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This course involves the study of recent legislation and case law, both state and federal, that impact criminal justice professionals and the administration of criminal justice in the context of professional practice. The topics will depend upon current legal developments, but will include such areas as law enforcement, criminal procedure, civil and criminal liability, civil rights, employment law, substance abuse, corrections, and judicial review of administrative decisions.

This course consists of an in-depth analysis of various explanations of criminal behavior. Readings include the original works of prominent authors from a broad range of disciplines related to crime, social deviance, and causation. Ethical and legal foundations in defining social deviance and crime are also considered. Specific focus is placed on applications of theory that address causes and correlations of criminal behavior in a variety of cultures throughout the world. This course is well suited for criminal justice practitioners, as students apply criminological theory to contemporary issues.

This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of the research process and the ethical context within which research should be conducted. Further, it will provide the basic skills needed to conduct and evaluate research on topics relevant to the criminal justice field. In order to accomplish these objectives, the course will focus on the nature of scientific inquiry; the connections between theory and research; designing research projects and exploring causation; sampling procedures and logic; research techniques; 1data; and descriptive analyses of data.

This course presents statistical methods commonly used in scientific research, annual reports, and other real-life applications. Topics include descriptive statistics, basic concepts of probability, statistical inference, analysis of variance, correlation, regression, and nonparametric statistical techniques. Emphasis is on understanding and applying statistical concepts and techniques to research empirical data in the field of criminal justice.

This course requires students to develop a formal proposal for research in criminal justice and submit it in writing to their chosen thesis committee, which is made up of a chairperson and two additional members, all of whom must be terminally degreed criminal justice faculty members from Kaplan University. It is acceptable to have one committee member from the faculty of another school at Kaplan University or from an outside, regionally accredited institution of higher learning with the approval of the Dean. This course is best suited for students wishing to add to the body of professional knowledge in the field of criminal justice.

During this phase of the research process, students submit the final draft of their research project to their committee members for review and orally present their results during a scheduled thesis defense hearing. The research report shall be prepared according to Kaplan University guidelines and the final, approved product shall be submitted to appropriate personnel for binding and acquisition. This course is best suited for students wishing to add to the body of professional knowledge in the field of criminal justice.

This course explores human behavior in organizations. Students examine individual behavior, attitudes, personality, values, perception, and emotions and how these affect organization outcomes. The course also looks at the theories, concepts, and application of motivation, as well as the importance of stress management and professional ethics and etiquette. Students gain an understanding and appreciation for communication processes, channels, and styles. They also gain a set of organizational design tools.

The Kaplan University Correction Certificate Program is intended to prepare students to pursue entry-level and supervisory position in today's complex correction environment

This course compares and contrasts justice systems around the world. Topics covered include crime on the world scene, legal traditions, substantive law and procedural law, and an international perspective on policing, the courts, corrections, and juvenile justice. The study of other cultures and countries is an important feature of a comprehensive educational experience. In this course, students discuss the positive and negative attributes of the various justice systems of England, France, Sweden, Japan, and Russia.

This course is designed to identify community-based corrections programs and to explore the issues relevant to the field of community-based corrections.

This course is designed to help adult learners beginning their university studies to achieve academic success. Students will explore learning theories, communication strategies, and personal management skills. Adult learners will develop strategies for achieving success in school and work. Students will also be introduced to the University's institutional outcomes and learning resources.

This course presents adult development theory and links theoretical concepts of life and learning through a process of psychometric assessment and reflection. Both classical and contemporary adult development theories are examined. These theories then provide the paradigm for self-analysis and life learning, including a plan for personal, professional and academic learning.

This course introduces the basic ethical concepts and explores philosophic perspectives for understanding the meaning of social responsibility. Topics include ethical theories, the role of government, the role of corporations, environmental issues, and ethical integrity.

This course is a study of the Constitution of the United States and its role in American history and government. The study covers the drafting and ratification of the Constitution, its subsequent amendment and interpretation, and its contemporary role in American politics and government.

This course provides an analysis of the criminal justice system focusing on the police, courts, and corrections.

The course considers the basic sociological theories and research findings concerning crime. The punishment and corrections process, organized crime, corporate crime, the police, the courts and the impact of crime on the victim are examined.

