Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Requirements

Prerequisite: None

An overview of the criminal justice system: an investigative look into the agencies of social control including law enforcement, corrections, and the courts. To include a brief discussion of crime causation to identify methods of crime control.

Offered fall semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course examines American crime problems from a historical perspective, examines crime causation, social and public policy factors affecting crime, the impact of crime and crime trends, social characteristics of specific crimes, and the prevention of crime.

Offered spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

A look into minority issues relating to our criminal justice system. Which age, race, gender, or social class is most likely to be in a correctional institution and why? Is racial/ethnic profiling appropriate or necessary? What are some of the applied sociological theories and practices behind the statistics?

Offered spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course offers an interdisciplinary, scientific approach related to the study of criminal behaviors. Includes an introduction to the organization of the criminal justice system; theories of crime causation; crime typologies; research methods utilized to collect and analyze crime trends; and analysis of the crime trend statistics themselves.

Offered spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This is an applied course relating to conducting criminal investigations. This course examines the history, theories, and problems of criminal investigations. What really needs to be done to solve the case? Topics include identifying, collecting, and processing physical evidence; understanding the relative value of evidence as it is applied to a specific case; and conducting interviews and interrogations. Successful criminal investigations rely on an analytical process to uncover and sort evidence and information to determine what occurred.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course examines the roles of women in the criminal justice system. The topics of women as victims, offenders, and practitioners in the field of criminal justice will be examined. A theoretical and pragmatic approach will be applied to those crimes, which have a greater impact on females in society, such as rape, prostitution, and domestic abuse. The evolving role of women as professionals in the field of criminal justice will be explored. Also considered will be societal views and the role of the media concerning these issues.

Offered spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

Examine the relationship between society, the law, and causes of violence by applying sociological concepts such as inequality, stratification, social control, and social change. Includes analysis of violent behaviors, law enforcement practices, court processes, the legal professions, the law itself, and related social institutions.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

Collecting, compiling, and assessing statistics related to the criminal justice system. Learning what raw data truly represents and utilizing numbers to convey useful, meaningful information.

Offered fall semester. (3 credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to assist the criminal justice major in performing research in the field: formulation of research design, data collection, and interpretation of information; knowing what to access, where to access it, and how to compile meaningful information that may accurately describe certain statistical probabilities.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

A look into the codes, standards, and the decision – making processes that apply to the professions within the criminal justice system: police, correction officers, forensic scientists, attorneys, and judges.

Offered fall semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course discusses the history, development, and policy of the juvenile justice system. Understanding theories along with biological, and psychological factors that contribute to juvenile delinquent behavior are covered through discussion of targeting, preventing, redirecting, and controlling delinquent behaviors. Topics also include punishment vs. rehabilitation, intervention strategies, youth gangs, and substance abuse issues.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

Types and definitions of sexual offenses; typologies, causations, assessment, and treatment of offenders: and care and treatment of sex crimes. Monitoring issues. Juvenile vs. adult sexual offenders.

Offered spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course is an examination of the act and response to the recent explosion in computer-related crimes. Topics include legal issues with investigation (electronic surveillance, Fourth Amendment issues), prosecution, and defense, emerging legislation, computer crimes (hacking, viruses, espionage, terrorism, etc.), and ways in which to combat cybercrime.

Offered spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

An introductory study of the scientific discipline that applies the methods of physical anthropology and archaeology to the collection and analysis of legal evidence. Areas of specialized focus include the identification, excavation, and recovery of skeletonized remains at crime scenes.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

An exploration of experiences from the perspective of the victim, their families, and society from major crimes including robbery, burglary, carjacking, assault and battery, rape, domestic violence, stalking, homicide, arson, child sexual abuse and exploitation, child pornography crimes, federal crimes, identity theft, terrorism, and Internet crimes. The psychopathology of trauma, offender motivation, secondary traumatic effects, and the re-traumatization of victims during the adjudication process are evaluated.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

