Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration
Are you passionate about advocating for justice at the local, state, and federal levels? With the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, you can make a difference and be prepared for a variety of career options.
Berkshire University’s Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Administration program is designed to meet the educational and professional needs of individuals interested in law enforcement who are interested in professional development or career advancement. The program also prepares individuals for other employment opportunities like teaching, training assignments, private security employment, research, or employment as consultants within the field.
Preparation for the Major
CJA 229 Introduction to Policing** – 4.50
This course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the role of the peace officer in American society. The course will examine the steps in selecting candidates for the position of police officer, the complexity of the enforcement requirement, the challenges that face peace officers each day, the limitations placed on peace officers by all three branches of government at both the state and federal levels.
CJA 230 – Intro to Criminal Justice – 4.50
The criminal justice system is a network of government and private agencies intended to manage persons accused of a crime as well as persons who have been convicted of an offense. The course is designed to provide students with a basic understanding of the criminal justice system. The course will examine the interrelated pillars, consisting of law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections.
Requirements for the Major
CJA 431 Criminology – 4.50
This course exposes the students to the basic tenets of criminal behavior, the causative and contributory factors of behavior. It explores the general personality, intellectual and social perspectives of criminal behavior.
CJA 337 The Juvenile Offender – 4.50
A study of the nature and control of juvenile delinquency. Examines patterns of delinquent behavior, factors of causation, juvenile law and the juvenile justice system. Students also learn policies and procedures in treatment and prevention.
CJA 446 CJ Management and Leadership – 4.50
An analysis of the organization and management of criminal justice agencies. Discusses principles of supervision and motivation of personnel, management problems and solutions, decision-making and administration of policies and procedures.
CJA 460 Principles of Investigation – 4.50
An introduction to the practices and procedures involved in conducting civil and criminal investigations. Topics include learning about crimes and their elements, modus operandi, major goals of investigations, primary functions and responsibilities of investigating officers/agents and the investigator’s relationship with other individuals and agencies involved in an investigation.
CJA 351 Courts & the Judicial Process – 4.50
A study of concepts and theories regarding the utilization, organization and management of the judicial process. Critically reviews the issues of fair trial, speedy trial, free press, calendar control, judicial responsibility and new technology. Students analyze the roles of the legal actors, problems of lower, trial and appellate courts and the distribution of judicial powers.
CJA 352 Criminal Law and Procedure – 4.50
A survey of jurisprudential philosophy and case study of common law and statutory crimes. Discusses historical development, theory, principles and functions of criminal law. Also covers elements of due process, rule of law and the role of the constitution in protecting rights.
CJA 340 Corrections – 4.50
An introduction to the field of corrections and the corrections continuum. Topics include contemporary theories of punishment, corrections and rehabilitation, local, state, federal and military confinement facilities and community alternatives to incarceration.
CJA 453 Ethics and the C J System – 4.50
In depth exploration of the historical foundations of ethical decision making and how it informs the criminal justice system. Particular attention to the relationship of critical thinking skills and ethical decision making to current issues.
CJA 470 Criminal Justice Capstone** – 4.50
Recommended: Prior completion of: all of the prior core courses. CJA 470 Capstone should be the final course in the BSCJA major.
Critical analysis of scenarios from three areas of the criminal justice system–policing, corrections, and courts to demonstrate deep understanding of the complex interplay of media influence, ethics, critical thinking and viable solutions. Grading is H, S, or U only. Eligible for In Progress “In Progress.”
Upper-Division Electives
CJA 356 Criminal Evidence – 4.50
A study of the elements of criminal law as applied to various theories of criminal evidence to enhance understanding of the various issues facing prosecutors, criminal justice practitioners and law enforcement agents. This course will explore the application of evidentiary issues and its relationship to investigations and criminal conduct.
CJA 400 Gangs in America – 4.50
Exposes students to the basic trends of criminal behavior as it relates to gangs in America and the causative and contributory factors of gang behavior. It explores the general personality, intellectual and social perspectives of criminal behavior as it relates to gangs.
CJA 401 Criminal Intelligence – 4.50
Exposes students to the basic trends of criminal intelligence as it relates terrorism around the world. The focus will be on the domestic and international threats of terrorism and the basic security issues that surround terrorism today. The student will gain an understanding of terrorism and the many factors that support and drive the terrorist movements throughout the world. The students will also analyze the laws and special forces which nations within the international community have created to meet this challenge. This course also presents an overview of computer crimes and the use of the internet to disrupt computer services throughout the world. The student will learn about emerging laws and digital solutions to block the use or spread of digital crimes or terrorism.
