Criminal Justice

Beckfield is pleased to offer students degrees in the exciting field of Criminal Justice. The instructors in the Criminal Justice Program are fully committed to your success. Beckfield offers smaller class sizes that allow instructors to know students by name to provide them with personalized instruction for success.

The Beckfield Criminal Justice Program provides skills and opportunities to pursue the various Criminal Justice careers in the marketplace. Courses including Criminal Justice and Legal Research, White Collar Crime, Crime Scene Technology & Criminalistics, Criminal Evidence, and Criminal Law will help provide students with a strong foundation to enter into the criminal justice field.

Students critically examine many of the trends and issues in Criminal Justice. In addition to highly qualified instructors, this program offers special guest speakers, field trips to offsite locations, and attendance at criminal trials and proceedings. Beckfield Criminal Justice students will also be able to work individually with the Career Placement Director to secure employment after graduation.

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Course Listing

BUS 140 Project Management

This course is designed to instruct the student in taking a project from start to finish, including documentation, time lines, allocating resources, and follow-through with update meetings. Designing documentation, assigning necessary resources, and implementing and completing projects are covered.

Prerequisite:
ENG 111

CAP 111 Keyboarding and Word Processing I

This course introduces the student to word processing concepts and terminology. Topics and hands-on activities include performing such applications as creating, formatting and editing documents and tables, merging documents and working with templates. A brief introduction to the keyboard and proper typing techniques will be covered, including an emphasis on speed- building and efficiency.

CRJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice

This course is designed to introduce students to the criminal justice system and the technology that supports the criminal justice system, including an overview of how contemporary technology has impacted and changed criminal justice.

CRJ 150 Counseling

This course examines the psychology of conflict resolution and assists the criminal justice student in learning how to adapt to different personalities and employ various counseling techniques.

CRJ 170 Corrections

This course is designed as an introduction to the corrections system, including corrections facilities and the theory and psychology of corrections.

CRJ 180 Police

This course is designed to provide the philosophy and history of law enforcement, crime, and police. Topics include organization and jurisdiction of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, and professional career opportunities and qualifications.

CRJ 205 The Criminal Court System

This course is designed to analyze the American court system in its structure, functions, and roles. The course will also research the complex political and economic impacts on the criminal court system.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 101

CRJ 210 Criminal Investigation and Legal Research

This course is designed to introduce students to the kinds, degrees, and admissibility of evidence as well as the methods of research. This practice includes the collection and handling of evidence and an introduction to forensics and criminalistics. The course will include the study of investigative and research techniques applicable to specific offenses and types of investigations (establishing legal opinion, wiretapping, undercover, and sting operations). Discussion will include current trends and future prospects of investigation.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 101

CRJ 215 Criminal Evidence

This course is designed to provide the description and analysis of various evidentiary rules that impact police investigations and case presentations. Discussion will include the admissibility and weight of evidence and ethical considerations in the presentation of evidence.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 101

CRJ 250 Substance Abuse

This course is designed to introduce students to the various forms of substance abuse, how to recognize each, applicable laws, treatment, penalties, dealing with people who are under the influence, and researching various laws that identify and deal with substance abuse.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 150

CRJ 275 Family Violence

This course is designed to provide student development of various aspects of family violence. Students will be exposed to issues such as physical abuse of children, child sexual abuse, courtship violence, domestic violence, marital rape, and elder abuse. Discussion will also include the cycles formed generation after generation.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 150

CRJ 300 Criminal Law

This course is designed to provide instruction in the study of crimes, including major crimes, crimes against the person, crimes against property, conspiracy, elements of proof, and the processes and procedures involved.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 205, CRJ 210, CRJ 215

CRJ 305 The Constitution and Criminal Justice

This course is designed to provide discussion in constitutional cases on criminal justice, the effects of the fourth, fifth, and sixth amendments, and the Bill of Rights.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 300

CRJ 312 Judicial Processes

This course provides an in-depth look into the various agencies that make up the criminal justice system, from local police divisions to federal criminal justice entities such as the FBI, Homeland Security, Secret Service, and Central Intelligence Agency.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 300

