Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

An examination of the American criminal justice system as an interdisciplinary social science involving aspects of criminology, sociology, law, and political science.This course will enable the student to grasp the complexity of the American Criminal Justice System. As we study the Administration of Criminal Justice, we will see how the several components work, their goals, organizations and how they may have different or competing philosophies.

This course will assess the criminal justice system including research theory, inquiry structure, and modes of observation, data interpretation, program evaluation, and policy analysis. The student will approach the study of research methods through reading assignments, assessing scenarios, research readings and/or questions regarding issues in research in Criminal Justice. The student will prepare a research survey regarding a topic in the criminal justice field. Students will examine the importance of theory as it relates to criminal justice research and differentiate between major research approaches, designs, data collection techniques, and research works. Students shall be introduced to the American Psychological Association (APA) style of writing regarding basic research paper format. (This course is to be considered a perquisite taken as one of the first three 300 level courses from the criminal justice and/or security curriculums).

This course is an evaluation of the breadth and complexity of contemporary police administration from a systems perspective, a traditional structural perspective, a human behavioral perspective, and a strategic management perspective. Students will apply terms and ideas in the study of policing; and be able to demonstrate and assess the historical development of law enforcement at local, state and federal levels. Additionally they will be able to critically analyze contemporary problems and trends facing law enforcement agencies including their functions, operations and management styles. Managerial theories and practices in organizations will be examined and assessed as to their application in law enforcement organizations.

This course explains criminal behavior in relationship to various theories and analysis through historical explanations including classic theories and current developments of crime causation as they relate to criminal involvement. Society's response to criminal behavior is reviewed through the assessment of legal approaches and the aspects of the criminal justice system. Discussions of types of crime, terrorism, and recent laws affecting violent criminal acts are distinguished. Research affecting social policy and public crime concerns are examined including social problems and social responsibility perspectives.

This course is an analytical examination of crime detection and solution, including such topics as crime scene procedures, physical evidence, interviews, field notes and reporting, follow-up investigation, interrogation, and rules of evidence. Specific detail is given to investigations involving homicide, sex-related offenses, and crimes against children, robbery, larceny, vehicle thefts, computer crime, environmental crime, arson, and drug abuse. There is an in depth analysis of investigation methodologies addressing inductive and deductive reasoning to assess the decision making process to solve crimes.

This course has a concentration on the major functions and structure as well as processes that underline ethical issues and types associated within the American Criminal Justice System. This course will explore the structure and nature of the various types of ethical debates within the American judicial system. There will be an assessment of the ethics in criminal justice, as it explores the issues of morality, virtue, honesty, and making ethical decisions in the United States criminal justice system. Assessments of various issues will be examined as they relate to decision making and ethics.

A comprehensive study of the context, practices, and special interests of corrections. Topics include the early history and current trends of correctional thought and practice, jails and other short-term facilities, intermediate sanctions, the prison experience, women in prison, institutional management, educational/treatment programs, prisoners' rights, and race/ethnicity challenges.

This course is an introduction to constitutional law, the Supreme Court, and criminal procedure using the "case and comment" approach. Its concentration is on the study and analysis of United States Constitutional Law. It emphasizes those provisions of the Bill of Rights pertaining to criminal justice. Topics include: the historical events that led to the development of the Constitution; principles governing the operation of the Constitution and the role of the U.S. Supreme Court; characteristics and powers of the three branches of government; development of due process and individual protections; right to counsel, unreasonable searches and seizures; compulsory self-incrimination; and cruel and unusual punishment.

A study in substantive criminal law emphasizing the principles of criminal liability and the acts, mental state, and attendant circumstances that are necessary ingredients in crimes against persons or property or in offenses involving theft, fraud, drugs, morality and decency, public peace, or public justice.

A comprehensive overview of the processes involved in the use of criminal evidence including rules of evidence; arrests, searches, and seizures; interrogations, confessions, and non-testimonial evidence, impeachment and cross-examination of witnesses; opinion evidence; hearsay evidence; and articles and exhibits of evidence.

This course provides an in-depth focus and analysis of the four phases of the budget cycle -- formulation, review, execution and audit. It also explores the purposes of budget, including line-item budgeting, performance budgeting, zero-based budgeting and capital budgeting. Students must have access to Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel software.

This course provides an overview of concepts, skills, theories and techniques involving human resource management and a review of examples involving innovative HR practices in the workplace. There will be an examination of human resource planning, development, and utilization in modern organizations. The establishment and operation of a total human resource program is explored. Topics include recruitment, selection, training and development, performance appraisal, reward systems, benefit programs and role of the human resource department.

This course focuses on the principles, practices, and processes of dispute and conflict resolution. The course draws on interdisciplinary material from social science, decision theory, management/labor relations, and others.

This course is designed to provide students with a solid foundation about leaders, the leadership process and motivation. Topics include the theories of leadership and motivation, leadership power, leader behavior, leadership characteristics, the role of gender, substitutes for leadership, and dysfunctional leadership. MGMT312 serves as a self-assessment of the student's own leadership and motivation skills, knowledge, and attitudes and addresses the questions: Who am I as a leader? What are my most distinguishing leadership traits? What leadership style am I most comfortable being around? How do I influence others? and How do I motivate others?

This course will examine management techniques utilized when an organization decides it's time for a paradigm shift. Students will have the opportunity to explore principles and philosophies, which are a part of ushering in organizational change and transformation. Topics include downsizing, re-engineering, outsourcing and open book management.

This course is designed to provide a solid foundation for undergraduate study in the online environment. Students will be introduced to learning theory, the tools available in the online classroom and campus, and online research. Identification of personal learning style allows students to improve their study/learning techniques and prepares them to succeed in college level courses. Students will be introduced to formatting and citation styles. APUS policy and procedure is addressed. There is an emphasis on written communication to assist students in the transition to the online environment.

This seminar is a senior level course designed to allow the student to review, analyze, and integrate the work the student has completed toward a degree in Criminal Justice. The student will complete an approved academic project or paper that demonstrates mastery of their program of study in a meaningful culmination of their learning, as well as assess their level of mastery of the stated outcomes of their degree requirements. Student must have SENIOR standing to register