This course examines the foundations of social justice theory and their application to criminal justice theories and practice. Issues such as poverty, social policy, diversity, welfare, and alternative social programs provide students with a working understanding of the interrelation and copasetic relationship between social and criminal justice issues. Students will also understand ethical applications for both social justice initiatives as well as the ethics of criminal justice policies and initiatives.

An integrated course applying the research and methodology of psychology and sociology to the understanding of criminal conduct. Theories of psychology are explored including: biological, developmental, cognitive, social learning and psychoanalytic. The sociological concepts of social process and structure, social control and social conflict are introduced.

This course explores strategies of crime prevention including programs designed to reduce opportunities to commit crime; programs to alleviate demoralizing community social and economic conditions that foster criminal behavior; programs to improve police/community cooperation; and, programs to educate young people as to likely consequences of criminal behavior.

This course describes prevalent patterns of juvenile delinquency, relates these patterns to theories of child and adolescent development, and examines various theories pertaining to the causes of criminal behavior among juveniles. In addition, this course surveys the roles of police, courts and delinquency intervention programs in the administration of juvenile justice. Emphasis will be given to strategies of prevention and early intervention.

A survey of constitutional rights, police compliance to constitutional rights, and constitutional amendments that specifically apply to the individual. The course examines the application of these rights in the enforcement, investigation, and adjudication of specific crimes.

Forensic science applies scientific methodology to crime scene investigation and crime solving. This course analyzes techniques of crime scene investigation and the lawful gathering of evidence. Emphasis is placed upon the Federal Rules of Evidence, including the admissibility of physical evidence at trial, as well as the role of forensic science in the criminal justice system and the identification, collection and preservation of physical evidence (chain of custody issues).

An analysis of correctional procedures and institutions, especially jails, prisons, parole and probation is the focus of this course. Other topics include inmate subcultures, rehabilitation and prisonization.

Students will review all learning objectives achieved throughout previous course work and develop a comprehensive, focused study of a modern criminal justice issue while applying solutions and predictions for future trends in criminal and social justice. Successful students will focus on the pragmatic application of principles and theories which guide criminal justice practice in the United States.

This course evaluates and develops the competencies necessary in corrections management and administration at all levels. Topics include strategic planning, risk assessment, effective leadership strategies, and current issues in corrections management. Students gain an understanding of the structure of the correctional facility as an organization. Ethical, legal, and social implications of corrections administration are discussed in detail.

This course focuses on a broad range of contemporary concerns and topics in criminal justice such as racism in sentencing, racial profiling, police use of deadly force, national drug control policy, community policing, court authorized electronic intercepts, and prosecutorial discretion. Students will research current criminal justice issues and make analytical observations using concepts and methodologies learned in the class.

This course examines approaches of correctional facilities and provides an overview of historic and contemporary philosophies and practices in the American Penal System. Treatment programs, prisoners' rights, intermediate sanctions, and intuitional management are among the topics discussed, as well as correctional issues pertaining to race/ethnicity and women.

The purpose and procedures pertaining to probation and parole are analyzed in this course. Topics include pre-sentence investigation, supervision of probationers, parole administration and services, treatment theory, juvenile services, and parole officers. Students are introduced to such new concepts as community-based corrections, the justice model, and determinate sentencing and their impact on traditional policy and practice.

Using case law, this course examines a variety of legal issues critical to a thorough understanding of the various aspects of the criminal justice system. Case briefs in this course provide accurate and concise coverage of topics of vital importance to criminal justice managers and personnel including: law enforcement, prison law, probation, parole, the death penalty, juvenile justice, and sentencing mandates.

Leading organization wide structural and cultural change is a significant challenge facing today’s organizations. This course will explore the nature of these changes, the basis for their adoption, and both the management and leadership of organizational change in the 21st century, including issues of managing growth, resistance to change, intervention phases, crisis management, inter and intra-group conflict/ power.

