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Bachelor of Science

Criminal Justice (Concentration in Law Enforcement & Police Academy)

This degree is on campus On-Campus
This degree is online Online
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  • Criminal Justice (Concentration in Law Enforcement and Police Academy)
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  • Curriculum
Total Hours Needed to Graduate:
120 Hours

Major

78 Hours
COURSE NUMBER
COURSE TITLE
CREDIT HOURS
CRJ 1010
Introduction to Criminal Justice
3

Introduces the skills, tools, and methods needed for various criminal justice professions. This course explores philosophical underpinnings of crime and punishments among police, corrections, and the courts. Various ethical and duty related issues are also examined.

Prerequisite(s):
Student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 1060
Introduction to Corrections
3

Introduces the philosophy and history of corrections. This course examines the corrections system process, including the development of current forms and approaches to corrections including probation, parole, security concepts, and related agencies. The role of a correctional officer is analyzed.

Prerequisite(s):
Student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 1410
Criminology
3

Examines normal versus criminal behavior, human development and criminal patterns, specific problems, and intervention strategies. This course explores psychological, sociological, and biological theories of criminal behavior.

Prerequisite(s):
Student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 1510
Legal Issues in Corrections
3

Provides a thorough examination of how the law impacts corrections related decisions. This course also examines constitutional law, the court process, US courts, and prisoner rights.

Prerequisite(s):
Student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 1810
Community Corrections
3

Provides students with an overview of the historical development and implementation of community-based correctional programs and the advantages, disadvantages, effectiveness, and community impact of such programs. Emphasizes supervision of individuals on probation and parole including interviewing, counseling and referral to resources, and preparing written court reports and oral presentations during pre-sentence investigations.

Prerequisite(s):
Student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 2010
Criminal Law
3

Explores the criminal justice system using classic and contemporary case law to provide a foundation of legal knowledge. The course also examines the principles underlying the definition of crime including its contemporary application. Furthermore, this course focuses on the interrelationship between criminal law and the criminal justice system.

Prerequisite(s):
Student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 2320
Principles of Policing II
3

Continues to build on the concepts and methods introduced in CRJ231 and provides additional strategies, techniques, and methods for effective policing. Assesses the societal impact that policing has on the community.

Prerequisite(s):
CRJ 2310, student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 2410
Juvenile Justice Concepts
3

Examines the history of juvenile justice models and current processing of juvenile offenders. This course will also examine how the processing of juvenile offenders differs from adult offenders. Analyze the unique juvenile behaviors that may be influenced by social environments.

Prerequisite(s):
Student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 2510
Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice
3

Focuses on foundational ethical principles and theories including the application of ethical decision making as it relates to criminal justice professionals. The societal implications of unethical behavior are also examined.

Prerequisite(s):
Student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 2610
Security Management
3

Includes an overview of current forms of security throughout the world. This course allows students to obtain general information on risk management, legal considerations, and ethical issues in the security realm. Students are offered the opportunity to experience risk management activities, communications skills, and develop the ability to effectively seek out a security profession of their choosing.

Prerequisite(s):
Student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 2810
Criminal Justice Work Experience I
3

Provides students an opportunity to share current experiences to the didactic components of the program. Requires students to perform a minimum of 150 hours of paid/unpaid work experience in a criminal justice agency under the supervision of appropriate personnel to allow students to develop skills and gain training in their major field. Students must achieve 73% or better in all coursework and 73% or better on all evaluations to receive credit for this course.

Prerequisite(s):
Student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 3110
Drugs, Crime and Society
3

Examines the relationship between drugs, crime and behavior in society. Drug abuse, drug trafficking, and police response are explored. Trending topics such as drug use decriminalization, and marijuana legalization are explored. Provides a historical overview of US drug policy including the "war on drugs" strategy.

Prerequisite(s):
CRJ 2810, Junior status, student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 3310
Cybercrime Investigations
3

Examines the continued advancements in technology. Students address all forms of social media and how these applications can help solve crime. This course focuses on a range of technical solutions available to law enforcement to retrieve data as part of the investigatory process involving computers and cell phones. Identify theft and various types of online fraud are also examined.

Prerequisite(s):
CRJ 2810, Junior status, student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 3410
Introduction to Forensic Science
3

Provides an overview of numerous forensic science tools used to investigate criminal activity and the collection of evidence ranging from fingerprinting to DNA. Students address chain of custody and the importance of remaining unbiased in the collection and interpretation of evidence.

Prerequisite(s):
CRJ 2810, Junior status, student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 3510
Evidence Collection and Procedures
3

Instructs the appropriate methods and procedures for collection, handling, documenting, and storing evidence for later use in criminal proceedings. The consequences for mishandling evidence are also explored.

Prerequisite(s):
CRJ 2810, Junior status, student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 3610
Organized Crime and Youth Gangs
3

Provides historical and contemporary perspectives of organized criminal activity by the mafia and others. White collar crime and corporate corruption are examined along with the social dynamics of youth gangs, violence, prison gangs, and criminality.

