Department Head: Dr. H. Dean Buttram, III
126 Brewer Hall
Students who are not majoring in Criminal Justice or Forensic Investigation may minor in Criminal Justice. A minor in Criminal Justice requires a minimum of 21 credit hours.
Students who are not majoring in Criminal Justice or Forensic Investigation may minor in Forensic Investigation. A minor in Forensic Investigation requires a minimum of 21 credit hours.
Criminal Justice
The Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation merges liberal arts and professional studies into a well-balanced curriculum. A Bachelor of Science with a major in Criminal Justice is a solid foundation for law school or graduate study, in addition to being a superb preparation for employment in the rapidly growing field of criminal justice. The core courses provide a basic understanding of the nature of crime and society’s reaction to crime, as well as an in-depth investigation of the various components within the criminal justice system. Studies in the advanced CJ electives (300+ level courses) provide students the opportunity to acquire knowledge and skills which enhance future employment and serve as a basis for advanced studies.
The Bachelor of Science with a major in Criminal Justice is a 120 hour program and requires the following, which meets the general academic regulations:
- 41 hours of general studies courses
- 9 hours of support courses
- 27 hours of criminal justice core courses
- 18 hours in criminal justice advanced electives (300+)
- 25 hours of minor and general elective courses
NOTE: Criminal Justice majors must obtain a minor outside the department. Spanish is the preferred minor or co-minor.
Forensic Investigation
The Bachelor of Science with a major in Forensic Investigation (FI) consists of two separate tracks that address career interests. A degree in Forensic Investigation can lead to a fulfilling career that offers a lifetime of opportunities locally, nationally, and globally. Students interested in pursuing a major in FI must initially declare their major as Forensic Investigation Undecided. They will be advised to complete the lower division Forensic Investigation core that consists of seven classes (21 semester hours). Upon completion of these lower division courses, the coursework will be assessed by their advisor to determine whether they have met the minimum of a 2.5 overall GPA and a 2.5 in CJ and FI coursework required to proceed to upper division coursework in one of the two Forensic Investigation tracks. The minimum 2.5 overall GPA is also required to graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigation in either track.
The Bachelor of Science with a major in Forensic Investigation, Criminal Investigations (Track I) is a 120 hour program which requires the following:
- 41 hours of general studies courses
- 6 hours of support courses
- 21 hours of Forensic Investigation Lower Division Core courses
- 24 hours in the Criminal Investigations track
- 18 hours of Advance Forensic Investigation minor or Digital Forensic Investigation minor
- 10 hours of general electives
The Bachelor of Science with a major in Forensic Investigation, Forensic Laboratory/Technician (Track II) is a 120 hour program which requires the following:
- 41 hours of general studies courses
- 6 hours of support courses
- 21 hours of Forensic Investigation Lower Division Core courses
- 18 hours in the Forensic Laboratory/Technician track
- 28 hours of Forensic Biochemistry minor (This is inclusive of the 8-hour chemistry sequence.)
- 14 hours of general electives
NOTE: Forensic Investigation - Criminal Investigation (Track I) majors must obtain a minor in Advanced Forensic Investigation or Digital Forensic Investigation. Forensic Investigation - Forensic Laboratory/Technician (Track II) majors must minor in Forensic Biochemistry or choose a second major in Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.
Criminal Justice
Survey of the agencies and processes involved in the Criminal Justice System: the police, the prosecutor, the public defender, the courts, and corrections.
This course provides a forum for assigned readings and discussion of ideas in response to a current issue/event. The topic of the course will vary. May be repeated for a total of three credit hours.
Prerequisite(s): CJ 101.
Philosophical foundations of punishments, historical developments in American penology. Corrections in contemporary America.
Prerequisite(s): CJ 101.
Analysis of the origin and sources of criminal law as well as definition of parties to crimes and affirmative defenses. Discussion of specific crimes of common law and in state and national statutes.
Prerequisite(s): CJ 101.
The development of contemporary American Police. Law enforcement role, philosophy, values, culture, discretion, organizational control, accountability, corruption, misconduct, police-community relations, and future trends.
Prerequisite(s): CJ 101.
An analysis of the roles of the Criminal Courts in their interactions with the major participants in the Criminal Justice System; the Court structure and functions; selected critical cases and key issues, such as sentencing and plea bargaining. CJ 225 is equivalent to FI 225, and only one may be taken for credit.
An examination of biological, psychological, sociological, political and economic theories of crime causation.
Prerequisite(s): CJ 101 and EH 102 or EH 104 or EH 106/116.