CRJ 313 Criminal Justice Ethics

This course examines the moral, legal and ethical obligations of state and criminal justice professionals. Real world examples will be included in the discussions.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 305

CRJ 325 White Collar Crime

This course is a review and analysis of crimes in business and government committed in the course of upper-level occupations and financial activities. Discussion and analysis will include the impact of these crimes on the company, industry, and society.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 210, CRJ 215

CRJ 345 Race, Gender and Crime in Criminal Justice

This course examines the issues encountered in working with people from differing backgrounds and cultures. Issues of race, gender, culture, and ethnic origin will be the primary focus of this course. Students will be exposed to methods of effectively communicating with those whose cultural backgrounds differ from their own.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 313

CRJ 350 International Criminal Justice Systems

This course is an analysis of various global criminal justice systems including police, courts, and corrections. National and cultural diversity of crime will be discussed.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 345

CRJ 388 Criminal Justice Research

This course provides an overview of the criminal justice research process, including an analysis of various research methods and procedures necessary to the study of crime policy and criminal justice.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 210, CRJ 215

CRJ 400 Applied Criminal Justice Analysis

This course extends the research methods and procedures of CRJ 388 to analysis of information and data. Students will learn how to provide quantitative and qualitative findings.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 388

CRJ 401 Organized Crime

This course is an overview of various aspects of organized crime. Discussions will include local, regional, national, and global organized crime syndicates. Students will also identify the cultural and social effects of organized crime.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 388

CRJ 410 Alternative Dispute Resolution in Criminal Justice

This intensive course is designed to train students in the art of negotiation and participation in conflict mediation processes. The course focuses on both traditional and non-traditional dispute resolution options. Attention will be given to the traditional techniques of negotiation, mediation, and arbitration, as well as modern variations.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 150

CRJ 425 The Juvenile Justice System

This course is an analysis of the juvenile courts system and the legal process of dealing with juvenile offenders. Detention, records, sentencing, and the various methods of dealing with juveniles within the criminal justice system are reviewed.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 205

CRJ 440 Law Enforcement in the Community

This course examines the relationship between law enforcement and the community. Research will include development of the relationship and the responsibility of each of the members.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 180

CRJ 450 Crime Scene Technology and Criminalistics

This course examines criminal investigation techniques involving profiling, DNA, forensic aspects regarding firearms, arson and explosives. Discussion will also include investigative techniques for various aspects of the crime scene.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 400

CRJ 491 Critical Issues in Criminal Justice I

This course presents current issues in criminal justice. The course will involve guest speakers, field trips, book reviews, attendance at court trials and proceedings, and discussion of justice and the needs of today’s society.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 400

CRJ 492 Critical Issues in Criminal Justice II

This course continues the student’s exposure to real-world issues of criminal justice. The course examines the role of police in administering criminal justice, including limitations, technology developments, and issues in bureaucracy.

Prerequisite:
CRJ 491

MGT 203 Human Resource Management

This course addresses all aspects of personnel management, to include recruiting, advertising, interviewing, selection, training, salary negotiations, employee performance reviews, and promotion. Students also receive instruction on labor disputes and the legal aspects of personnel management.

Prerequisite:
MGT 102 or SOC 105

MGT 305 Leadership

This course addresses the qualities and skills that leaders need in a rapidly changing world. The class covers such topics as courage, moral leadership, developing personal potential (personal leadership qualities) sources of power, building a community of followers, emotional intelligence, leading from the heart and mind, independent thinking, problem solving, personality and leadership styles, comparing management and leadership, valuing change, collaboration, relationships, and diversity.

Prerequisite:
SOC 105

PRD100 Strategies for Success

This course provides information and resources which promote students’ academic and professional development. The course introduces students to results of research into cognitive psychology and social learning theory which assist students in engaging the expectations of their academic and professional environments.