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the process and relationships between the components of the criminal justice system. Topics will include an evaluation of theoretical and applied criminal justice models, interactions between practitioners, defendants, victims, witnesses, the media and the public. Discussions also include a critical examination of the myths and misconceptions that surround the criminal justice system and the controversial issues and trends it produces. 4 quarter hours

This advanced course in ethics and moral behavior discusses, examines, considers, and critiques the various facets of justice, crime, and ethics within the criminal justice system. A major emphasis will be placed on the theoretical foundations of ethics as they apply to the fields of criminal justice practice. Students will examine the diverse values and ethical dilemmas that arise in law enforcement, the courts and corrections. In addition, we will explore the same concerns in the formulation of crime control policies at the federal, state, and local levels.

This course provides a comprehensive analysis of major classical and current criminological perspectives including social, behavioral and biochemical theories of crime. Particular attention is given to sociological constructions of criminality. 4 quarter hours

A critical examination of theories, concepts, and principles concerned with organizational behavior and functions of personnel administration with special attention paid to criminal justice applications. More specifically, how these concepts may be practically applied to administrative and managerial practices in criminal justice organizations.

Prerequisite: CRJ 3012 or equivalent This class will provide an assessment of the current policies and practices of agencies that process youthful offenders. Students will examine, discuss and critique the underlying philosophy, procedures, and administration of the juvenile justice system. Major concerns will center on the effectiveness of the contemporary juvenile court, including an assessment of the policies and practices of agencies involved in processing youthful offenders through the juvenile court system. Student discussions will relate these issues to current and developing public policy. 4 quarter hours

Prerequisite: Crj2060 Or Crj2061 This Course Focuses On The Application Of Advanced Scientific Methods Used As A Means For Inquiry, Description, And Analysis Of Crime And The Behavior Of The Criminal Justice System. 4 Quarter Hours

This course discusses the application of planning theory and techniques to the criminal justice system as well as to agency specific problems. The class emphasizes problem identification, goal setting, forecasting, and the selection of alternative courses of action. Students become familiar with computerized data analysis and case study simulation in order to illustrate suitable planning techniques as well as pitfalls that can be avoided by implementing such techniques.

Prerequisites: None This course focuses upon contemporary critical and controversial issues confronting law enforcement organizations. Discussions may include such topics as police functions; discovery of crime; gender, sexual orientation and/or race ethnicity issues; the changing role of the police; police training and abuse of authority; local, State and Federal interagency relations; domestic terrorism; police/media relations; police/ community relations; civil liability; hazards of policing; and, progressive changes in law enforcement. 4 quarter hours

Prerequisites: Mcj 6001 & Mcj 5002 This Course Presents An In-depth Analysis Of The Latest Professional Literature In Criminal Justice Organizational Management. The Course Emphasizes Interrelationships Among Law Enforcement, Law/courts, Corrections And Juvenile Justice Components Of The Criminal Justice System. Discussions Will Challenge Current And Prospective Practitioners To Come Face-to-face With Critical Issues Confronting Today’s Criminal Justice Agency Administrators And Staffs. 4 Quarter Hours

Prerequisites: Mcj5002 The Applied Research Project Will Consider A Problem In A Criminal Justice Agency Familiar To The Student. The Student Will Be Expected To Develop A Relationship With A Criminal Justice Agency In The Jurisdictional Area Where The Student Lives. The Project Will Culminate In A Comprehensive Analysis Of A Significant Case Problem, Incident, Or Policy Dilemma Identified By The Agency. By The End Of Mcj5002, Students Developed A Proposal Identifying The Problem, The Data To Be Collected And Analyzed, A List Of Viable Alternatives And A Set Of Evaluation Criteria Used In Selecting The Best Course Of Action To Resolve A Problem. The Objective Of The Four (4) Course Sequence (mcj6996, Mcj6997, Mcj6998, And Mcj6999) Is To Produce A Comprehensive Analytical Report Of The Students’ Research, Suitable For Submission To An Academic Journal. Part I (mcj6996) Will Introduce The Student Developing A Thesis Statement And Writing The Introduction Section Of The Paper. 1 Quarter Hour

