use and misuse? What public policies and programs exist to regulate or reduce substance use, and how well do they work? Examples of topics discussed include why people take drugs, the various ways we respond to drug use and distribution, and the nonmedical use of prescription drugs. The course will also explore the contemporaneous issues of the opiate crisis, how the COVID-19 pandemic impacts substance use, treatment, and law enforcement, including in the context of police reforms.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 607 Multiculturalism & Justice (3 credits)

This course critically examines the experiences of underrepresented social groups in the criminal justice system through a lens of social justice and the sociological imagination. In furtherance of these goals, we will discuss: (1) the social construction of various social groups; (2) how society shapes the experiences of underrepresented social groups within the criminal justice system as professionals, offenders, and victims in a way that produces social injustices; and (3) how the criminal justice system can operate in a socially just way for all parties.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Attributes: On-Line Program Course

CRJ 611 Crime Analys Using GIS Mapping (3 credits)

This course will examine the role of geographic information systems (GIS) in crime analysis by covering the basic components of a GIS and examining the use of GIS in police departments throughout the US. Special attention will be given to the use of GIS at the Philadelphia Police Department and will include techniques used to analyze crime patterns as well as a review of the way crime maps influence tactical deployment decisions. Finally, a visit to the Philadelphia Police Department's Crime Analysis Unit and/or Compstat meeting will illustrate the relationship of GIS to current crime problems in Philadelphia.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 615 Youth Cultures and Deviance (3 credits)

This course offers economic, cultural, political, and social perspectives on American youth based on sociological theory. Special attention will be paid to youth popular culture and the unique social problems facing young adults (e.g. gangs, drugs, suicide, and teen pregnancy).

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 616 Juvenile Justice & Delinquency (3 credits)

This course provides a contemporary overview of theoretical and programmatic issues and concerns in juvenile delinquency and the juvenile justice system, including a review of recent research. The course also focuses on a critical review of the trends in problem solving and delivery of services to this population.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 617 Mental Health & The Law (3 credits)

The purpose of this course is to acquaint criminal justice professionals with the mental health field and to serve as a primer for understanding mental health and mental health professionals. In addition, particular areas of interplay between mental health and criminal justice will be emphasized to provide a historical and up-to-date factual background.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 618 Therapeutic Strat Crim Justice (3 credits)

An examination of the application of basic counseling principles to varied criminal justice settings, from adult correctional institutions to post-release situations. Special emphasis is given to innovative methods and programs.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 619 Fnds of Addiction:CRJ Profess (3 credits)

The course is designed to meet the needs of the criminal justice professional in dealing with the human and social consequences of addiction. The course will provide an understanding of substance abuse problems and addiction in American society. It is designed to provide a framework for exploring the effects of these problems on the many aspects of American culture including: the individual, family, criminal justice system, healthcare system, and the workplace. Course content will also include a critical analysis of current and past treatment interventions.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 620 Evid Bas Prac Subt Ab/Beh Hlth (3 credits)

Increasingly the Substance Abuse/Behavioral Healthcare field is being asked to prove that it offers a valuable treatment service for the funds it receives. This course will explore "best practices" including practice guidelines, treatments that are efficacious and evidence based treatments for substance abuse/addiction. The course will look at the level of energy needed and the complexities to transport "Evidence Based Scientific Knowledge" into a "real" clinical environment.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 621 Co-Occurring Disorders (3 credits)

The widespread prevalence of individuals suffering from concurrent psychiatric and substance use disorders has been increasingly recognized within the behavioral healthcare field, with a consequent need for well-trained professionals to be proficient in dealing with these clients, as well as able to function competently in the sophisticated, multidisciplinary programs which are evolving to treat co-occurring disorders. This course will provide the requisite foundational knowledge and skills for the student who will be faced with these challenges. The focus will be on evaluation, treatment planning and delivery, case management, aftercare, and self-help recovery groups. The characteristics and unique needs of each disorder will be addressed, accompanied by an examination of the impact of substance abuse and addiction.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 628 Victimology (3 credits)

