Criminal Justice Courses (CJ)

CJ 6610 - Principles of Administration (3)

A survey of the basic principles and functions of personnel administration with special attention paid to criminal justice applications.

CJ 6620 - Current Trends in Criminal Law and Procedure (3)

This course is divided into two main sections, substantive and procedural criminal law. The course examines the development of criminal law, elements of offense, types of offenses and defenses, and case analysis. We provide a critical review through case studies of recent trends and developments on the interpretation of major portions of the United States Constitution concerning individual liberties, and the rights of criminal defendants in the criminal justice system.

CJ 6621 - Current Issues in Corrections (3)

An analysis of the contemporary problems surrounding corrections. Examples of topics include, but are not limited to, police unionization, court reforms, correctional problems, community-based correctional philosophy, comparative issues, and contemporary problems related to correctional officers' retention and employment practices.

CJ 6622 - Seminar in Administration of Justice (3)

A critical examination of the administration of the criminal justice system in America, including the myths and misconceptions it generates, the controversial issues and trends it produces, and the current and future policies and administrative decision making it promotes.

CJ 6624 - Court Administration (3)

A study of the judicial process from the standpoint of its situational and legal basis, organization and management, and the technical aspects of the judicial function at both trial and appellate levels.

CJ 6625 - Specialized Study (3)

This course provides the student an opportunity to pursue in-depth study on a topic or issue of personal interest under the guidance and direction of a department faculty member. May be repeated up to a total of six credit hours. See semester hour limits listed under Course Restrictions in General Regulations section.

CJ 6630 - Juvenile Justice (3)

An examination of the agencies, institutions, and personnel that work with juvenile offenders. Of special interest will be how the police, courts and correctional agencies interact and deal with juvenile offenders, as well as a review of the current issues and proposals being discussed at the national level.

CJ 6635 - Community-Based Corrections/Correctional Systems (3)

This course will advance the concept of the development of programs for offenders which substitute treatment in the community for institutionalization or imprisonment. Collectively, these programs constitute what is termed “Community-Based Corrections.”

CJ 6638 - Seminar in Civil Liberties Related to Corrections (3)

This course is concerned with prisoners' rights as they are guaranteed by the United States judicial system. Because of the ongoing nature of the process defining rights of prisoners currently, decisions of federal appellate and district courts as well as state courts are utilized. This course is a critical review of recent trends and developments affecting personal liberties of incarcerated individuals.

CJ 6639 - Seminar in Homeland Security (3)

Homeland Security introduces students to current public policies and issues relevant to the security of the United States. The coordination of federal, state, and local government agencies and nonprofit organizations which respond to threats is vital to the security of people, property, and our way of life. The course relies upon theories, concepts, and case studies to explore the challenges facing organizations which are a part of protecting our homeland security.

CJ 6640 - Seminar in Law Enforcement (3)

An in-depth examination of the various issues and problems currently being experienced in American policing.

CJ 6641 - Capital Punishment (3)

The purpose of this course is to examine different aspects of capital punishment. To reach this goal, this course considers the history as well as various perspectives about different dimensions of this method of punishment. Students will study different views that oppose or support the death penalty and the consequences of using capital punishment by the criminal justice system.

CJ 6642 - Cyber and Information Threat Management (3)

Presented from an operational perspective, this course introduces students to the interdisciplinary field of cyber security, discusses the evolution of information security into cybersecurity, and explores the relationship of cybersecurity to organizations and society. Students will be exposed to multiple cyber security environments, technologies, processes, and concepts, analyze the threats and risks to/in these environments, and understand how to develop an appropriate strategy to mitigate potential cybersecurity impacts in the modern information environment.

CJ 6643 - Transportation and Border Security (3)

This course provides students with an analysis of issues that concern the protection of our nation's borders and United States' policy regarding the safety of the US transportation system. Moreover, the course will analyze border security issues such as immigration, Mexican Drug Wars, physical border security strategies to include the use of the US military and the Bracero Program.

CJ 6644 - Administrative Law (3)

A study of the legal environment in which the public administrator functions. The process and procedures of administrative agencies including administrative discretion, rule-making, investigating, prosecuting, negotiating, and settling; constitutional law, statutory law, common law, and agency-made law. Liability of governments and their officers. Selected cases and decisions.

CJ 6645 - Ethics in Criminal Justice Organizations (3)

The study of philosophical and practical issues related to ethical decision making in criminal justice organizations. Emphasis is given to the analysis of ethical dilemmas confronting the contemporary criminal justice system and the development of analytical skills and a values framework to act as ethical criminal justice professionals.