This course is designed to develop and strengthen writing skills for criminal justice professionals. This course will teach the techniques of writing coherently and with clarity with the intent of building strong communication skills needed in the field of criminal justice. (Writing Intensive Course)
Prerequisite(s): CJ 200.
A study of criminal behavior from a psychological perspective with correctional rehabilitation programs and strategies serving as the focus. The effectiveness of various correctional institutions and their programs and strategies will also be examined.
Prerequisite(s): CJ 200.
A survey of non-institutional correctional programs focusing on alternatives to incarceration in community settings. Programs reviewed include prerelease, parole, halfway houses, restitution centers, probations, and community correctional centers.
Prerequisite(s): CJ 320.
This class will define terrorism and discuss its various history and origins. Topics that will be discussed include international terrorism, domestic terrorism, narco-terrorism, as well as the law enforcement responses and prevention tactics used to combat the different forms of terroristic threats. FI 345 is equivalent to CJ 345, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): CJ 320.
The study of the use of geographic information to identify and analyze crime and police data. Students will learn to analyze patterns and trends, identify correlations, show relationships, and analyze spatial tendencies with the use of computerized geographic information systems (GIS). CJ 355 is equivalent to FI 355, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): CJ 202.
An examination of the foundations of American law enforcement from its cultural heritage in England to the present.
Prerequisite(s): CJ 202 and permission of the instructor.
Organizational structure and coordination of all branches of law enforcement agencies; police, staff, and auxiliary function; their interrelationships and interdependence.
Prerequisite(s): CJ 101.
The advanced study of the organizational structure, coordination, and administration of law enforcement agencies and correctional units at the local, state, and federal levels.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing with 18 hours in CJ. An opportunity for the advanced student to explore an area of special interest.
Students must have a supervising criminal justice faculty member agree to a written proposal or outline for an appropriate topic for study and then must secure the approval of the department head. CJ 377 is equivalent to FI 377, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing with 18 hours in Criminal Justice or department head approval.
An in-depth study of current issues in criminal justice. The content will vary each semester. May be duplicated for a total of six (6) semester hours. CJ 378 is equivalent to FI 378, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing with 18 hours in Criminal Justice or department head approval.
An in-depth study of current issues in criminal justice. The content will vary each semester. May be duplicated for a total of six (6) hours. CJ 379 is equivalent to FI 379, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): CJ 320 and junior status.
Students will develop an appreciation of the concepts of conservation. This course will introduce students to the study of criminal investigative techniques and the analysis of evidence emphasizing crimes against conservation. This course will include lab/field exercises which require students to be able or have the ability to walk extensively in wooded areas for those exercises.
Prerequisite(s): CJ 101.
Analysis of the roles of the Criminal Justice System and the private sector in preventing crime. Community involvement as a source of preventing crime. Crime prevention strategies and techniques for evaluating prevention programs.
Topics, excursions, and requirements determined by the department. May be duplicated for credit up to 6 hours. Infrequently scheduled and subject to minimum and maximum numbers. Advance deposit required.
Prerequisite(s): CJ 202.
Study of the numerous and complex factors involved in the area of human relations as it affects policing and police management.
Prerequisite(s): Junior Standing with 18 hours of CJ. Study of controversial area of law that deals with consensual crimes.
Topics to be included for discussion may be drugs; obscenity and pornography; prostitution; gambling. The history of legislative enactments and judicial decisions will be dealt with, as well as the social and political implications of enforcement to both police agencies and their clients. CJ 411 is equivalent to FI 411, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): CJ 320 or SW 330.
An examination of child forensic interviewing to include historical development of the practice, modalities, protocols and guidelines, controversial techniques, relevant research, and best practices. CJ 415 is equivalent to FI 415, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): CJ 320.
An analysis of criminal and deviant behavior with an emphasis on knowing that the crime problem requires an understanding of the various events that influence a person's life course. Focuses on criminal as well as non-criminal deviance such as mental disorders, drug use, sexual deviance, and prostitution.. CJ 417 is equivalent to FI 417, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing, permission of the instructor or consent of Internship Director, and only for students majoring in Criminal Justice.
Students must also possess an overall 2.5 GPA to participate with a municipal or county agency and a 3.0 overall GPA to participate with a state or federal agency. Supervised work experience in an approved criminal justice agency. The student is required to attend a pre-announced orientation meeting prior to beginning internship. (Not open to in-service personnel or those with prior CJ work experience unless approved by Internship Director.) CJ 471 is equivalent to FI 471, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing, consent of Internship Director, and only for students majoring in Criminal Justice.
