Hummel (chair), Al-Khattar, Cencich (coordinator of the M.A. in Applied Criminology program), Hsieh,, Spencer, Warnick ,Wydra
The philosophy of education for the Department of Criminal Justice is to integrate the substantive, procedural, theoretical and scientific aspects of law, crime and justice with a liberal arts education while incorporating ethics, leadership and diversity. Although this philosophy is primarily professional, the students are exposed to a wide array of intellectual disciplines across the University. The wide-ranging course offerings reflect the interdisciplinary approach and dedication to preparing graduates for a multitude of opportunities in justice systems, locally, nationally and internationally; to be able to communicate and make informed critical decisions; and to pursue graduate study in law, criminal justice, criminology and forensic sciences.
The justice studies major consists of a core requirement of 11 courses that are designed to provide a broad and coherent approach to the six content areas identified by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences. Students then have five concentrations available to them: general justice studies, criminology, law and justice, homeland and international security, and forensic science. The forensic science concentration has two core courses and students can elect to take one or more tracks to include: crime scene investigation, behavioral crime, forensic accounting, computer forensics, forensic anthropology and general forensic science.
Transfer students may transfer up to 24 credit-hours of criminal justice courses toward the justice studies degree requirements. Credit for life experiences and military or professional training may be available, but such credit cannot be counted toward the 48 justice studies required courses. Such credit, if awarded, will typically apply to the additional electives category or General Education requirements, if applicable.