Department of Criminal Justice

CRIJ 1000. TCC Dual Admit. 0 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

CRIJ 1100. Transitioning to University Studies in Criminal Justice. 1 Credit Hour (Lecture: 1 Hour, Lab: 1 Hour).

Practical study designed to prepare the student for university life, aid in the development of skills for academic success, promote personal growth and responsibility, and encourage active involvement in the learning process from an individual college perspective. These skill sets are presented in the context of criminal justice, military, and civil service disciplines.

CRIJ 1301. Introduction to Criminal Justice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A survey of the history, philosophy, and operations of the American criminal justice system. Topics include the nature of crime and justice, the history and development of the modern criminal justice system and the role of police, judiciary, and corrections in society.

CRIJ 1306. Court Systems and Practices. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is an introduction to the role of the judiciary in the criminal justice system. Topics include right to counsel, pre-trial release, grand juries, adjudication process, and sentencing. Prerequisite: In progress CRIJ 1301.

CRIJ 1310. Fundamentals of Criminal Law. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of the nature of criminal law, philosophical and historical development, major definitions and concepts, classification of crime, elements of crimes and penalties using Texas statutes as illustrations, and criminal responsibility. Prerequisite: in progress CRIJ 1301.

CRIJ 1313. Juvenile Justice System. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of the juvenile justice process to include specialized juvenile law, role of the juvenile law, role of the juvenile courts, role of police agencies, role of correctional agencies, and theories concerning delinquency. Prerequisite: CRIJ 1301 Intro to CJ.

CRIJ 2313. Correctional Systems and Practices. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An introduction to corrections as a profession. Topics include organization of correctional agencies, the role of corrections in society, correctional philosophies and agency operations, and current and emerging issues. Prerequisite: in progress CRIJ 1301.

CRIJ 2314. Criminal Investigation. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines the investigative theory, collection, and preservation of evidence, sources of information, interview and interrogation, uses of forensic sciences, and case and trial preparation. Prerequisite: In progress CRIJ 1301 Intro to CJ.

CRIJ 2328. Police Systems and Practices. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is an introduction to the police profession. Topics include organization of law enforcement agencies, the police role in society, police operations, discretion, corruption, and current and emerging issues. Prerequisite: In progress CRIJ 1301.

CRIJ 3301. Survey of Forensic Science. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Introduces the scientific methods that currently play a major role in solving crimes. It provides background information on various forensic disciplines together with the basic techniques utilized by forensic scientists in analyzing common types of physical evidence.

CRIJ 3302. Crime Scene Investigation. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 2 Hours).

Principles, procedures, processes, and hands-on experience for conducting investigations ranging from the general crime scene to death investigations. A student cannot get credit for CRIJ 3302 if credit has previously been received for FORS 3320 Prerequisite: FORS 1301 Lab fee: $2.

CRIJ 3305. Criminology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Study and critical appraisal of various theories of crime causation, including an examination of classical, biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives on the etiology of crime.

CRIJ 3306. Crime Prevention. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is designed to provide an exploration of the various approaches to reducing crime, including the theoretical bases for those approaches. Emphasis is placed on applying knowledge to real-world crime-prevention scenarios through hands-on analysis of neighborhoods, parking structures, retail stores, and media messages, to name a few examples.

CRIJ 3308. Comparative Criminal Justice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of criminal justice systems around the world. The organization, administration, and philosophy of various criminal systems will be examined, along with the cultural and historical environment in which they developed and exist.

CRIJ 3309. Victimology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The course is an introduction to the field of victimology. Emphasis will be given to characteristics of crime victimization and victims, the impact of victimization, and the treatment of victims within the criminal justice system.

CRIJ 3310. Criminal Justice Supervision and Management. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of theories and principles of supervision as applied to criminal justice agencies. Topics include organization, leadership, motivation, human resources flow, and managerial ethics.

CRIJ 3311. Techniques of Interviewing. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of interview and interrogation techniques. Topics include preparation, environmental and psychological factors, legal issues, and ethics.

