Criminal Justice/Criminology
School
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
School Dean
Department
Criminal Justice and Criminology
Department Chair
Criminal Justice Major
Criminal justice professionals and criminologists have assumed a central role in researching, formulating, implementing and evaluating public policy designed to control crime. Crime transcends all geographical, social and economic boundaries, affecting all countries and demographic strata.
Controlling crime requires knowledge of individual and social factors that lead to criminal behavior, and strategies and practices to control crime. Criminal justice is the study of the administration, organization, goals, processes, practices, roles, philosophies and histories of organizations created to prevent and control crime and delinquency.
These include the police and law enforcement agencies, courts, community-based corrections and correctional institutions. The criminal justice program at St. Mary's University focuses on the integration of liberal studies with the professional preparation of the student.
The criminal justice degree prepares graduates for a variety of employment opportunities in the private and public sectors. The program aims to develop students' critical thinking, problem solving, communications, and technology skills that will help them excel in the criminal justice field.
Criminology Major
Criminal justice professionals and criminologists have assumed a central role in researching, formulating, implementing and evaluating public policy designed to control crime. Crime transcends all geographical, social and economic boundaries, affecting all countries and demographic strata.
Controlling crime requires knowledge of individual and social factors that lead to criminal behavior, and strategies and practices to control crime.
Criminology is the study of the causes, prevention and treatment of criminal behavior, and the social and environmental factors that are associated with crime in society.
Criminology explores the relationship between the field of criminology, criminal justice organizations, and social service agencies whose responsibility it is to control crime and protect society. Students are introduced to the roles of the offender, victim and society in exploring the reasons why criminal behavior occurs.
The criminology program at St. Mary's University integrates liberal studies with professional preparation. Individuals who are interested in pursing a career in the research or evaluation of crime control and crime prevention programs should consider criminology as a major.
Forensic Science Major
Forensic science is an exciting and important field of study. It relies on the physical and behavioral sciences for investigating and solving crimes and examining physical trace evidence. This program integrates biological science, social science and professional preparation so students are uniquely prepared for this cutting-edge area of study
Forensic science is the application of science to the law. It relies on the physical and behavioral sciences for investigating and solving crimes and examining physical trace evidence.The School's forensic science degree with a criminology option emphasizes the integration of academic preparation and real world problem solving with a focus on ethical and professional commitment.
CJ 1301. Introduction to Criminal Justice. 3 Semester Hours.
Survey of the philosophy, history, and practices of the American criminal justice system. Emphasis is given to current needs, ethics, duties, and diverse opportunities in various local, state, and federal agencies. This course is a prerequisite for all Criminal Justice courses. (Fall; Spring).
CJ 2304. Criminal Justice Administration. 3 Semester Hours.
Study of the nature, organizational structures and administration of criminal justice agencies. (Spring).
CJ 2310. Criminal Procedure and Evidence. 3 Semester Hours.
Study of legal rules governing the procedures for gathering and admitting criminal evidence in court proceedings. (Spring).
CJ 2312. Police-Community Relations. 3 Semester Hours.
Study of the role of the police officer in achieving and maintaining positive relations with the general public.(Spring).
CJ 2314. Substantive Criminal Law. 3 Semester Hours.
Jurisprudential philosophy and historical development of common law and statutory crimes; classification of crimes; elements of specific crimes, defenses and penalties. (Fall).
CJ 2350. Ethics in Criminal Justice. 3 Semester Hours.
Study of ethical issues confronted by the criminal justice profession. (Fall).
CJ 3300. Adjudication of Social Issues. 3 Semester Hours.
Issues vary from semester to semester as our society faces new developments and challenges. Examples of offerings include sanctity of life, euthanasia, AIDS, environment, genetic research, obscenity, privacy, conscience, consumer rights, the family, suicide, religious freedom, freedom of the press, victimless crimes, family abuse, affirmative action and reverse discrimination, equality, and justice. (Fall).
CJ 3302. Process & Policy of American Courts. 3 Semester Hours.
Study of the structure, organization, and procedures of federal and state courts.(Spring).
CJ 3303. International Justice System. 3 Semester Hours.
A cross-national study of crime and crime control. (Spring).
CJ 3307. Issues in Policing. 3 Semester Hours.
Study of current issues affecting police management and administration. (Fall).
CJ 3310. Corrections in the Community. 3 Semester Hours.
Study of probation, parole, and other community-reintegration procedures. (Fall).
CJ 3313. Correctional Institutions. 3 Semester Hours.
Study of the philosophy, organizational structure and practices of correctional institutions. (Fall).
