Criminal Justice Faculty

Meet Our Criminal Justice Faculty

Because the field of criminal justice is so unique, we often invite an array of working professionals to teach and lecture. This way we can ensure you learn from professionals who are practicing in the field NOW. They bring firsthand experience and a fresh perspective to each class so you will be comfortable on any career path you choose.

Our faculty have years of experience...

DWU's criminal justice faculty have years of experience in law enforcement, court systems and adult and juvenile corrections, including certifications and expertise in:

  • Law enforcement and forensic science
  • Drug recognition and prevention
  • Attorney practice in state and federal courts
  • Fulbright recognition for research and scholarship

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 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.

MTH 200 Statistical Methods I

3 Hours

This course is an introduction to descriptive statistics, including graphs, sampling distributions, measures of central tendency, probability theory, hypothesis testing through nonparametric tests, confidence intervals, correlation and regression. Statistical applications, hypothesis testing and the use of statistical software for graphing are emphasized. Prerequisite: MTH 125 or consent of instructor.

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.

Joel Reinesch

Joel Reinesch

Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice | Faculty Athletic Representative


Phone: (605) 995-2833

Any Questions?

Contact us – just call admissions at 605-995-2650 or email us at admissions@dwu.edu.

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