The course focuses on the contemporary concept and status of the victim, juxtaposed with their historical evolution in terms of compensation, retribution, and vengeance. Current victim assistance programs are evaluated. The definition of the victim is broadened to include currently undervalued categories. Other issues addressed are child abuse, environmental casualties, and controversies over recovered memories.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 629 Violence and Victims (3 credits)

This course is designed to explore the serious problem of violence in our society from a sociological perspective. Violence is prevalent in homes and on the streets of the United States. This course will address a variety of types of violence, its causes, consequences, and theories for prevention. Topics which will be addressed include wife abuse, rape, child abuse, gang warfare, street violence and serial murder. An emphasis will be placed on understanding the structural causes of violence such as gender, race, and social class inequality as well as the effect of pornography, the media, and drugs/alcohol on violence. Particular attention will be given to the consequences of violence for both individual victims and society as a whole.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 632 Crime and Urban Communities (3 credits)

This course examines crime and delinquency at the level of the urban neighborhood. This course takes an in- depth look at the theories and research that has emphasized the community level factors that lead to crime and delinquency, and examines the topic of what neighborhoods can do to prevent crime. The course will also consider policies that aim at alleviating neighborhood problems and reducing crime. The course has a practical component that requires students to apply what they learn in class to specific problems of crime and disorder in local communities.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 633 Federal Criminal Justice (3 credits)

This course will examine the criminal justice at the federal level. The main areas are the role of each branch of government; how agencies are funded; the major investigation, prosecution, probation, and correction elements; and individual investigative agencies including Inspector General. The course will cover the mission of and interrelationships among individual agencies.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 634 Fed Criminal Law & Prosecution (3 credits)

This covers federal criminal law and its enforcement. Major areas include an overview of federal crimes, elements of the United States Code, origin and scope of federal criminal law, and the role of federal agents in the support of prosecutions. Specific topics include mail and wire fraud, the Hobbs Act, official bribery and corruption, organizational crime, drug enforcement, money laundering, criminal civil rights violations and remedies, interference with witnesses, federal versus state prosecution, sentencing guidelines, and asset forfeiture.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 635 White Collar Crime (3 credits)

The course provides an understanding of the accounting and financial bases of embezzlement, fraud, corruption, and misapplication of funds. Legislation and regulation in government and business are examined. Consumer protection and corporate responsibility are discussed.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 636 Federal Search and Seizure (3 credits)

This course is designed to teach the law of search and seizure as it is defined and applied in federal court. Instruction will focus on the requirements of the Fourth Amendment and the proper means by which a federal agent may obtain evidence through searches and seizures. This course will address legal and evidentiary issues associated with search warrants, exceptions to the warrant requirement, warrantless searches, frequent problems that confront federal agents, as well as emerging trends in the law of search and seizure.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 637 Forensic Financial Analysis (3 credits)

This course covers the detection of illegal financial transactions. Major topics include money laundering, fraud, embezzlement, and illicit accounting practices. Students will learn data gathering and analysis techniques for financial transactions, records, legitimate businesses, illegal organizations, and individuals. The course will include preparation for trial.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 639 Org Crime:Targets & Strat (3 credits)

This course will investigate the social, economic, and political impact organized crime has on our society. We will target specific industries where organized crime has influence/control (e.g. construction, waterfront, garment, trucking, and convention centers). The course will explore criminal, civil, and administrative strategies to control and/or remove the influence of organized crime in those industries.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 640 Terrorism: Threats and Strateg (3 credits)

This course is designed to give the student an understanding of the concepts of terrorism, both domestic and international. Lecturer will address the causes and effects of terrorism as they relate to political structures from both religious and historical perspectives; noting its impact on the world today.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 641 Homeland Security (3 credits)