CJ 6646 - Sentencing and Punishment (3)

Sentencing and punishment are critical features of the criminal justice system and are primarily used as a last method of social control. Countries have different punishment and sentencing systems affected by their cultural, historical, and economic conditions. This course investigates various approaches to the punishment as well as potential outcomes produced by each approach.

CJ 6647 - AI and Game Forensics (3)

This course is a practical and theoretical study of Artificial Intelligence and Gaming consoles. Topics include the collection and analysis of artificial intelligence and the use of artificial intelligence to enhance the analysis of digital evidence. This framework investigates smart home devices or forensic investigations of Autonomous Vehicles and logs. Also, collecting and analyzing game consoles and the use of consoles by bad actors. Discuss various techniques for analyzing digital evidence and legally acceptable methods for preserving, collecting, and reporting findings from these investigations.

CJ 6648 - Cyber Forensics (3)

This course is an introduction to the framework of cyber forensics and the process of identifying, collecting, analyzing, and reporting digital evidence for judicial review. Cyber Forensics involves computer knowledge, hands-on application, and theoretical issues in current practice. Topics to be addressed will include: how to forensically acquire digital evidence, various techniques for analyzing digital evidence, and legally acceptable techniques for preserving, collecting, and reporting findings from these investigations. In addition, students will be exposed to various software and hardware involved in the cyber forensics process.

CJ 6649 - Statistics for Criminal Justice Research (3)

This course provides a review of advanced statistical techniques with emphasis upon their application in a criminal justice setting.

CJ 6650 - Survey of Research Methods in Criminal Justice (3)

An analysis of research strategies employed to study the causes of crime and the societal response to it. A grade of “B” or better is required.

CJ 6652 - Seminar in Corrections (3)

An in-depth examination of the various issues and problems in corrections with a special emphasis relating to administration and management.

CJ 6653 - Seminar in Intelligence (3)

This course examines the principle roles of intelligence in a post 9-11 environment and in national security formulation. Moreover, the course covers the intelligence cycle (planning and direction, collection, processing, analysis and dissemination). It also covers key aspects of intelligence such as warning and surprise, denial and deception; covert action; oversight and civil liberties; role of policy makers, and intelligence reform.

CJ 6655 - Selected Topics in Criminal Justice (3)

An examination of a particular subject which is not offered under the normal course offerings. May be repeated (with different topics) for credit. See semester hour limits listed under Course Restrictions in General Regulations section.

CJ 6656 - Selected Topics in Security (3)

CJ 6660 - Advanced Readings in Criminal Justice (3)

This course is designed to allow beginning graduate students the opportunity to acquire a basic back-ground in criminal justice literature. The readings will be in specific areas in criminal justice. May be repeated (with different topics) for credit. See semester hour limits listed under Course Restrictions in General Regulations section.

CJ 6665 - Emergency and Crisis Management (3)

An examination of the theory and practice of emergency management. Course reviews principles and practices of emergency and crisis management. The issues, policies and responses necessary to coordinate and collaborate with other agencies in an emergency situation will be examines. Application of these policies, issues and principles will involve using cases and scenarios.

CJ 6667 - Intelligence Analysis (3)

Examines the disciplines of criminal and intelligence analysis as an evolving interdisciplinary approach to address and support the Homeland Security function, and complex investigations such as organized crime. The course is an integration of theory, software application for investigative analysis, and application of information management.

CJ 6669 - Legal Aspects of Security (3)

A historical and legal exploration of security law in the United States.

CJ 6671 - Organization Theory (3)

An examination of the theories of modern criminal justice organization, including current trends and development.

CJ 6680 - Criminal Justice Study Abroad (3)

An examination of the differences in criminal justice system between the US and a chosen foreign country, unique crime problems faced by the chosen country, and their tactics to handle the problems.

CJ 6692 - Internship 1 in Criminal Justice (3)

Application of skills and knowledge of Criminal Justice in government agency, public service institution or similar situation under the supervision of a faculty member. Prerequisite(s): CJ 6620, CJ 6622, CJ 6636, CJ 6650, and approval of the student's academic advisor and/or graduate coordinator

CJ 6693 - Master's Project (3)

An applied professional research project involving the analysis of a management or public policy problem, designed for the student who does not wish to write a thesis but nonetheless desires to prepare a major written work in the field of criminal justice.

CJ 6694 - Thesis Practicum (3)

This course is designed to offer the student who elects to write a thesis an opportunity to review research strategies, initiate a literature search, and prepare preliminary drafts of the thesis. The student will receive a letter grade of “IP” until the completion of the thesis. Enrollment is available ONLY to students in residence at the Troy, Alabama campus.

CJ 6695 - Thesis (3)

The completion and oral defense of the thesis. Grading system is Pass / Fail. Enrollment is available ONLY to students in residence at the Troy, Alabama campus.