CRIJ 3313. Professional Writings in Criminal Justice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

The process of developing and documenting information related to criminal justice field work and graduate studies in criminology and criminal justice, including researching, editing, revising, and creating technical reports, case narratives, grant applications and reports, academic and field related research proposals, training modules, and correspondence. Students will use word processing and related graphic software. Prerequisite: Criminal Justice major (BS and BAAS) or Forensic Science major, and ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302.

CRIJ 3315. Rules of Criminal Evidence. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An analysis of the procedures and rules of evidence applied to the acquisition, offering, admissibility, and presentation of evidence from the crime scene, courtroom, and appellate court perspectives.

CRIJ 3320. Serial Killers. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course examines the evolution of serial homicide and the role of social influences on serial killers. Various criminological and psychological theories are discussed and applied to some of the more infamous serial killers in American society.

CRIJ 3330. Community Corrections. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of the philosophy, administrative procedures, and operational techniques used in the community based treatment and supervision of offenders.

CRIJ 3340. Homeland Security. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

An in-depth study of strategic, legal, policy, operational, and organizational issues associated with the defense of the U.S. homeland from foreign and domestic terrorist threats. Topics include psychology of mass movements, terrorists' ideology, religion and terror, legal issues in homeland security, weapons of mass destruction, effective interfacing between local, state, and federal agencies, emergency management operations and dealing with mass casualties.

CRIJ 3341. Terrorism. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is an in depth study of domestic and international terrorism. Major issues to be considered include history and development of terrorism, types of terrorism and terrorist groups, the role of terrorist organizations, motivations for terrorism, and the techniques of terrorism.

CRIJ 3350. Media, Crime, and Criminal Justice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will examine the representation of crime and criminal justice in popular culture, in particular in television and film. The purpose of this class is to explore the role of media representation in the understanding of criminal justice issues and policies.

CRIJ 3360. Sex Crimes. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course will examine sexual offenses and sexual offenders; including pornography, rape, sexually motivated homicides, and nuisance and dangerous sex crimes. The course will study the various typologies of these offenders, as well as their impact on the Criminal Justice System.

CRIJ 3370. Introduction to Crime Analysis. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course provides introductory skills needed for efficient data management. The manipulation and conversion of crime data to useful information are a basic requisite to accomplish data-driven management and support intelligence-led policing. Several data management applications are examined including MS Excel and Access. No prerequisites.

CRIJ 3371. Introduction to Crime Mapping. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The course provides conceptual knowledge and practical skills to design and implement a GIS-based analysis of community crime problems. This course constitutes an introduction to the scope and methods of crime mapping and analysis. The theory, logic, and practical applications of mapping and analysis are examined with a focus on developing a knowledge base, skills, and integration of mapping and analysis concepts that are applicable to crime detection and prevention. No prerequisites.

CRIJ 4086. Problems in Criminal Justice. 1-6 Credit Hours (Lecture: 1-6 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Independent reading, research and discussion. Entry into this course will be arranged with the department head.

CRIJ 4301. Gender, Crime, and the Criminal Justice System. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is an introduction to the issues related to women as victims, offenders, and professionals in the criminal justice system.

CRIJ 4303. Crime, Justice, and Social Diversity. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is an introduction to the complex interrelationship between cultural diversity, crime, and the American Criminal Justice System.

CRIJ 4312. Criminal Justice Ethics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course presents an analysis of contemporary ethical issues in crime and justice. Classical and contemporary ethical theories will be applied to the discussion of such issues as discretion, corruption, use of force, racism, deception, professionalism, and the nature and meaning of justice.

CRIJ 4316. Methods of Criminal Justice Research. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course is an introduction to the methods of criminological and criminal justice research, with emphasis on research ethics, research design, and methods of data collection and analysis. Prerequisites: Criminal Justice major (BS and BAAS) and ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302.

CRIJ 4318. Criminal Justice Statistics. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course is an introduction to the elementary forms of statistical analysis, including measures of central tendency, variation, the normal curve and Z scores, measures of difference, regression analysis, and correlations. Emphasis will be placed on application of statistical analysis to criminal justice research and planning using the SPSS data analysis program. Prerequisite: CRIJ 4316.

CRIJ 4321. Death Investigation. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Death Investigation will introduce the student to the conceptual framework of the management of death investigations involving offenders who commit a series of violent crimes. This course will enable students to apply knowledge about serial violent offenders to overcome current and future challenges in criminal justice organizations that may encounter these types of offenders and investigations.