Student must also possess an overall 2.5 GPA to participate with a municipal or county agency and a 3.0 overall GPA to participate with a state or federal agency. Supervised work experience in an approved Criminal Justice agency. The student is required to attend a pre-announced orientation meeting prior to beginning internship and additional scheduled meetings with the Internship Director. (Not open to in-service personnel or those with prior CJ work experience unless approved by Internship Director.) This is a Senior Capstone course, and satisfactory work requires completing the EPP and other senior exit requirements. CJ 472 is equivalent to FI 472, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing with 18 hours in CJ. Seminar series dealing with current topics and issues in the field.
No more than 6 hours credit may be earned.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing in the Criminal Justice major and completion of all other criminal justice core requirements.
Capstone course which utilizes the student's knowledge and academic skills, including pursuing archival research, journal keeping, note taking, and report writing to address a topic or issue of contemporary interest in criminal justice or one of its sub-fields. While the topic or issue may change with each offering, the skills exercised will be those needed to prepare the senior in criminal justice professions. CJ 497 is equivalent to FI 497, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing in the Criminal Justice major and completion of all other criminal justice core requirements.
Capstone course which utilizes the student's knowledge and academic skills, including pursuing archival research, journal keeping, note taking, and report writing to address a topic or issue of contemporary interest in criminal justice or one of its sub-fields. While the topic or issue may change with each offering, the skills exercised with be those needed to prepare the senior for careers in criminal justice professions. CJ 498 is equivalent to FI 498, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing in the Criminal Justice major and completion of all other criminal justice core requirements.
Capstone course which utilizes the student's knowledge and academic skills, including pursuing archival research, journal keeping, note taking, and report writing to address a topic or issue of contemporary interest in criminal justice or one of its sub-fields. While the topic or issue may change with each offering, the skills exercised will be those needed to prepare the senior for careers in criminal justice professions. CJ 499 is equivalent to FI 499, and only one may be taken for credit.
Forensic Investigation
This course provides a forum for assigned readings and discussion of ideas in response to a current issue/event. The topic of the course will vary. May be repeated for a total of three credit hours.
Prerequisite(s): CJ 101.
Introduction to the development of Forensic Investigations and its contribution to the Criminal Justice System and the applications of the scientific discipline to the examination and analysis of physical evidence.
Prerequisite(s): CJ 101.
An analysis of the roles of the Criminal Courts in their interactions with the major participants in the Criminal Justice System; the Court structure and functions; selected critical cases and key issues, such as sentencing and plea bargaining. FI 225 is equivalent to CJ 225, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): FI 204 and EH 102 or EH 104 or EH 106 with EH 116.
This course covers the writing process for investigators. It involves documentation from the crime scene through court proceedings. Topics to be discussed include search warrant affidavits, chain of custody forms, evidence collection forms, crime scene documentation, case file organization, court prep, press releases, and other documents involved in the field of criminal investigations. (Writing Intensive Course)
Prerequisite(s): FI 204 and CS 307.
This course will provide information about the basic accredited principles of digital forensics from the crime scene to the laboratories, and from the labs to the service-requesting entities in order to obtain meaningful data while preserving the original digital evidence.
Prerequisite(s): FI 204.
Methods of scientific analysis, comparison and identification of physical evidence; blood and body fluids, casts and molds, detective dyes, fingerprints, and trace evidence.
Prerequisite(s): FI 204 and CS 201.
This course provides an introduction into electronic (digital) forensics. The student will be familiarized with the basics of digital forensics, computer structure, storage structure, networks, mobile devices, social media platforms, etc. This course will cover the basic techniques to research and document scenes and evidence. Special emphasis will be placed upon security of questioned devices, chain of custody, and appropriate processing of evidence. This course will specifically address digital forensics from a field investigative perspective.
Prerequisite(s): FI 310.
The principles and techniques of digital photography as applied to crime scenes, forensic evidence, identification, and court presentation. Emphasis is on single lens reflex digital cameral operation with various types of lighting. Legal aspects of forensic photography and courtroom presentation.
Prerequisite(s): FI 320.
This course will provide an introduction into the field of narcotics investigations. Topics will include drug laws, commonly abused drugs, confidential informants and sources, investigative strategies, undercover operations, marijuana grow operations, clandestine methamphetamine labs, evidence collection and admissibility, searches, children living in dangerous drug environments, and liability issues.
Prerequisite(s): FI 204.