CJA 434 Survey of Forensic Sciences – 4.50
An introduction to the forensic sciences. Includes topics such as forensic photography, firearms and tool mark identification, the examination of questioned documents, hair and fiber analysis, serology, instrumental analysis, forensic pathology and odontology and forensic psychology.
CJA 441 Organized & White Collar Crime – 4.50
This course will expose the students to elite and corporate deviance, the incidence and prevalence of white collar and organized crimes. The course explores the theoretical foundations of all types of occupational crimes, with a comparative, analytical global look at these crimes. It also exposes the students to the forms and causes of these crimes, the legal and law enforcement and societal responses to such crimes.
CJA 443 Curr Issues in Law Enforcement – 4.50
Using a seminar approach, this course focuses on current specific problems and issues within the law enforcement community. Topics may include police morale, the retention of sworn personnel and future trends in law enforcement.
CJA 448 Violence and Society – 4.50
An exploration of methods, patterns and meanings of individual and collective violence. Focuses on gangs, terrorists and the assaultive individual. Students analyze the causes of violence, attitudes toward violence and methods of controlling violence as well as the impact of gun control.
CJA 457 Minorities/Crime/Soc. Justice – 4.50
A review of the criminological literature and theoretical applications of the law and criminal justice as seen from a racial, gender specific, class and ethnic orientation.
CJA 458 Financial Investigations – 4.50
Investigates the accounting steps required to effectively pursue financial crimes. Topics include the five standards of proof, different classifications of evidence as well as the intricacies involved in how an investigator might develop the evidence necessary for a forfeiture proceeding.
CJA 459 Crime and the Media – 4.50
Explore the complex relationship between media and the criminal justice system. Gain understanding of how media influences both public opinion and the criminal justice system.
CJA 464 Constitutional Law for CJ – 4.50
A study of the fundamentals of the U.S. Constitution, the rights and protections of the accused; an exploration of the case law and the judicial system, the rights and responsibilities of the police and citizenry.
CJA 465 Practicum in Criminal Justice – 1.50
A practicum designed for students seeking field experience in law enforcement. Students receive academic guidance from criminal justice faculty and supervision at the field placement site. Typically, the practicum requires students to work a minimum of 100-150 hours under supervision. At the completion of the practicum, students are required to write an in-depth research paper about their experiences during their placements with coordination and support from their faculty advisor and field supervisor. Units are arranged and determined based on assignment and number of hours prearranged at the placement site. Grading is S or U only.
CJA 467 Intl. & Domestic Terrorism – 4.50
Exposes the students to the basics of terrorism and its global impact; terrorism investigation and intervention strategies. It describes the factors to be considered when implementing psychological, social, investigative and legal techniques against terrorism and its related crimes.
CJA 540 International CJA Experience – 4.50
Visit foreign countries and investigate the origins of modern courts, corrections, and law enforcement that are historical precursors of the current U.S. legal and criminal justice system. Students develop a thorough understanding of the emergence of criminal justice and forensic science through lectures and presentations by experts and historians of the criminal justice systems in the host countries. Grading is Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory only.
Degree and Course Requirements
To receive a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, students must complete at least 180 quarter units as articulated below; 45 of which must be completed in residence atBerkshire University, 76.5 of which must be completed at the upper-division level, and a minimum of 69 units of the University General Education requirements. In the absence of transfer credit, additional general electives may be necessary to satisfy the total units for the degree. The following courses are specific degree requirements. Refer to the section on undergraduate admission procedures for specific information regarding application and evaluation.
Refer to the section on undergraduate admission procedures for specific information regarding application and evaluation. All students receiving an undergraduate degree in Nevada are required by State Law to complete a course in Nevada Constitution.
Program Learning Outcomes
Apply biological, psychological, sociological, and economic explanations for criminal behavior from a variety of disciplines.
Identify the causes and patterns of juvenile delinquency.
Distinguish the leadership and management styles commonly employed in the criminal justice system.
Demonstrate the criminal investigation process to include preliminary investigation, evidence collection and preservation, submission, and testimony in a courtroom.
Explain the role of criminal sanctions concerning victims and offenders.
Examine the importance of ethics when applied to all three branches of the criminal justice system.
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