Criminal Justice Course Descriptions
CRJ 210 Introduction to Criminal Justice
3 Hours
This course introduces the history and philosophy of criminal justice systems, including law enforcement, courts and corrections. It offers a comprehensive study of the theory and systems of criminal justice in modern societies, and examines the interrelationships of law enforcement agencies, court systems, correctional and penal systems, and the administration of justice.
CRJ 258 Criminology
3 Hours
This course includes an analysis of the major sociological theories of crime causation, sociological aspects of types of offenders, and the methodologies of measuring and analyzing criminal behavior and environments conducive to criminal behavior.
CRJ 261 Criminal Law
3 Hours
Students will study the scope and sources of criminal law. This course gives special attention to the basic elements of crime, defenses and criminal responsibility.
CRJ 357 Corrections
3 Hours
This course introduces the concepts, philosophies and theories of corrections and penology. Students will examine trends and patterns in treatment of criminal offenders with special emphasis on early identification, referral processes and current innovative methods of rehabilitation.
CRJ 365 Criminal Evidence
3 Hours
This course will build upon the principles learned in CRJ 261 (Criminal Law) in order to provide students a more nuanced understanding of criminal law procedures. Special attention will be placed on the legalities of collecting physical evidence and of using obtained confessions. Prerequisite: CRJ261.
CRJ 385 Criminal Investigation
3 Hours
This course is an introduction to the principles involved in the investigation of crimes, with particular attention to historical origins, the investigator, organization and management of the investigative function, and investigative methods, including crime scene processing, suspect identification and use of information sources.
CRJ 395 Constitutional Criminal Justice
3 Hours
Students will study the effects of the U.S. Constitution and state laws on law enforcement processes. Topics include the history and contemporary applications of the law to the search and seizure of evidence, electronic surveillance, interrogation practices, and identification procedures.
CRJ 433 Seminar in Criminal Justice
3 Hours
This course is an advanced seminar and capstone experience for students majoring in criminal justice. Students will focus on emerging issues of significant concern for agencies, organizations and individuals within the criminal justice profession.
PSY 245 Drug Use and Abuse
3 Hours
This course is an introduction to the physical, psychological and social effects of drug use and abuse in American society. This course is designed to assist students in making value choices relative to their own use of legal and illegal drugs.
PSY 310 Alcohol Use and Abuse
3 Hours
This course is a study of the psycho/social aspects of addiction. Study will include symptoms, causes and available treatment approaches. This course serves as an introduction to alcohol and related drug abuse. Students will explore historical, theoretical and current perspectives of alcoholism.
SOC 312 Methods of Social Research
3 Hours
This course is an introduction to the research process as applied to social and psychological subjects. Students will study problem formulation, research design, instrument design, project administration, data analysis and interpretation, report writing and issues in research. A research project is required. Students interested in obtaining a social work license in South Dakota or graduate study in sociology need this course.
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