The 18 credits in this minor allow you to delve into the foundational concepts of criminal justice, as well as explore supporting topics and specializations within the field.
You must complete 6 of these 18 credits at the 400 level. A grade of "C" or better is required in all courses that you take to fulfill requirements for the minor.
Course List - Criminal Justice Minor
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Criminal Justice | CRIMJ 100 | Overview of the criminal justice system, including legal foundations, processing and correction of offenders, extent and types of crime, victims. | 3 credits |
| Policing in America | CRIMJ 210 | Police organization and operations in America. Prerequisite or concurrent: CRIMJ 100 |
3 credits |
| Courts and the Prosecution Process | CRIMJ 220 | Purpose and function of criminal courts in society, organization, jurisdiction and staffing; prosecution, adjudication, and sentencing of offenders. Prerequisite: CRIMJ 100 |
3 credits |
| Corrections in America | CRIMJ 230 | Punishment and treatment of sentenced offenders, correctional institution organization, staffing, inmates, and subcultures. | 3 credits |
| Title | Abbreviation | Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Police Administration | CRIMJ 408 | Principles of administration as they relate to a police organization, and policy development. Prerequisite: CRIMJ 100 or CRIM 100 and CRIMJ 210 |
3 credits |
| Alternatives to Incarceration | CRIMJ 430 | Control and treatment of offenders in the community, probation and parole organizations, diversion programs, innovative sentences, supervision techniques. Prerequisite: CRIMJ 100, and CRIMJ 113, and CRIMJ 230, or permission of program |
3 credits |
| Border Security | CRIMJ 435 | This course provides knowledge about government organizations charged with American border security, guiding laws, and policies. Prerequisite: 6th semester standing |
3 credits |
| The Juvenile Justice System | CRIMJ 441 | Historical and contemporary view of juvenile justice system. Focus on analyzing components of the system, their interactions, processing, and handling of youths. Prerequisite: CRIMJ 100 |
3 credits |
| Senior Seminar | CRIMJ 450W | Capstone course exploring past, current and future developments in criminal justice. Prerequisite: CRIMJ 100 or CRIM 100 and sixth semester standing or permission of program |
3 credits |
| Ethics in Criminal Justice | CRIMJ 465 | Ethical behavior in the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: CRIMJ 100 or permission of the program |
3 credits |
Course Schedule
See course start and end periods and semesters offered on the Penn State World Campus student resources website.