An overview of the field including realities and falsehoods of the mass media. An introduction to criminalistic procedure: how the sciences are used at and after crime scene investigations. Fingerprints, DNA, firearms analysis, hair and fibers, document examination, and more. Crime scene investigation procedures: preserving the scene, transporting, storing, and analyzing evidence. What type of evidence is “court-worthy” and how does that evidence need to be handled to be admissible in a court of law? Closing the case with the right expert testimony. Mock crime scene simulations and visit experts who work in the field.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: PSY 0100: Basic Concepts in Psychology

A study of selected theoretical formulations concerning the development and structure of abnormal reaction patterns. Supporting clinical and experimental data. Diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

Offered fall semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course provides an overview and analysis of the American system of law enforcement, examining the origins, development, roles, and operations of policing in a modern democratic society. Students will develop a detailed understanding of the issues involved in policing a democratic society and will examine critical issues and new advances in law enforcement.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

Explores how drugs and crime are interrelated issues and how these issues affect society. The development and implementation of laws about prescription and non-prescription use and abuse. Discussions of drug courts and drug treatment approaches are discussed. What are the real effects that chemical dependency has on our society?

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course provides the student with an overview of homeland security. Major themes and issues considered essential for understanding homeland security including border security, threat analysis, critical infrastructure, planning, preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery are analyzed and critiqued by students.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to provide students with proven techniques that can be applied in various accusatory and non-accusatory interview situations. Students will develop new skills in preparing for the interrogation with a “game plan” which emphasizes a pro-active rather than reactive role. Participants will learn what to expect, what to look for, and how to interpret what is happening in the interrogation setting. Constitutional and other legal considerations are discussed through case studies.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

An exploration of experiences from the perspective of the victim, their families, and society from major crimes including robbery, burglary, carjacking, assault and battery, rape, domestic violence, stalking, homicide, arson, child sexual abuse and exploitation, child pornography crimes, federal crimes, identity theft, terrorism, and Internet crimes. The psychopathology of trauma, offender motivation, secondary traumatic effects, and the re-traumatization of victims during the adjudication process are evaluated.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

An overview of the field including realities and falsehoods of the mass media. An introduction to criminalistic procedure: how the sciences are used at and after crime scene investigations. Fingerprints, DNA, firearms analysis, hair and fibers, document examination, and more. Crime scene investigation procedures: preserving the scene, transporting, storing, and analyzing evidence. What type of evidence is “court-worthy” and how does that evidence need to be handled to be admissible in a court of law? Closing the case with the right expert testimony. Mock crime scene simulations and visit experts who work in the field.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course provides the student with an in-depth look at the management of line operations, staff and auxiliary services, and investigative and human relations units. It introduces the concepts needed to advance to line/ field-level supervisor positions by providing effective supervision and leadership in the police environment. It examines policies, procedures, rules, and 561 regulations about being an effective leader transitioning to middle management positions in a law enforcement agency preparing students for the line supervisor promotional process.

Note: This course prepares students for the PPD Corporal / Sergeants exams

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course provides the student with an overview of homeland security. Major themes and issues considered essential for understanding homeland security including border security, threat analysis, critical infrastructure, planning, preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery are analyzed and critiqued by students.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

How terrorists operate and how they differ from other criminals. Conducting terrorism investigations including the collection of evidence. Differences between domestic and international terrorists. Jihad, other religious fundamentalist movements, and indigenous terrorist groups. The threat of bioterrorism. Is prevention possible? The public’s role in prevention. Dangers to the public and specifically, first responders. Impact of the media. This course will move from motive to terrorist acts, to evidentiary issues, to investigation, prosecution, and resolution.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course introduces the science of crisis management and emergency preparedness. Students learn about managing incidents from before they occur until the end of the recovery period, working with community, state, and federal levels for emergency operations. The emergency management cycle, emergency operations planning, mitigation, response, and recovery will be dissected from a professional emergency management point of view.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

Students explore the principles that promote effective disaster response and recovery operations after disasters. The course examines the nature of disasters as well as the roles and responsibilities of various actors involved in emergency management. The course will review popular myths and realities regarding human behavior in catastrophic events in addition to divergent approaches to disaster management. Each student will gain a solid comprehension of common post-disaster problems and how to overcome those challenges.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course provides the student with an in-depth analysis of transportation security management in the United States. Students will take a real look at the vulnerabilities and risks of the transportation infrastructure including rails, maritime, air, and utilities, and apply a risk management approach to protecting our systems. Legal, economic, and political aspects of transportation security will be explored in-depth.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course covers the federal guidelines of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the standards of the Incident Command System (ICS) presenting communication and operational best practices for handling crisis incidents of any size- big or small. It draws on the lessons learned from decades of emergency management, hazmat safety, risk and public safety planning, and preparedness to give insight into the field’s evolution.