CJ 3316. Drugs and Society. 3 Semester Hours.
This course is designed for the advanced student in criminal justice and criminology. It will focus on both licit and illicit drugs and their major impacts on society. More specifically, this course will focus on the following: a historical analysis of drugs in American society and the world, important U.S. drug legislation, current drug regulations, drugs and crime, the legalization and decriminalization of select drugs, how forensic drug testing is conducted, how drugs affect and are affected by the human body and how some drugs are addictive. Much of the course will focus on specific drugs like marijuana, alcohol, opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and amphetamine, designers like synthetic cannabinoids/ MDMA, hallucinogens, sports performance enhancers, CNS depressants, and over the counter (OTC) drugs. Other topics based on student interest may also be discussed.
CJ 3330. Research Methods in Criminal Justice. 3 Semester Hours.
Study of methods and techniques of social research with an emphasis on criminology and criminal justice. (Spring)
Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.
CJ 3332. Statistics in Criminal Justice. 3 Semester Hours.
An introduction to inferential and descriptive statistics in the field of criminal justice. The course provides students with first-hand experience in the use of statistics and statistical packages. (Spring).
CJ 4301. The Law and Criminal Justice. 3 Semester Hours.
Study of a special topic and the law. Emphasis given to legal reasoning, of case briefing, historical evolution of the law, and critical thinking. (Fall).
CJ 4302. Senior Seminar in Criminal Justice. 3 Semester Hours.
Capstone course designed to evaluate knowledge and skills acquired by criminal justice and criminology students about their discipline. Students will design, analyze, write, and present a research project. The student must demonstrate knowledge of computer applications to research methodologies. In addition, the student must demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, oral and written communication skills, and the ability to effectively work within groups.
CJ 4303. Internship in Criminal Justice/ Criminology. 3 Semester Hours.
The student must acquire a minimum of 160 hours of practical experience in an approved criminal justice or social service agency. Unless an exception is made, this course is to be taken between the junior and senior years. (Fall, Spring, and Summer).
CJ 4304. Independent Study in Criminal Justice/ Criminology. 3 Semester Hours.
Based on the student's professional and academic interest, the instructor will design an individualized reading course for the student. (Fall, Spring and Summer).
CJ 4305. Special Topics in Criminal Justice/ Criminology. 3 Semester Hours.
Selected topics in criminal justice or criminology. (Fall and Spring).
CJ 4325. Constitutional Law II. 3 Semester Hours.
Analyses of the constitutional system, including political and civil rights such as speech, press, assembly, religion, race discrimination, criminal procedure, and privacy. (Fall).
CR 3305. Law and Society. 3 Semester Hours.
Study of the interaction between the U.S. legal and social cultures.
CR 3312. Correctional Counseling and Treatment. 3 Semester Hours.
Study of the scope and purposes of correctional treatment and techniques of correctional counseling.
CR 3314. Substance Abuse. 3 Semester Hours.
Introduction to chemical dependency and the factors associated with the abusive use of chemicals; factors associated with helping the chemically dependent person.
CR 3316. Drugs and Society. 3 Semester Hours.
This course is designed for the advanced student in criminal justice and criminology. It will focus on both licit and illicit drugs and their major impacts on society. More specifically, this course will focus on the following: a historical analysis of drugs in American society and the world, important U.S. drug legislation, current drug regulations, drugs and crime, the legalization and decriminalization of select drugs, how forensic drug testing is conducted, how drugs affect and are affected by the human body and how some drugs are addictive. Much of the course will focus on specific drugs like marijuana, alcohol, opioids, cocaine, methamphetamine and amphetamine, designers like synthetic cannabinoids/ MDMA, hallucinogens, sports performance enhancers, CNS depressants, and over the counter (OTC) drugs. Other topics based on student interest may also be discussed.
CR 3323. Victimology. 3 Semester Hours.
Study of crime, victims and their interaction with offenders, criminal justice officals, and the public.
CR 3324. Juvenile Delinquency. 3 Semester Hours.
An examination of juvenile delinquency in the U.S.: its nature, extent, causes, effects, prevention and rehabilitation. Sociological approaches to delinquency are emphasized, but psychological and legal approaches are also considered.
CR 3325. Criminology. 3 Semester Hours.
An overview of the study of crime and the development of criminology. The nature, extent, causes, effects, rehabilitation and prevention of crime are examined from a sociological perspective. Psychological, legal, and philosophical approaches to crime are also considered.
CR 3327. Mediation Techniques. 3 Semester Hours.