Prerequisite(s):
CRJ 2810, Junior status, student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 3710
Criminal Courts
3

Provides an overview of the functions, roles, operations, and jurisdictional issues of various local and federal court systems addressing both criminal and civil matters. Includes an examination of various specialized courts to deal with specific societal issues ranging from truancy to substance abuse.

Prerequisite(s):
CRJ 2810, Junior status, student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 4210
Evidence-Based Practices
3

Examines social science research designed to improve the effectiveness of criminal justice strategies, interventions, policies and practices. The course uses empirical studies to explore research methods commonly used within the social sciences to introduce and apply the concepts of evidence-based practices.

Prerequisite(s):
CRJ 2810, Junior status, student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 4310
Terrorism and Homeland Security
3

Provides a global perspective on terrorism and its impact on homeland security issues post-911 ranging from airport security to local emergency response preparedness.

Prerequisite(s):
CRJ 2810, Junior status, student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 4410
Organizational Leadership in Criminal Justice
3

Explores leadership and change theories and practices within paramilitary organizations and the courts to prepare future leaders within the criminal justice professions.

Prerequisite(s):
CRJ 2810, Junior status, student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 4810
Criminal Justice Work Experience II
3

Provides students an opportunity to share current experiences to the didactic components of the program. Requires students to perform a minimum of 150 hours of paid/unpaid work experience in a criminal justice agency under the supervision of appropriate personnel to allow students to develop skills and gain training in their major field. Students must achieve 73% or better in all coursework and 73% or better on all evaluations to receive credit for this course.

Prerequisite(s):
CRJ 1010,CRJ 2810, COM 1020, HUM 3910,PSY 1110, student background check, Junior Status, minimum GPA of 2.5

Corequisite(s):
None

HUS 2350
Trauma Informed Care in Crisis Intervention
3

Emphasizes the assessment of diverse crisis situations brought on by past trauma with emphasis on the use of short-term intervention and problem solving techniques to help individuals and families de-escalate crisis situations and develop appropriate coping techniques. The course will address principles of trauma informed care, brief and short-term interventions, and multicultural issues in trauma/crisis intervention situations.

Prerequisite(s):
Student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

PSY 3010
Forensic Psychology
3

Explores the application of psychology to legal issues and the justice system. Examines major areas of forensic psychology research with focus on police, court, and community settings. Some topics include interrogation, criminal investigation, eyewitness testimony, jury selection, determining competency in court settings, custody and guardianship issues, and risk assessment. Careers related to forensic psychology will be explored.

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 1110

Corequisite(s):
None

PSY 3110
Abnormal Psychology
3

Examines the symptomatology, diagnosis, and causes of various forms of psychopathology. Topics include current theory and research; ethical and social issues; and historical and current approaches to treatment of mental illness.

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 1110

Corequisite(s):
None

PSY 3510
Adolescent Psychology
3

Studies the nature of adolescent behavior and its underlying dynamics. The emphasis is on establishing skills necessary to work with this group. Areas of focus include physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth of adolescents. Research findings on issues and disorders common to adolescents are considered.

Prerequisite(s):
EDU 3120 or PSY 1110

Corequisite(s):
None

PSY 4010
Social Psychology
3

Presents a study of individuals in the social context in which they live. Topics such as attitudes and attitude change, altruism, effects of being in a group, conformity, obedience, persuasion, and interpersonal attraction are studied.

Prerequisite(s):
PSY 1110 or PSY 2050

Corequisite(s):
None

General Education

30 Hours
COURSE NUMBER
COURSE TITLE
CREDIT HOURS
COM 1010
Composition and Critical Thinking I
3

Students will develop critical thinking, reading, and writing skills in the context of personal, professional, digital, and academic environments, with emphasis on analysis. This course will enable students to examine, develop, and employ the writing process while focusing on audience, invention, rhetorical context, language, style, purpose, written communication strategies, and digital demands.

COM 1020
Composition and Critical Thinking II
3

Students will extend and apply concepts introduced in Composition and Critical Thinking, and Quantitative Literacy, through the development of written arguments and oral presentations for a variety of academic and professional audiences.

Prerequisite(s):
COM 1010, MTH 1010

ELECTIVE
Scientific Inquiry Elective
3

HUM 3910
Integrated Seminar
3

COM 1020 This capstone course is designed to synthesize and transfer knowledge gained from the general education coursework. Students will apply learning experiences to professional, real world, complex, and ethical issues.

Prerequisite(s):
COM 1020, MTH 1010, PSY 2050, SOC 3050

MTH 1010
Quantitative Literacy
3

This course introduces skills in reasoning, critical thinking, and quantitative literacy. Students will develop the ability to reason and solve quantitative problems from a wide array of contexts and real-world situations. Students will develop the analytical skills necessary to ask questions and define problems; develop and apply quantitative models; and interpret data in order to evaluate arguments supported by quantitative evidence.