Students will learn to use ICS forms, checklists, and sample documents for improving organizational and interagency operations, and become certified in ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course explores the core concepts of successfully managing Energetic Materials/ WMDs in critical and emergency response. This course evaluates the threat posed to society by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons. Students will learn about explosive and incendiary devices that could be used as terrorist weapons, and explore a historical overview of suicide bombing, the characteristics of a suicide bomber, and how emergency organizations can disrupt a terrorist’s ability to carry out a suicide bombing. Completion of this course will provide students with two certifications from the US Department of Homeland Security in Energetic Materials.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course discusses the history, development, and policy of the juvenile justice system. Understanding theories along with biological, and psychological factors that contribute to juvenile delinquent behavior are covered through discussion of targeting, preventing, redirecting, and controlling delinquent behaviors. Topics also include punishment vs. rehabilitation, intervention strategies, youth gangs, and substance abuse issues.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course presents probation as a judicial process and parole as a community function. Also discussed are the role of the probation/parole officer; pre-sentence investigation; selection, supervision, and release of probationers and parolees. A historical review of trends in probation and parole such as halfway houses, work release programs, and parole clinics; reintegration of offenders in society; and future trends are explored.

Offered spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

Types and definitions of sexual offenses; typologies, causations, assessment, and treatment of offenders: and care and treatment of sex crimes. Monitoring issues. Juvenile vs. adult sexual offenders.

Offered fall and spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to assist the criminal justice major in performing research in the field: formulation of research design, data collection, and interpretation of information; knowing what to access, where to access it, and how to compile meaningful information that may accurately describe certain statistical probabilities.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

An introductory study of the scientific discipline that applies the methods of physical anthropology and archaeology to the collection and analysis of legal evidence. Areas of specialized focus include the identification, excavation, and recovery of skeletonized remains at crime scenes.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

An exploration of experiences from the perspective of the victim, their families, and society from major crimes including robbery, burglary, carjacking, assault and battery, rape, domestic violence, stalking, homicide, arson, child sexual abuse and exploitation, child pornography crimes, federal crimes, identity theft, terrorism, and Internet crimes. The psychopathology of trauma, offender motivation, secondary traumatic effects, and the re-traumatization of victims during the adjudication process are evaluated.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: PSY-0100 Basic Concepts in Psychology

A study of selected theoretical formulations concerning the development and structure of abnormal reaction patterns. Supporting clinical and experimental data. Diagnostic and therapeutic techniques.

Offered fall semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course introduces students to learning strategies and success resources that a student employs to learn and succeed in the accelerated classroom and their career for success with a holistic approach: academically, emotionally, and socially. Students will build critical thinking skills as they assess the credibility, accuracy, reasonableness, and support of their academic success resources in study skills, test-taking skills, reading & note-taking, research tools, student wellness, goal setting, time management, and Rosemont College student support resources. * Mandatory for students who have not been in college or are not transferring college credit.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course provides an overview and analysis of the American system of law enforcement, examining the origins, development, roles, and operations of policing in a modern democratic society. Students will develop a detailed understanding of the issues involved in policing a democratic society and will examine critical issues and new advances in law enforcement.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to introduce students to the field of corrections, providing an overview of the issues involved in the American corrections system from the beginning to present day. Students will learn about practices based on philosophies of retribution, deterrence, and rehabilitation. The course emphasizes the role of sociology and other interdisciplinary approaches to the field of corrections and society’s response.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course discusses the history, development, and policy of the juvenile justice system. Understanding theories along with biological, and psychological factors that contribute to juvenile delinquent behavior are covered through discussion of targeting, preventing, redirecting, and controlling delinquent behaviors. Topics also include punishment vs. rehabilitation, intervention strategies, youth gangs, and substance abuse issues.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

Explores how drugs and crime are interrelated issues and how these issues affect society. The development and implementation of laws about prescription and non-prescription use and abuse. Discussions of drug courts and drug treatment approaches are discussed. What are the real effects that chemical dependency has on our society?

