RockhuRst univeRsity 2012–2014 catalog

Criminal Justice (CJ)Program Director Ken Balusek, Ph.D., J.D.The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice introduces students to the many aspects of thenation’s complex criminal justice system, while giving them a strong background in the liberalarts. The Criminal Justice major investigates causes and prevention of criminal behavior,as well as the meaning and application of justice, the legal process, law enforcement, courtmanagement and correctional treatment. A minor in Criminal Justice is also available.This degree program is designed to provide theoretical and practical knowledge forstudents interested in professional careers in traditional criminal justice fields such as corrections,courts, police and probation; in administrative positions in the field of criminal justiceand law enforcement; and in law and paralegal occupations. Unlike many other criminaljustice programs offered at other institutions, this program weaves aspects of diversity mattersacross the curriculum and retains a humanistic approach to studying crime, justice, punishment,legal procedures, and enforcement. Additionally, the Criminal Justice Capstone,as well as other program experiences, provides the opportunity for students to engage inindividualized and meaningful criminal justice research with a faculty mentor.A distinguishing element to the Rockhurst University Criminal Justice program isthat students have the option to pursue either a minor or certificate in paralegal studies.This option provides students with an additional professional credential: a Certificate inParalegal Studies. As the profession has become increasingly more recognized and diversified,paralegals with a variety of skills and backgrounds are being sought. Therefore, thecertificate is complementary to a major in Criminal Justice. Students have other minorcourses of study available to them as well.Major Field of ConcentrationSuccessful completion of the Criminal Justice program requires a criminal backgroundcheck prior to an internship placement. The presence of any criminal conviction on astudent’s record may affect his/her eligibility for participating in the internship, completingthe degree and/or securing a job in the field.Lower Division RequirementsCJ 1000 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3PA 2000 Legal Theory and Practice 3CJ 2000 Criminology 3CJ 2100 Juvenile Delinquency and Justice 3PY 2100 Introduction to Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences 3Total lower division credit hours 15182Upper Division RequirementsCJ 3000 Law Enforcement and Policing 3CJ 3100 Correctional Institutions 3CJ 3500 Criminal Law and Procedures 3CJ 3700 Research Methods in Criminal Justice 3CJ 4940 Criminal Justice Capstone 2CJ 4970 Criminal Justice Internship 2