MTH 1070
Quantitative Reasoning
3

Solves contemporary, real-world problems by mathematical reasoning utilizing concepts from algebra, probability, and statistics. Key topics include equations, inequalities, graphs and functions; exponential, logarithmic, and quadratic models; counting methods, probability theory, normal distribution, correlation, regression, voting methods, and graph theory. This class focuses on the application of the above concepts in a variety of professional disciplines. MTH 1070 - Quantitative Reasoning satisfies the MTA Quantitative Reasoning Pathway.

Prerequisite(s):
MTH 1010

PSY 1110
General Psychology
3

Provides a foundation of knowledge in psychology examining key topics related to understanding human thoughts and behavior. Topics include an exploration of factors that influence thoughts and behavior, psychology as a science, sensation/perception, motivation, emotion, memory, cognition, personality, as well as key figures, research, and theories within psychology. Applying concepts to real-life settings is a focus throughout the course.

Prerequisite(s):
None

Corequisite(s):
None

PSY 2050
Self and Society
3

The course provides a foundation for understanding human relationships and transferring that knowledge to personal/professional applications. Topics include basic dynamics of human relationships; awareness of self; the effect of environment on thoughts and behavior; the importance of intercultural competence; ethics and social responsibility; as well as building skills that will improve individual and team functions.

Prerequisite(s):
COM 1010, MTH 1010

Corequisite(s):
COM 1020

SOC 3050
Personal, Civic, and Global Perspectives
3

Students will develop their civic knowledge and cultural competence by exploring topics that demonstrate the relationship between the local, national, and global dimensions of complex issues. Students will develop their awareness of cultural diversity and sharpen their analytical skills by integrating economic, political science, sociological, and ethical concepts, theories, and perspectives. Requires completion of a service-learning experience.

Prerequisite(s):
COM 1020, MTH 1010, PSY 2050

SPN 1010
Spanish I
3

Introduces the beginning study of Spanish designed for students with minimal or no experience in Spanish. The main goal of this course is to begin to learn to speak, read, write, and comprehend Spanish. Special emphasis is placed on developing communication skills and on increasing awareness of cultures in the Spanish-speaking world.

Prerequisite(s):
None

Corequisite(s):
None

Concentration in Law Enforcement (Police Academy) Major

12 Hours
We partner with several organizations which offer a certified Law Enforcement Academy to provide students with an option to graduate with a degree in criminal justice along with the skills, tools, methods, and credentials to pursue a career in law enforcement. Students who successfully complete our criminal justice major along with the Law Enforcement Academy curriculum and program will receive certification as a police officer in the State of Michigan pursuant to the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES). A student will take most of his/ her academic courses during the first year or two before applying for the Law Enforcement Academy. Students must complete a medical, vision, and hearing screening; pass the MCOLES Reading and Writing Test; pass the MCOLES Fitness Test; complete the application materials; and successfully complete the admission process to be admitted into the Academy. Students will receive 12-semester credits upon successful completion of the Academy. Students must be admitted into the Academy to remain in this program.
COURSE NUMBER
COURSE TITLE
CREDIT HOURS
CRJ 1310
Diversity in Criminal Justice
3

Examines the meaning and function of culture, the impact and meaning of discrimination, minorities, attitude formation, and professional responsiveness for criminal justice professionals.

Prerequisite(s):
Student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 2110
Interpersonal Communication and Conflict Management
3

Provides students with interpersonal communication and conflict management skills that can be used to manage cooperative and uncooperative individuals in criminal justice environments. Application of the skills will be practiced through the use of role play exercises in simulated situations.

Prerequisite(s):
Student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 2210
Interviewing, Investigations and Report Writing
3

Provides students the learning opportunity to conduct basic investigations, assessments, interviews, and interrogations which may be necessary in criminal justice settings. Students will practice providing oral summaries, note taking, and computer based report writing in a variety of formats, including logs, client assessments, incident reports, investigation reports, interview summaries, and other related documents.

Prerequisite(s):
COM 1020, student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

CRJ 2310
Principles of Policing I
3

Examines both historical and contemporary methods of policing. An emphasis is placed on ethical behavior along with an introduction of tools, skills, and methods used for effective policing.

Prerequisite(s):
Student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

Law Enforcement (Police Academy) MAJOR/MCOLES Curriculum

12 Hours
COURSE NUMBER
COURSE TITLE
CREDIT HOURS
CRJ 2990
Law Enforcement Academy
12

Requires attendance at a MCOLES-certified basic police academy that runs for 16 weeks from start to end. Regional training academies are located throughout the state of Michigan. All training academies are required to teach, as a minimum, the state's basic training curriculum, which is 594 hours in length. At the completion of the academy, all graduates are required to pass a licensing examination administered by the state.

Prerequisite(s):
Student background check

Corequisite(s):
None

Why Baker College?

It’s been a great experience, and very proud to display my degrees from Baker. I’m confident that it gave me the skills needed to be successful, and I think I’ve proven that, obtaining the position I’ve obtained in a short period of time in corrections.

—Jeremy Bush, Baker College Alum
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