Study of methods and techniques of conflict resolution, communications, mediation, and diversity awareness. Upon completion of CR 3327, students wishing to receive a Certificate of Training as a mediator must complete either CR 4303 (Internship) or 100 hours of volunteer service as a mediator in an appropriate setting approved by supervising faculty.
CR 3330. Research Methods in Criminal Justice. 3 Semester Hours.
Study of methods and techniques of social research with an emphasis on criminology and criminal justice.
Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.
CR 3332. Statistics in Criminology. 3 Semester Hours.
An introduction to inferential and descriptive statistics in the field of criminology. The course provides students with first-hand experience in the use of statistics and statistical packages.
CR 3335. Survey of Forensic Science. 3 Semester Hours.
Course is designed to present an overview of the diverse disciplines employed in the Forensic Sciences. These areas include, but are not limited to, Crime Scene Investigation, Pathology, Ethics, Criminalistics, and currently utilized Technologies. FALL, SPRING.
CR 3336. Crime Scene Investigation. 3 Semester Hours.
Introduction to techniques of crime scene investigation. Emphasis will be on scene diagramming, search techniques, and presentation of different categories of evidence. SPRING.
CR 3337. Forensic Criminology. 3 Semester Hours.
This course blends the physical sciences with the science of criminology in the understanding, investigation, and the deterrence of crime. The current utilization of forensic science will be discussed as it pertains to the U.S. criminal justice system. Recommended CR3335. SPRING.
CR 3338. Forensic Lab Techniques. 3 Semester Hours.
Laboratory and field exercises pertaining to the forensic sciences. This course is designed to augment lessons learned in CR3335 by providing hands-on experiences. Prerequisite CR3335. Recommended BL-1401 or equivalent. FALL.
Additional fee associated with this course. See fee schedule for details at https://www.stmarytx.edu/admission/financial-aid/tuition/.
CR 3339. Forensic Victimology. 3 Semester Hours.
This course provides an understanding of the field of victimology as it is used to address investigative and forensic issues and problems. FALL.
CR 3340. Criminal Psychopathology. 3 Semester Hours.
The purpose of this course is to provide students with an understanding of criminal psychopathy. The class will explore the individual characteristics of criminal psychopaths, to include an exploration of the frequency and etiology of psychopathy as approached from a bio-psycho-social perspective. The course will provide students with insight into the effects psychopaths have on criminal offending in general and specifically within the context of various types of serious offenses. Criminal homicide, sexual assault and exploitation, arson, white collar crime and terrorism/criminal extremism will be examined within the context of criminal psychopathy.
CR 3345. Crime Typologies and Criminal Behavior. 3 Semester Hours.
This course will give the student a deeper understanding of a fundamental component within the discipline of criminology- the taxonomy of various types of crimes and criminal behavior systems. Various classification systems and schemas will be highlighted throughout the course. The concept of the chronic offender will be examined in detail. Finally, the course will provide an overview of the practical application of criminal typologies for major crimes allowing the student to gain an understanding of how typologies may be practically employed by the various agencies within the criminal justice system.
CR 3360. Sex Crimes & Violent Crimes. 3 Semester Hours.
The application of the forensic sciences and criminology to the investigation of violent crimes. The course includes an extensive module on sex crimes and discussions of relevant case studies. Recommended CR3335. FALL.
CR 4302. Senior Seminar in Criminal Justice. 3 Semester Hours.
Capstone course designed to evaluate knowledge and skills acquired by criminal justice and criminology students about their discipline. Students will design, analyze, write, and present a research project. The student must demonstrate knowledge of computer applications to research methodologies. In addition, the student must demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving, oral and written communication skills, and the ability to effectively work within groups.
CR 4303. Internship in Criminal Justice/ Criminology. 3 Semester Hours.
The student must acquire a minimum of 160 hours of practical experience in an approved criminal justice or social service agency. Unless an exception is made, this course is to be taken between the junior and senior years.
CR 4304. Independent Study in Criminal Justice/ Criminology. 3 Semester Hours.
Based on the student's professional and academic interest, the instructor will design an individuallized reading course for the student.
CR 4305. Special Topics in Criminal Justice/ Criminology. 3 Semester Hours.
Selected topics in criminal justice or criminology.
CR 4308. Internship in Forensic Science. 3 Semester Hours.
Fieldwork experience in a criminal justice or related agency. A minimum of 160 hours of work experience is required.
Colton Daniels, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Steven Glassner, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Tanya Grant, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Gustavo Guzman, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Peter Platteborze, Ph.D.
Associate Professor