Accreditation   Free Evaluation  |   Apply    |   FAQ    |   Catalog    |   Newsletter    |   Privacy    |   Site Map 

 
 



Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

This accredited Bachelor program provides the opportunity for Distance Learning students to upgrade their present status in criminal justice.  Career advancement is almost certain upon completion of this degree. 

Your degree also opens the door to graduate studies. 

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare the student for a variety of positions in law enforcement work and to enable experienced personnel to expand their knowledge and skills.

Degree Requirements
  • 120 Semester Hours
  • A maximum of 90 semester hours may be accepted toward fulfilling the degree requirement.
  • The student must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours, 10 courses, with Southwest University.
Courses

CJ 302 Introduction: Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice
CJ 304 Juvenile Delinquency
CJ 310 Administration of Justice
CJ 311 The Criminal Court System
CJ 329 Constitutional Law
CJ 335 Criminology
CJ 340 Introduction to Corrections
CJ 355 Community Policing and Problem Solving
CJ 360 Introduction to Police Administration
CJ 370 Criminal Investigation 
CJ 380 Special Topics in Criminal Justice
CJ 425 Corrections in America
CJ 435 Policing in America 
CJ 440 Criminal Procedure
CJ 445 Criminal Evidence
CJ 450 Criminal Law
CJ 459 Drugs Crime Society
CJ 460 Critical Issues in Criminal Justice
CJ 469 Supervision of Police Personnel
CJ 472 Proactive Management
CJ 475 The Police Manager
CJ 480 Special Topics in Criminal Justice
 

Course Descriptions
CJ-302
Introduction:  Law Enforcement & Criminal Justice

3 Semester Hours

A study of the history and heritage of law enforcement and the Criminal Justice system in the United States. Addresses contemporary police systems in the United States and also police issues and constitutional law and legal precedents. Discusses specific problems and people, including crime, criminals, gangs and victims. An excellent learning experience.
 
[ Book Required ] 

CJ-304
Juvenile Delinguency

3 Semester Hours

A study on how delinquents and juveniles in need of supervision are handled within the juvenile justice system. The nature and extent of delinquent behavior as well as child abuse and neglect are examined.   [ Book Required ]  

CJ-310
Administration of Justice

3 Semester Hours

A study of the judicial procedure as it applies to national, state and local law enforcement agencies.  Also addresses: arrest, arraignment, preliminary hearing, bail and jurisdiction of the course on all levels.   [ Book Required ] 

CJ-311
The Criminal Court System

3 Semester Hours

Course explores the roles of all the courtroom participants such as the judge, prosecutor, defense attorney and the jury panel. The curriculum provides insight into what happens in the courtroom when a defendant is tried and some basic evidence rules that will be followed for the admission of evidence. Course also explains the various bail options available to arrested persons and what role the bail bondsmen play in assisting the first time offender through the court system.   [ Book Required ] 

CJ-329
Constitutional Law

3 Semester Hours

This course focuses primarily on the Fourth Amendment (reasonable search and seizure) and Fifth Amendment (double jeopardy, testifying against oneself). It also covers the Second Amendment (the people's right to bear arms). Cases are also summarized.   [ Book Required ] 

CJ-335
Criminology

3 Semester Hours

Course is intended to provide an overview of the sociological perspectives of crime and the related aspects of human behavior. Topics covered include theories, social-structural theories, methods of criminology, punishment, AIDS and policing.   [ Book Required ] 

CJ-340
Introduction to Corrections

3 Semester Hours

A study examining the entire correctional system from law enforcement through the administration of justice, probation, parole and correctional institutions.   [ Book Required ] 

CJ-355
Community Policing and Problem Solving

3 Semester Hours

This course discusses up-to-date information on community policing and problem-oriented policing. It explores operational perspectives and provides examples of existing strategies and future considerations.   [ Book Required ] 

CJ-360
Introduction to Police Administration

3 Semester Hours

Course begins with the evolution of American policing and ends with changes and the future. Topics include politics, organizational theory, leadership, communication, human resource management and many others.   [ Book Required ] 

CJ-370
Criminal Investigation

3 Semester Hours

Course addresses major topics including investigation techniques, crimes against persons, crimes against property, organized crime, gangs and the investigators role in the judicial process. Includes proven investigative techniques in all forms of investigations.   [ Book Required ] 

CJ-380
Special Topics in Criminal Justice

3 Semester Hours

(Subject to faculty approval.) A project or an independent paper that will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a specific subject.   

CJ-425
Corrections in America

3 Semester Hours

Discusses the dynamics of corrections that encourages attention in the field. Includes correctional context, practice and issues and perspectives. Real-life examples are presented.
 
[ Book Required ] 

CJ-435
Policing in America

3 Semester Hours

This course provides an overview of contemporary police work. It introduces students to a better understanding of the relationship between police and society. It also focuses on critical concerns facing American police.   [ Book Required ] 

CJ-440
Criminal Procedure

3 Semester Hours

 Course provides practical guidelines for criminal justice professionals with respect to the legal aspects of their daily duties. Major issues addressed are individual rights, criminal court system, arrest warrants, consent search, to mention a few.
 
[ Book Required ] 

CJ-445
Criminal Evidence

3 Semester Hours

A study of important rules concerning evidence. Focus is on the use of rules in criminal proceedings. Includes: published sources of law, the rule against hearsay, confessions, opinions, expertise and experts. Discussion on scientific evidence is included.   [ Book Required ] 

CJ-450
Criminal Law

3 Semester Hours

Presents the study of criminal law including topics on misdemeanors, organized crime, drugs, hate crimes and other offenses. Also includes discussions of common law, federal law and the Model Penal Code.   [ Book Required ]  

CJ-459
Drugs Crime Society

3 Semester Hours

Focuses on the critical areas of America's drug problem. Some topics covered include the business of drugs and the role of organized crime in the drug trade and drug legalization and discrimination.   [ Book Required ] 

CJ-460
Critical Issues in Criminal Justice

3 Semester Hours

This course presents current information on major topics of interest in Criminal Justice. Stress is a continuing issue. Other important issues include deviant behavior, crime and the political process and murder and injury of police officers.  
[ Book Required ] 

CJ-469
Supervision of Police Personnel

3 Semester Hours

Discusses the primary functions and responsibilities of the police supervisor. Fundamentals of supervisory techniques.
 
[ Book Required ] 

CJ-472
Proactive Management

3 Semester Hours

Emphasis includes the duties and responsibilities of the police supervisor, personnel problems and handling complaints, grievances and disciplinary problems. Principles of leadership, communication and techniques of teaching are presented.
 
[ Book Required ] 

CJ-475
The Police Manager

3 Semester Hours

This course provides step-by-step procedures to help administrators fulfill responsibilities and perform their duties effectively. The course also discusses the behavioral aspects of police management and modern management. It introduces a wide range of topics with which police managers should be familiar.   [ Book Required ] 

CJ-480
Special Topics in Criminal Justice

3 Semester Hours

(Subject to faculty approval.) A project or an independent paper that will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a specific subject.  

 

2200 Veterans Boulevard        Kenner, Louisiana  70062-4005        1.800.433.5923 or 1.504.468.2900
southwest@southwest.edu

© 2008  Southwest University--All Rights Reserved.