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course presents probation as a judicial process and parole as a community function. Also discussed are the role of the probation/parole officer; pre-sentence investigation; selection, supervision, and release of probationers and parolees. A historical review of trends in probation and parole such as halfway houses, work release programs, and parole clinics; reintegration of offenders in society; and future trends are explored.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

The history and organization of organized crime in America: from neighborhood gangs to large-scale, sophisticated organizations like the Cosa Nostra. Recruitment, activities (drugs, prostitution, protection, extortion, gun running, etc.), codes, inter/intra-organization rivalry, law enforcement evasion, and criminal justice system responses. A closer look at the proliferation of violence and escalating weaponry; the financial, moral, and social impact on society; interaction with legitimate organizations and infiltration; and predicting the future demographic immigration patterns.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

Types and definitions of sexual offenses; typologies, causations, assessment, and treatment of offenders: and care and treatment of sex crimes. Monitoring issues. Juvenile vs. adult sexual offenders.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course provides the student with an overview of homeland security. Major themes and issues considered essential for understanding homeland security including border security, threat analysis, critical infrastructure, planning, preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery are analyzed and critiqued by students.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course is an examination of the act and response to the recent explosion in computer-related crimes. Topics include legal issues with investigation (electronic surveillance, Fourth Amendment issues), prosecution, and defense, emerging legislation, computer crimes (hacking, viruses, espionage, terrorism, etc.), and ways in which to combat cybercrime.

Offered spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

How terrorists operate and how they differ from other criminals. Conducting terrorism investigations including the collection of evidence. Differences between domestic and international terrorists. Jihad, other religious fundamentalist movements, and indigenous terrorist groups. The threat of bioterrorism. Is prevention possible? The public’s role in prevention. Dangers to the public and specifically, first responders. Impact of the media. This course will move from motive to terrorist acts, to evidentiary issues, to investigation, prosecution, and resolution.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course is designed to provide students with proven techniques that can be applied in various accusatory and non-accusatory interview situations. Students will develop new skills in preparing for the interrogation with a “game plan” which emphasizes a pro-active rather than reactive role. Participants will learn what to expect, what to look for, and how to interpret what is happening in the interrogation setting. Constitutional and other legal considerations are discussed through case studies.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course in an introduction to the science of crisis management and emergency preparedness. Students learn about managing incidents from before they occur up until the end of the recovery period, working with community, state, and federal levels for emergency operations. The emergency management cycle, emergency operations planning, mitigation, response, and recovery will be dissected from a professional emergency management point of view.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course provides the student with an in-depth knowledge of the Emergency Operations Center, Incident Command System Interface, terminology, players, and management philosophy. From EOC organization, activation, operation, and termination are covered as well as staffing, training, and briefings. Supervision and leadership issues focusing on human resources problems and incident resources problems are tackled, along with the geopolitics of running an emergency operations center during a crisis situation.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

Students explore the principles that promote effective disaster response and recovery operations after disasters. The course examines the nature of disasters as well as the roles and responsibilities of various actors involved in emergency management. The course will review popular myths and realities regarding human behavior in catastrophic events in addition to divergent approaches to disaster management. Each student will gain a solid comprehension of common post-disaster problems and how to overcome those challenges.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

An exploration of experiences from the perspective of the victim, their families, and society from major crimes including robbery, burglary, carjacking, assault and battery, rape, domestic violence, stalking, homicide, arson, child sexual abuse and exploitation, child pornography crimes, federal crimes, identity theft, terrorism, and Internet crimes. The psychopathology of trauma, offender motivation, secondary traumatic effects, and the re-traumatization of victims during the adjudication process are evaluated.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