General Courses

BIO 145 Anatomy & Physiology

The structure and function of body systems and organs are studied to develop an overall knowledge of human anatomy and physiology. The structure and function of cells, tissues, organs, and systems are covered. Among the systems studied are the skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, circulatory, immune, respiratory, digestive, urinary, reproductive, and
endocrine.

COM 105 Speech Communication

This course is designed to develop an understanding of the oral communication process. The focus is on improving oral communication skills, idea and message development, and the effective presentation of ideas.

ECN 101 Macroeconomics

This course provides instruction on the principles and procedures required for the understanding of macroeconomics. Topics covered include analysis, income and prices, monetary and fiscal policies, and human wants and scarcity.

ENG 111 Composition I

Composition I is a course in expository writing, emphasizing those methods which are most frequently used in analysis, evaluation, and argument. Though the course assumes competence in grammar, usage, and mechanics, appropriate review in these skills will be provided as the need arises.

Prerequisite:
ENG 090 or placement

ENG 112 Composition II

This course is a continuation of ENG 111 and is designed to teach students to compose effective argumentative essays, including a researched essay. Emphasis is placed on selection and restriction of topics, thesis statements, organization, development, coherence, clarity, and style. Adherence to the conventions of grammar, usage, and mechanics is required.

Prerequisite:
ENG 111

ENG 301 American Literature

This course is a survey of American literature spanning the 19th and the 20th centuries. Literature, speech, and writing are assimilated into course experiences. Students are exposed to a variety of literary genres (novels, short stories, dramas, poetry, and essays). Students learn to interpret selected works, maintain writing journals, and continue to develop their reading and writing skills.

Prerequisite:
ENG 112

HIS 215 American History: Society, Culture and Law

The course provides a broad understanding of U.S. social, cultural, and legal history across the following areas and time-periods: European exploration and settlement, the nation’s formative years to the Civil War as crossroads, post Civil War to the early Twentieth Century, the rise of industrial America, two world wars, and the intervening years at home and abroad.

HUM 101 Ethics

This course introduces students to ethical theories, human conscience and the process of moral decision-making. Morality and immorality, natural law, values and ideals are addressed. Philosophical views are applied to contemporary settings.

HUM 315 Critical Thinking

This course is an exploration of the essential characteristics of good arguments. Emphasis is placed on the identification, interpretation, and evaluation of written arguments as well as on the ability to justify interpretative and evaluative judgments. Central to the course is the ability to recognize why a good argument persuades and why a misleading or fallacious argument does not.

Prerequisite:
ENG 112

MTH 120 Quantitative Reasoning

This course provides instruction in mathematical problem solving skills and concepts. Topics include the use of logic and critical thinking in solving problems, analysis of information suggested by statistical data, determination of probability, solution by means of geometry, and other applications of mathematical analysis.

Prerequisite:
MTH 090 or Placement

MTH 305 Statistics

This course is an introduction to descriptive and inferential statistics, with an emphasis on the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data. The student will learn to interpret statistical information, to discriminate between sound and unsound statistical methods and results, and to make more rational decisions when confronted by statistical data.

Prerequisite:
MTH 120

POL 101 The American Political System

This course presents a broad overview of the American national government and its various institutions. Topics covered include the Constitution, the legislative, executive and judicial branches, civil liberties, political parties and interest groups. The functions and relationships of state and local governments are also addressed.

PSY 101 Principles Of Psychology

This course is an introduction to fundamental concepts in psychology. Topics include theoretical bases, perception, learning, motivation, personality, and the relationship of biology to psychological illness, and treatment.

SOC 101 Principles of Sociology

This course is an introduction to basic sociological concepts and the principles and methods employed in the scientific study of human societies. Topics include the socialization of individuals and groups, social stratification, social organization, deviant behavior, and the influences leading to social change.

SOC 105 Interpersonal Communication

This course introduces the practices and principles of interpersonal communication. Emphasis is placed on the communication process, perception, listening, self-disclosure, speech apprehension, ethics, nonverbal communication, conflict, power, and dysfunctional communication relationships.