This course focuses on the consolidation of responsibilities and functions across agencies, at various jurisdictional levels, that have the charge of mitigating hostilities, threats, hazards, and consequences. Further, this course incorporates the pillars of robust response systems. This course is designed to develop analytical skills that will prepare students to identify, evaluate and resolve complex policy issues and initiate practical actions. Though the range of relevant issues extends from local matters to national security, this course will concentrate on preparedness strategies for state, urban and local areas.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 642 Law Enforc Intel Analysis (3 credits)

This course pursues the deliberative and cognitive activities and methodologies that surround the production of intelligence information, in support of decision-making at the strategic, tactical, and operational levels of law enforcement. Also examined are the structure and supervision of the intelligence analysis unit at various levels of law enforcement, and the role of the analyst.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 643 L.E. Intelligence:Policy & Pro (3 credits)

This course provides insights into the contemporary functions of law enforcement strategic, tactical, and operational intelligence and its influence upon crime prevention policy. The discussion will include the intelligence process in the context of intelligence unit structure and supervision, operating procedures, and resources. The course will examine how law enforcement intelligence relates to organizational relationships, planning, and decision-making.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 644 Elec Intelligence Analysis (3 credits)

This course will use the latest computer technology to train students in the use of Analyst Notebook 7, an electronic version of link analysis, telephone toll analysis and flow charts. Analyst Notebook 7 is the program currently being used by the CIA, FBI, NSA, US ARMY, INS, CUSTOMS, SECRET SERVICE, HOMELAND SECURITY, DEA, and more than 1500 other National, State and Local Law Enforcement agencies throughout the world, to combat Terrorism, Drug Smuggling, Money Laundering and Organized Crime. It is a hands-on training course and is limited to twenty-five students.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 645 Sociology of Disasters (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide the graduate student advanced knowledge and understanding of the sociological issues and concerns related to both man-made and natural disasters. The purpose is to present the current research pertaining to community resilience and the effects on individuals who witness, become victimized, or are otherwise affected by disasters. Each student will be expected to increase their capacity in both oral and written communication through their individual and group participation. The course will also improve the student's analysis of the sociological implications related to disasters.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 646 Risk Assessment (3 credits)

This course is designed to provide the graduate student advanced knowledge and understanding in the area of risk assessment and management. The focus is on the recognition of real and perceived threats, sharing information between communities and agencies, the collaboration of resources, and the management of risk. Students will examine the concepts of risk assessment, risk analysis, and the impacts of actual and suspected threats.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 647 Prob Contemporary Corrections (3 credits)

The major problems of adult corrections, including prison and jail overcrowding, population forecasting, judicial intervention in correctional operations, prison disturbances, mental health and incarceration, pretrial and post- conviction alternatives to traditional incarceration, ethics and corrections, and the death penalty. Case study materials are employed, and current and ongoing correctional issues are discussed.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 648 Con Prob Probation & Parole (3 credits)

This course is designed to analyze the current legal, managerial, and political factors which impact upon the probation and parole system. It will examine organizational innovations, caseload management techniques, and technological advances used to confront such problems.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 649 Interrogation (3 credits)

Broadly defined as "the use of human beings to collect or confirm information through overt, covert, or clandestine methodologies," human intelligence (HUMINT) gathering is an essential component in military, national security, and law enforcement contexts. This course will begin with situating HUMINT in the broader intelligence cycle and to understand the critical role of intelligence analysis. The course will then focus on the more overt form of HUMINT collection where information, intelligence, and/or admissions are elicited from targets, subjects, or suspects. In common parlance, seeking information for tactical or strategic purposes, or to lead to arrest and prosecution, is referred to as interrogation, and the interrogation tactics, techniques, and procedures from the Army Field Manual, law enforcement manuals and elsewhere will be thoroughly reviewed for their effectiveness. The course will also cover the ethical issues related to HUMINT, including torture, and introduce the emerging practice of "investigative interviewing" as an alternate model to accusatory and coercive interrogation.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 650 Victim-offender Mediation (3 credits)