Prerequisites: Mcj6996 The Applied Research Project Will Consider A Problem In A Criminal Justice Agency Familiar To The Student. The Student Will Be Expected To Develop A Relationship With A Criminal Justice Agency In The Jurisdictional Area Where The Student Lives. The Project Will Culminate In A Comprehensive Analysis Of A Significant Case Problem, Incident, Or Policy Dilemma Identified By The Agency. By The End Of Mcj5002, Students Developed A Proposal Identifying The Problem, The Data To Be Collected And Analyzed, A List Of Viable Alternatives And A Set Of Evaluation Criteria Used In Selecting The Best Course Of Action To Resolve A Problem. The Objective Of The Four (4) Course Sequence (mcj6996, Mcj6997, Mcj6998, And Mcj6999) Is To Produce A Comprehensive Analytical Report Of The Students’ Research, Suitable For Submission To An Academic Journal. Part Ii (mcj6997) Will Introduce The Student To Researching And Writing The Literature Review Section Of The Paper. 1 Quarter Hour

Prerequisites: Mcj6997 The Applied Research Project Will Consider A Problem In A Criminal Justice Agency Familiar To The Student. The Student Will Be Expected To Develop A Relationship With A Criminal Justice Agency In The Jurisdictional Area Where The Student Lives. The Project Will Culminate In A Comprehensive Analysis Of A Significant Case Problem, Incident, Or Policy Dilemma Identified Bythe Agency. By The End Of Mcj5002, Students Developed A Proposal Identifying The Problem, The Data To Be Collected And Analyzed, A List Of Viable Alternatives And A Set Of Evaluation Criteria Used In Selecting The Best Course Of Action To Resolve A Problem. The Objective Of The Four (4) Course Sequence (mcj6996, Mcj6997, Mcj6998, And Mcj6999) Is To Produce A Comprehensive Analytical Report Of The Students’ Research, Suitable For Submission To An Academic Journal. Part Iii (mcj6998) Will Introduce The Student To Writing The Methods And Results Section Of The Papers. 1 Quarter Hour

Prerequisites: Mcj6998 The Applied Research Project Will Consider A Problem In A Criminal Justice Agency Familiar To The Student. The Student Will Be Expected To Develop A Relationship With A Criminal Justice Agency In The Jurisdictional Area Where The Student Lives. The Project Will Culminate In A Comprehensive Analysis Of A Significant Case Problem, Incident, Or Policy Dilemma Identified By The Agency. By The End Of Mcj5002, Students Developed A Proposal Identifying The Problem, The Data To Be Collected And Analyzed, A List Of Viable Alternatives And A Set Of Evaluation Criteria Used In Selecting The Best Course Of Action To Resolve A Problem. The Objective Of The Four (4) Course Sequence (mcj6996, Mcj6997, Mcj6998, And Mcj6999) Is To Produce A Comprehensive Analytical Report Of The Students’ Research, Suitable For Submission To An Academic Journal. Part Iv (mcj6999) Will Introduce The Student To Writing The Discussion And Conclusions Section Of Their Paper, An Abstract, As Well As Some Of The “book End” Requirements (e.g., Table Of Contents, Reference List, Etc.). Students Will Be Required To Turn In Their Final Product By The End Of This Class. 1 Quarter Hour

Prerequisites: None This course presents an incisive discussion of diverse issues in corrections today by examining contemporary challenges facing corrections, such as the realities of prison life, the courts and corrections, the rehabilitation debate, and corrections in the community. Discussions will also include a critical overview of problems and issues confronting contemporary correctional institutions such as AIDS in prison, prison gangs, aging populations, physical and mental disabilities, women in prison, privatization, professionalism among correctional officers, and the use of technology and community rehabilitative options. 4 quarter hours

This course presents an overview of the characteristics and causes of terrorism emerging in the 21st century. Students are exposed to the emergence of modern terrorism from several different areas of the world as well as an analysis from a criminal justice perspective of terror movements affecting the United States. Relevant issues include domestic terrorism undertaken for political purposes in liberal states, state-sponsored international and domestic terrorism, and the dilemmas of counterterrorism in a democracy.

This course provides a survey overview of the major theories and research on leadership and managerial effectiveness in formal organizations with practical suggestions for improving leadership skills. Students will focus on the practical and theoretical applications of charismatic and transformational leadership, creating and communicating vision and values, inspiring others to act, risk management, empowerment, building trust and teamwork, mentoring, managing change, and converting crisis into opportunity.