Course Descriptions - CRJ

The following introductory courses are offered each term online: CRJ 100, 110, 150, 208. A traditional section of CRJ 100 is offered each term. At least one pre-law course (CRJ 130, 140, 147) will be offered each term. Other major requirements may be offered only once per year so it is incumbent upon students to appropriately schedule classes.

CRJ 100   Introduction to Criminal Justice

3 semester hours

Prerequisite: None     Code B

This course surveys the entire criminal justice process from law enforcement to the administration of justice through corrections. It discusses the history and philosophy of the system and introduces various career opportunities. (F, Sp, Su)

CRJ 110   Introduction to Law Enforcement

3 semester hours

Prerequisite: None     Code B

This course examines the history and philosophy of law enforcement, as well as the organization and jurisdiction of local, state, and federal agencies. It includes the duties and function of law enforcement officers. (F, Sp)

CRJ 130   Introduction to Law and Judicial Process

3 semester hours

Prerequisite: None    Code C

This course provides an introduction to the basic elements of substantive and procedural law, and the stages in the judicial process. It includes an overview of state and federal court structure. (F, Sp)

CRJ 140   Criminal Law and Procedure

3 semester hours

Prerequisite: None     Code C

This course examines both substantive and procedural law. The legal elements of various crimes are discussed, with attention to the Alabama Code. Areas of criminal procedure essential to the criminal justice professional are covered. (F or Sp)

CRJ 146   Criminal Evidence

3 semester hours

Prerequisite: None     Code C

This course considers the origins of the law of evidence and current rules of evidence. Types of evidence, their definitions and uses are covered, as well as the functions of the court regarding evidence. (as needed)

CRJ 147   Constitutional Law

3 semester hours

Prerequisite: None     Code C

This course involves constitutional law as it applies to criminal justice. It includes recent Supreme Court decisions affecting criminal justice professionals, such as right to counsel, search and seizure, due processional, such as right to counsel, search and seizure, due process and civil rights. (F or Sp)

CRJ 150   Introduction to Corrections

3 semester hours

Prerequisite: None     Code B

This course provides an introduction to the philosophical and historical foundations of corrections in America. Incarceration and some of its alternatives are considered. (F, Sp)

CRJ 160   Introduction to Security

3 semester hours

Prerequisite: None     Code B

This course surveys the operation, organization and problems in providing safety and security to business enterprises. Private, retail, and industrial security are covered. (F or Sp)

CRJ 178   Narcotics/Dangerous Drugs

3 semester hours

Prerequisite: None     Code B

This course surveys the history and development of drug abuse in society. Theories of drug abuse, identification and classification of drugs are covered. Strategies for combating the drug problem are discussed. (F or Sp)

CRJ 208   Introduction to Criminology  (Same as SOC 208)

3 semester hours

Prerequisite: None     Code B

This course delves into the nature and extent of crime in the United States, as well as criminal delinquent behavior and theories of causation. The study includes criminal personalities, principles of prevention, control and treatment. (F, Sp, Su)

CRJ 209   Juvenile Delinquency  (Same as SOC 209)

3 semester hours

Prerequisite: None     Code B

This course examines the causes of delinquency. It also reviews programs of prevention, and control of juvenile delinquency as well as the role of the courts. (F, Sp)

CRJ 216   Police Organization and Administration

3 semester hours

Prerequisite: None     Code C

This course examines the principles of organization and administration of law enforcement agencies. Theories of management, budgeting, and various personnel issues are covered. (F or Sp)

CRJ 220   Criminal Investigation

3 semester hours

Prerequisite: None     Code C

This course explores the theory and scope of criminal investigation. The duties and responsibilities of the investigator are included. The techniques and strategies used in investigation are emphasized. (F or Sp)

CRJ 227   Homicide Investigation

3 semester hours

Prerequisite: None     Code C

This course covers the principles, techniques and strategies of homicide investigation. Topics emphasized include ballistics, pathology, toxicology, immunology, jurisprudence, and psychiatry. (as needed)

CRJ 230   Criminalistics

3 semester hours

Prerequisite: None     Code C

This course surveys the different techniques of scientific investigation. Emphasis is given to ballistics, photography, fingerprints, DNA, trace evidence, body fluids, casts, and the like. (as needed)

CRJ 236   Advanced Criminalistics

3 semester hours

Prerequisite: None     Code C

This course covers the collection, handling, and analysis of evidence from crime scene to laboratory to courtroom. Topics include hair fibers, body fluids, firearms, glass, paint, drugs, documents, etc. Laboratory experiences may be utilized. (as needed)

CRJ 280   Internship in Criminal Justice

3 semester hours

Prerequisite: Sophomore status, 2.0 GPA, and permission of program coordinator

Code C

This course involves practical experience with a criminal justice agency under faculty supervision. Permission of the instructor is required. This course may be repeated with the approval of the department head. (as needed)

CRJ 290   Selected Topics – Seminar in Criminal  Justice

3 semester hours

Prerequisite: None     Code C

This course involves reading, research, writing, and discussion of selected subjects relating to criminal justice. Various contemporary problems in criminal justice are analyzed. This course may be repeated with approval from the department head. (as needed)