The introduction of restorative justice philosophy into the traditional criminal justice system has resulted in the adoption of a number of dialogue processes, which will be the focus of this new offering. The course will explore the humanistic mediation model and the community mediation model used by many local mediation groups. The course will also cover other processes such as community sentencing circles, restorative conferencing, reparative boards and family group conferencing. Participants will not only learn the theories behind these practices, but will have an opportunity to experience them through role- plays. Resolving conflict and dealing with the aftermath of crime through dialogue is a highly valued skill in restorative justice.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 655 Inside/Out Exp Crime & Justice (3 credits)

This class is a unique opportunity to explore issues of crime and justice from inside a correctional facility, where the classes take place throughout the semester. The Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program brings together students from universities and adult students who are incarcerated to learn about and discuss topics such as the causes of crime, victims, the rationale of the criminal justice system, and restorative justice. Through the readings and dialogue, inside and outside students will be able to integrate their theoretical knowledge with lived experiences. It is through this exchange that we hope to critically analyze and challenge the current system in the U.S. that has resulted in a higher incarceration rate than other similar countries.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 656 Criminal Justice System (3 credits)

Provides a foundation and overview of the criminal justice system and process. The major components are discussed including crime, law, criminology, law enforcement, adjudication by the courts, corrections, juvenile justice, current issues and policies. This course is designed for students with only limited prior study in American criminal justice and little or no professional Criminal Justice experience in the United States. Permission of the Program Director required.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 659 Rest Justice: Theory Practice (3 credits)

Restorative justice is a new movement in the fields of victimology and criminology. Acknowledging that crime causes injury to people and communities, it insists that justice repair those injuries and that the parties are permitted to participate in that process. This course will provide the student with a strong foundation in restorative justice through the use of text, supplemental readings, videos and guest speakers. Students will also gain an understanding of how restorative justice differs from our traditional justice process.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 660 Foundations of Cybersecurity (3 credits)

This course offers cultural, scientific, and social perspectives on the use of technology in counterterrorism, specifically the impact of the Artificial Intelligence (AI) revolution on areas of intelligence and security, as well as other technologies most effective in the fight against terrorism.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to students with a major in Cyber Intelligence. Enrollment limited to students in the MSCRJ program. Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

Attributes: On-Line Program Course

CRJ 661 21st Century Policing (3 credits)

This course examines best practices for enhancing law enforcement tools in reducing crime and building and sustaining legitimacy through public trust and procedural justice. It draws on and expands upon the six pillars in the final report of the President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing to prepare officers to navigate an evolving societal landscape using a guardian mindset instead of a warrior mindset.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 770 Spec Topic/Independent Study (3 credits)

An opportunity to conduct extensive literature review or research project under the supervision of the Graduate Director. Such work must be preceded by a proposal that must be approved by the Director of the Graduate Criminal Justice program.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 789 Criminal Justice Internship (3 credits)

An opportunity to carry out supervised field experience under the supervision of a subject matter expert and facilitated by the Graduate Director. Such work must be preceded by a proposal that must be approved by the Director of the Graduate Criminal Justice program.

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 793 Thesis Supervision I (3 credits)

An integrative course in which the student is expected to complete a research paper toward the completion of a Masters thesis, utilizing the research methods and subject matter competence obtained in previous courses. This is the first of two required courses for completing a Masters thesis. Thesis credits are encouraged for students who plan to pursue a Ph.D. or who want to work in a research field. Permission of the Director required.

Prerequisites: CRJ 570 and CRJ 575

Restrictions: Enrollment is limited to Graduate level students.

CRJ 794 Thesis Supervision II (3 credits)

An integrative course in which the student is expected to complete a Masters thesis, utilizing the research methods and subject matter competence obtained in previous courses. This course is the second of two thesis supervision courses required for the Masters Thesis. Students should only enroll in this if they have successfully completed CRJ 793. A thesis is encouraged for students who plan to pursue a Ph.D. or a career in research. Permission of the Director required.

Prerequisites: CRJ 793