CRIJ 4324. Penology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

A study of the structure and function of correctional systems and how various philosophies of correctional treatment affect the operation of confinement institutions.

CRIJ 4325. Advanced Investigation. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Advanced criminal and civil investigation topics will be covered. An examination of frequently used, yet special investigative techniques will also be introduced. Emphasis will be placed on crime scene processing, crime scene analysis, forensic evaluations, investigative techniques, and investigative surveys.

CRIJ 4326. Criminal Procedure. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

This course covers the fundamental principles of criminal procedural, including key concepts related to the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendments.

CRIJ 4331. Criminal Justice Internship. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 0 Hours, Lab: 8 Hours).

This course examines the application and integration of academic content and development of skills within a criminal justice setting. Entry into this course will be arranged with the internship coordinator. The student is required to complete 100 documented hours with a criminal justice-related agency and approved by the coordinator. The internship cannot be completed at a student's place of current or former employment. May be taken more than once for credit. Maximum 6 hours of credit. Prerequisite: In progress Junior Classification.

CRIJ 4332. Field Experience in Crime Analysis. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Application and integration of academic content and development of skills within a criminal justice setting. Entry into this course will be arranged with the internship coordinator. May be taken more than once for credit.

CRIJ 4353. Global Cyber-Security. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The course presents a conceptual overview of information security and its impact on the global stage. Topics include: current trends and over all landscape in information warfare, cybercrime techniques, cyber-terrorism, and information security fundamentals. Included is an emphasis on policy implications for law enforcement at the national level.

CRIJ 4360. Conservation Law Enforcement. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The class examines the body of law governing the taking and possession of wild animals, wildlife parts, and goods made from wildlife. It focuses on the doctrine of state ownership of wildlife and the regulatory tools used by the states and the federal government to conserve an ample supply of wildlife while providing equitable opportunities for the public to share in the privileges of ownership.

CRIJ 4361. Texas Wildlife Law. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The course examines Texas laws governing the taking and possession of wildlife. The class focuses on the doctrine of state ownership of wildlife and the regulatory tools used by the state of Texas to conserve an ample supply of wildlife while providing equitable opportunities for the public to share in the privileges of ownership.

CRIJ 4362. Green Criminology. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

The course examines crimes and harms affecting the natural environment, ecological systems, and human and non-human animal life. Green Criminology is a new area of specialization within Criminology and Criminal Justice, so we will review a diverse range of issues and theories that fit under its evolving parameters of interest (e.g., food crime, crimes against nonhuman animals, pollution and toxic waste, extraction, ecocide, climate change). We will review the causes and consequences of environmental/green crime and examine the offenders that commit such crimes and their victims while also exploring why it is important to study these topics from a criminological perspective. Finally, the course will review if and how the criminal justice system responds to green crimes.

CRIJ 4383. Seminar: Special Topics in Criminal Law. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Topics pertaining to criminal law and the criminal court system. Specific topics will vary according to timeliness and need. May be taken more than once for credit as the topic varies.

CRIJ 4384. Seminar: Special Topics in Homeland Security. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Topics will vary according to timeliness and need. May be taken more than once for credit as topic varies.

CRIJ 4385. Seminar: Special Topics in Criminal Justice. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Topics will vary according to timeliness and special needs. May be taken more than once for credit. Prerequisites: CRIJ 1301 or approval of the department head.

CRIJ 4387. Seminar: Study Away/Abroad. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours).

Topics will vary according to timeliness and special needs. May be taken more than once for credit. This course requires travel within the US or internationally.

CRIJ 4398. Criminal Justice Capstone. 3 Credit Hours (Lecture: 3 Hours, Lab: 0 Hours). [WI]

This course is designed for upper level students in Criminal Justice. Students will learn the applicability of research methods, criminal justice theory; along with current issues into real-life job related scenarios. Specifically, students will have the opportunity to implement what they have learned in prior criminal justice classes to their current and/or future careers. This is a writing intensive course. Prerequisites: In progress Senior classification. Restricted to Criminal Justice majors. CRIJ 3305 and CRIJ 4316 and ENGL 1301 and ENGL 1302.