Fundamentals of Crime and Justice Studies Undergraduate Certificate

Program Description

The multidisciplinary Fundamentals of Crime and Justice Studies certificate provides students with a condensed array of courses related to the study of crime and criminal justice in the U.S. The four-course curriculum offers instruction in key areas such as theories of crime causation, crime trends and measurement, criminal law, victimization, the administration of justice, and criminal justice ethics.

Admission Requirements

Students must have a declared major, completed ENG 1100 or 1140 with a grade of C or better, and a minimum of two other courses in the WSU Core while maintaining a GPA of 2.00 or above.

Program Learning Objectives

Students enrolled in the Fundamentals of CJS Certificate will learn to:

a) Explore the basic components of and major actors in the US criminal justice system.

b) Investigate the basic fundamental procedures/practices of criminal law.

c) Explore some theories of crime causation and crime measurement.

d) Explore the basic principles of ethical conduct in the administration of justice.

Program Learning Outcomes

As a result of their learning experience, graduates of the Fundamentals in CJS Certificate can:

(a) Identify the components of and major actors in the US criminal justice system.

(b) Identify the basic fundamental procedures/practices of criminal law.

(d) Demonstrate knowledge of the basic principles of ethical conduct in the administration of justice.

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Program Requirements

Select 1 course from each of the following 4 areas:

Area 1
PLS 4360 - Criminal Law Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4370 - Criminal Procedure Credit Hour(s): 3
Area 2
SOC 3700 - Criminology Credit Hour(s): 3
Area 3
SOC 3210 - Sociology of Deviance Credit Hour(s): 3
SOC 3220 - Juvenile Delinquency Credit Hour(s): 3
Area 4
PLS 4180 - Politics and Ethics Credit Hour(s): 3
PLS 4420 - Criminal Justice System Credit Hour(s): 3
URS 3300 - Ethics in Public Service Credit Hour(s): 3