Special problems involved in homicide investigation, including the forensic autopsy.
Prerequisite(s): FI 320.
This class will define terrorism and discuss its various history and origins. Topics that will be discussed include international terrorism, domestic terrorism, narco-terrorism, as well as the law enforcement responses and prevention tactics used to combat the different forms of terroristic threats. FI 345 is equivalent to CJ 345, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): FI 204.
In-depth and practical look at various types of physical evidence and methods by which evidence is collected and transported to forensic crime laboratories.
Prerequisite(s): FI 320.
The study of the use of geographic information to identify and analyze crime and police data. Students will learn to analyze patterns and trends, identify correlations, show relationships, and analyze spatial tendencies with the use of computerized geographic information systems (GIS). FI 355 is equivalent to CJ 355, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): FI 320.
This course will provide an overview of the current state of digital forensic investigation of social media networks, state law, implications of privacy, future trends, and other controversial areas.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing with 18 hours in CJ or FI. An opportunity for the advanced student to explore an area of special interest.
Students must have a supervising criminal justice faculty member agree to a written proposal or outline for an appropriate topic for study and then must secure the approval of the department head. Fi 377 is equivalent to CJ 377, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing with 18 hours in Criminal Justice or Forensic Investigations or department head approval.
An in-depth study of current issues in criminal justice. The content will vary each semester. May be duplicated for a total of six (6) semester hours. FI 378 is equivalent to CJ 378, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing with 18 hours in Criminal Justice or Forensic Investigations or department head approval.
An in-depth study of current issues in criminal justice. The content will vary each semester. May be duplicated for a total of six (6) hours. FI 379 is equivalent to CJ 379, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): FI 330 or FI 340.
This course will examine medicolegal systems in the United States contrasting the differences between Medical Examiner and Coroner Systems. Students will be further exposed to the five manners of death and methodologies employed in their classifications. Particular emphasis will be placed upon death causality with an examination of equivocal deaths. Students will engage in analysis of the relationship between the law enforcement and medicolegal communities. Furthermore, participants will spend a substantial portion of time exploring the utility of the measurement of post mortem interval along with the assessment of skeletal remains.
Prerequisite(s): FI 320.
Students will develop an appreciation of the concepts of conservation. This course will introduce students to the study of criminal investigative techniques and the analysis of evidence emphasizing crimes against wildlife. This course will include lab/field exercises which require students to be able to or can walk extensively in wooded areas for those exercises.
Prerequisite(s): FI 320.
This course will provide a basic understanding of the issues of violent crime and to help establish investigative methods to exploit behavioral clues revealed in the course of investigations. This will include identifying behavior patterns that may develop into a signature that helps to identify the criminal. Profiling, homology, and characteristics consistent with behavior of known criminals that will aid in predicting future crimes will be discussed.
Topics, excursions, and requirements determined by the department. May be duplicated for credit up to six (6) hours. Infrequently scheduled and subject to minimum and maximum numbers. Advance deposit required.
Prerequisite(s): FI 304.
This course will instruct students in the basic accredited procedures of digital forensic investigation by experimenting and applying data acquisition techniques while preserving the original digital evidence in a digital forensics laboratory environment.
Prerequisite(s): FI 203.
This course will introduce students to cyber crimes. This course will cover intellectual property theft from government entities and private businesses, identity theft, extortion (ransomware), malware, phishing, website spoofing, IOT hacking, child exploitation, sexual crimes, etc. This course will show students how to obtain meaningful digital evidence as it relates to cyber crimes.
Prerequisite(s): FI 330, FI 340, or FI 350.
This course presents types of evidence which are the result of objects and materials that have retained the characteristics of other objects or materials through direct physical contact. Topics will include footwear, tire tracks, bite marks, firearms, tools, pattern injuries and documents. The themes in this course will differentiate between two-dimensional and three-dimensional evidence.
Prerequisite(s): Junior Standing with 18 hours of CJ or FI. Study of controversial area of law that deals with consensual crimes.
Topics to be included for discussion may be drugs; obscenity and pornography; prostitution; gambling. The history of legislative enactments and judicial decisions will be dealt with, as well as the social and political implications of enforcement to both police agencies and their clients. FI 411 is equivalent to CJ 411, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): FI 320 or SW 330.
An examination of child forensic interviewing to include historical development of the practice, modalities, protocols and guidelines, controversial techniques, relevant research, and best practices. FI 415 is equivalent to CJ 415, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): FI 320.