An overview of the field including realities and falsehoods of the mass media. An introduction to criminalistic procedure: how the sciences are used at and after crime scene investigations. Fingerprints, DNA, firearms analysis, hair and fibers, document examination, and more. Crime scene investigation procedures: preserving the scene, transporting, storing, and analyzing evidence. What type of evidence is “court-worthy” and how does that evidence need to be handled to be admissible in a court of law? Closing the case with the right expert testimony. Mock crime scene simulations and visit experts who work in the field.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course provides the student with an in-depth analysis of transportation security management in the United States. Students will take a real look at the vulnerabilities and risks of the transportation infrastructure including rails, maritime, air, and utilities, and apply a risk management approach to protecting our systems. Legal, economic, and political aspects of transportation security will be explored in-depth.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course provides the basic foundations of conducting private investigations. Case studies, professionalism with clients, attorneys, courts; law enforcement, other agencies, and the general public are major themes. This course will also discuss statutes, licensure, and regulatory compliance associated with private detectives including liability, rules of evidence, and ethics to be the most successful private detective in the marketplace.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course examines the organization, administration, and practice of police, courts, and correctional organizations at the federal, state, and municipal levels and the need for these organizations to work together and communicate with each other to create a more effective criminal justice system. A framework will be developed for understanding and analyzing organizations in general and criminal justice organizations specifically.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: PSP Letter of Approval

Students must have a PSP Letter of Approval and students must see the Program Director before registering. This course, facilitated by state police certified instructors provides the student with an in-depth knowledge of the Pennsylvania requirements for becoming a licensed agent within the Commonwealth to understand the use of force, legalities, and liabilities of lethal weapons including any firearm, device, instrument, material, or any other substance that is capable of bringing about great bodily harm or death. It also meets the Commonwealth’s requirements for becoming a licensed private detective.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

An overview of the theories and processes of management in public agencies, including major themes in the profession, as well as an examination of the unique elements of public employment with which public administrators deal each day. Case studies and landmark legal decisions are used to support the topics and give practical expression to abstract theories.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course provides the student with an in-depth look at the management of line operations, staff and auxiliary services, and investigative and human relations units. It introduces the concepts needed to advance to line/field-level supervisor positions by providing effective supervision and leadership in the police environment. It examines policies, procedures, rules, and 561 regulations about being an effective leader transitioning to middle management positions in a law enforcement agency preparing students for the line supervisor promotional process.

Note: This course prepares students for the PPD Corporal / Sergeants exams

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course is designed as an entry-level course for all medical operators and is also designed for law enforcement personnel to be grounded in the basics of tactical medicine, regardless of their level of medical experience. It will provide practitioners with the tools necessary to operate in a tactical environment. The class consists of an introduction to tactical medicine, Care Under Fire, Tactical Field Care, Tactical Evacuation Care, Lessons Learned, and Updates/ Current Practices in Tactical Medicine.

Note: This course is taught by a Licensed Medical Doctor/ ER Physician & Tactical Medicine Expert

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course covers the federal guidelines of the National Incident Management System (NIMS) and the standards of the Incident Command System (ICS) presenting communication and operational best practices for handling crisis incidents of any size – big or small. It draws on the lessons learned from decades of emergency management, hazmat safety, risk and public safety planning, and preparedness to give insight into the field’s evolution.

Students will learn to use ICS forms, checklists, and sample documents for improving organizational and interagency operations, and become certified in ICS 100, 200, 300, 400, 700, and 800.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This course explores the core concepts of successfully managing Energetic Materials/ WMDs in critical and emergency response. This course evaluates the threat posed to society by chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) weapons. Students will learn about explosive and incendiary devices that could be used as terrorist weapons, and explore a historical overview of suicide bombing, the characteristics of a suicide bomber, and how emergency organizations can disrupt a terrorist’s ability to carry out a suicide bombing. Completion of this course will provide students with two certifications from the US Department of Homeland Security in Energetic Materials.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

This is an elective course that enables the program and students to address the very latest issues in the criminal justice system. Special Topics in Criminal Justice is a seminar course on current issues such as terrorism, homeland security, police ethics, racial profiling, court decisions, and social justice topics.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)

Prerequisite: None

Course description coming soon.

Offered fall/spring semester. (3 Credits)