An analysis of criminal and deviant behavior with an emphasis on knowing that the crime problem requires an understanding of the various events that influence a person's life course. Focuses on criminal as well as non-criminal deviance such as mental disorder, drug use, sexual deviance, and prostitution. FI 417 is equivalent to CJ 417, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): FI 320, FI 330, or FI 340.
The term "cold case" will be specifically defined as well as the difference between open and closed cases. This course will examine the term, the definition, and the investigation of cold cases with a detailed focus on crimes against persons, (i.e. homicide, sexual assualt, and crimes against children). Students will be engaged regarding the use of current technologies and methodologies in order to increase case solvability. Further, the difference between open and closed cases will be explored. Current cold cases will be used as a means to augment the student's understanding of investigative applicability.
Prerequisite(s): FI 330 and one of the following
This course will cover the topography of lands, soils, botany, vegetation species, locating clandestine graves in remove location, use of cadaver dogs, search techniques, use of ground penetrating radar, marking grave sites, proper excavation of the grave, and recovery of human remains and evidence.
Prerequisite(s): FI 350.
The techniques of crime scene documentation and investigation as they relate to fire and explosion scenes. Evidence recognition and collection, along with a basic understanding of accelerant and explosive residues. Basic principles of reconstruction of the scene, including fire behavior, fire pattern analysis ignition mechanisms, interpretation of human behavior and fire scene analysis.
Prerequisite(s): FI 350.
This course will build upon those techniques and procedures learned in Crime Scene Processing (FI 350/CJ 463) as they relate to crime scene reconstruction. An in-depth study of specialized techniques such as bloodstain pattern analysis, bullet trajectory analysis, and fire scene reconstruction. Students will then apply this knowledge during practical exercises which will emphasize current techniques and procedures.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing, consent of Internship Director, and only for students majoring in Forensic Investigation.
Students must also possess an overall 2.5 GPA to participate with a municipal or county agency and a 3.0 overall GPA to participate with a state or federal agency. Supervised work experience in an approved criminal justice agency. The student is required to attend a pre-announced orientation meeting prior to beginning internship. (Not open to in-service personnel or those with prior CJ work experience unless approved by Internship Director.) FI 471 is equivalent to CJ 471, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing, consent of Internship Director, and only for students majoring in Forensic Investigation.
Student must also possess an overall 2.5 GPA to participate with a municipal or county agency and a 3.0 overall GPA to participate with a state or federal agency. Supervised work experience in an approved criminal justice agency. The student is required to attend a pre-announced orientation meeting prior to beginning internship and additional scheduled meetings with the Internship Director. (Not open to in-service personnel or those with prior CJ work experience unless approved by Internship Director.) This is a Senior Capstone course, and satisfactory work requires completing the EPP and other senior exit requirements. FI 472 is equivalent to CJ 472, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): FI 310 and eight (8) hours of a natural science sequence.
Review of techniques used in the analysis of hairs, fibers, and minute items of evidence related to criminal matters.
Prerequisite(s): Junior standing with 18 hours in FI. Seminars and tutorials dealing with current topics and issues in the field.
May be duplicated for credit up to six (6) hours.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing in the Forensic Investigation major and completion of all Forensic Investigation Undecided core requirements.
Capstone course which utilizes the student's knowledge and academic skills, including pursuing archival research, journal keeping, note taking, and report writing to address a topic or issue of contemporary interest in criminal justice or one of its sub-fields. While the topic or issue may change with each offering, the skills exercised will be those needed to prepare the senior in criminal justice professions. FI 497 is equivalent to CJ 497, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing in the Forensic Investigation major and completion of all Forensic Investigation Undecided core requirements.
Capstone course which utilizes the student's knowledge and academic skills, including pursuing archival research, journal keeping, note taking, and report writing to address a topic or issue of contemporary interest in criminal justice or one of its sub-fields. While the topic or issue may change with each offering, the skills exercised with be those needed to prepare the senior for careers in criminal justice professions. FI 498 is equivalent to CJ 498, and only one may be taken for credit.
Prerequisite(s): Senior standing in the Forensic Investigation major and completion of all Forensic Investigation Undecided core requirements.
Capstone course which utilizes the student's knowledge and academic skills, including pursuing archival research, journal keeping, note taking, and report writing to address a topic or issue of contemporary interest in criminal justice or one of its sub-fields. While the topic or issue may change with each offering, the skills exercised will be those needed to prepare the senior for careers in criminal justice professions. FI 499 is equivalent to CJ 499, and only one may be taken for credit.