C. Bruce Mallard, Ph.D., Head
308 Hubert Crouch Hall ( Graduate Building)
Telephone 615-963-5571
Faculty: D. Burris-Kitchen, R. Craig, G. Kakoti, L. Woods.
General Statement: The Department of Criminal Justice offers a program leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science. The curriculum contains a wide range of courses concerning all aspects of the criminal justice system, with an emphasis in the area of corrections. The major also provides a broad background in the social sciences with a wide variety of courses in Psychology and Sociology. Any student admitted to the University at the undergraduate level is eligible to major in Criminal Justice. It is an excellent pre-law major.
The Department also offers the Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) degree jointly with Middle Tennessee State University. For details of the program, see the Graduate Catalog.
Departmental Requirements 45 Semester Hours For Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice
General Education Core
| ENGL 1010, 1020 | Freshman English I, II | 6 |
| (minimum grade of C in each) | ||
| ENGL 2012-2024 | Sophomore Literature | 3 |
| HIST 2010, 2020 | American History I, II | 6 |
| MATH 1110 | College Algebra I | 3 |
| BIOL 1010, 1011, 1020, 1021 | Introductory Biology I, II and labs | 8 |
| HUMANITIES | Courses from 2 humanities disciplines | 6 |
| PSYC 2010 | General Psychology | 3 |
| SOCI 2010 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
| COMM 2200 | Public Speaking | 3 |
| COMP 2010 | Introduction to Computing | 3 |
| ASOR 1002 | Orientation for Social Science Majors | 1 |
Upper-division Admission
For admission into the upper-division program of the Criminal Justice major, students must complete all of the requirements listed above under General Education Core. In addition, they must have removed all high school deficiencies, passed all required remedial/developmental courses, earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on college-level course work, and completed the Rising Junior Examination. They must also have earned a minimum grade of C in CRMJ 2000, 2010, 2020, and 2030.
Major Core: A minimum of 45 semester hours with at least 33 hours at the 3000-4000 level. The required courses in the major core are:
| CRMJ 2000 | Introduction to Criminal Justice Studies | 3 |
| CRMJ 2010 | Introduction to Law Enforcement | 3 |
| CRMJ 2020 | The American Legal System | 3 |
| CRMJ 2030 | Introduction to Corrections | 3 |
| CRMJ 3000 | Research Methods | 3 |
| CRMJ 4000 | Senior Practicum | 12 |
| CRMJ 4500 | Senior Project | 3 |
Students must also complete a minimum of 15 hours of CRMJ electives at the 3000-4000 level. Police or correctional officers who have completed basic training at a city or state academy receive credit for the Senior Practicum (CRMJ 4000) by registering for it and completing a research paper. All other students must complete a semester of work in a criminal justice agency to gain practical experience. Students must earn at least a C in all 45 hours used to complete the major.
Minor Requirements: All majors earn a minor in Psychology by completing 18 hours: PSYC 2010, 2100, 2180, 3210, 3410 or 3510 and two Upper Division electives.
Bachelor of Science Degree in
Criminal Justice
Suggested Four-Year Plan
FRESHMAN YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| CRMJ 2000 | 3 | PSYC 2010 | 3 |
| ENGL 1010 | 3 | ENGL 1020 | 3 |
| HIST 2010 | 3 | HIST 2020 | 3 |
| MATH 1110 | 3 | BIOL 1020, 1021 | 4 |
| BIOL 1010, 1011 | 4 | HUMANTIES ELECTIVE | 3 |
| ASOR 1002 | 1 | ||
| 17 | 16 |
SOPHOMORE YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| CRMJ 2010 | 3 | CRMJ 2020 | 3 |
| SOCI 2010 | 3 | CRMJ 2030 | 3 |
| ENGL 2010 | 3 | ENGL 3107 | 3 |
| COMM 2200 | 3 | HUMANTIES ELECTIVE | 3 |
| PSYC 2100 | 3 | COMP 2010 | 3 |
| 15 | 15 |
JUNIOR YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| CRMJ 3000 | 3 | CRMJ ELECTIVE, 3000/4000 | 3 |
| PSYC 2180 | 3 | SOCI 3300 | 3 |
| PSYC 3210 | 3 | SOCI ELECTIVE, 3000/4000 | 3 |
| PSYC 3410 or 3510 | 3 | PSYC ELECTIVE, 3000/4000 | 3 |
| SOCI ELECTIVE, 3000/4000 | 3 | ||
| 15 | 12 |
SENIOR YEAR
| FALL SEMESTER | HR | SPRING SEMESTER | HR |
| CRMJ 4000 | 12 | CRMJ ELECTIVES, 3000/4000 | 12 |
| CRMJ 4500 | 3 | PSYC ELECTIVE | 3 |
| 15 | 15 |
Course Descriptions
(CRMJ)
CRMJ 2000 Introduction to Criminal Justice Studies (3) (Formerly CJ 200). A preliminary examination of the entire criminal justice system. It emphasizes the understanding of basic concepts in police science, correctional services studies, the law and our legal system, and the elements of the scientific method and research techniques. It also functions as an introduction to the orientation and demands of the Tennessee State University Department of Criminal Justice. Required of all CJ majors.
CRMJ 2010 Introduction to Law Enforcement (3) (Formerly CJ 201). An intensive study of findings and concepts in the area of police science. It covers law enforcement agencies, their procedures, and their problems. There is discussion of police-community relations and the FBI. History is emphasized. Required of all CJ majors.
CRMJ 2020 The American Legal System (3) (Formerly CJ 202). An intensive study of the concepts and findings of research concerning the functioning and the structure of the American legal system. Its history and development are stressed, and its place in the entire criminal justice system is discussed. Elements of constitutional criminal law are introduced. Problems such as crowded dockets, plea bargaining, and bail are discussed. Required of all CJ majors.
CRMJ 2030 Introduction to Corrections (3) (Formerly CJ 203). An intensive study of the concepts and findings of research in the area of corrections. In addition to consideration of the history and development of the correctional system, various techniques of correction are considered. The relationship of society and its norms to the operations of such systems is included. Required of all CJ majors.
CRMJ 3000 Research Methods (3) (Formerly CJ 300). An intensive survey of the various methods appropriate to criminal justice studies. Special emphasis is given to the consideration of logic, design, and importance of research for correctional practitioners. In addition to the development of research skills, a purpose of this course is to develop the student’s ability to read critically and to evaluate proposals for change. Prerequisites: MATH 1010 and PSY 2118 or SOC 300. Required of all CJ majors.
CRMJ 3010 Court Procedure and Methods (3) (Formerly CJ 301). An intensive study of courtroom case preparation, officer demeanor in court, effective presentation of evidence, trial procedure, use of written notes, officer appearance, and reaction to cross examination. (Elective)
CRMJ 3020 Constitutional and Criminal Law (3) (Formerly CJ 302). Discussion of criminal law and procedure, including constitutional law as it impinges upon the legal system and the crime. Topics include review of the relevant constitutional criminal cases before the various courts of appeals and the United States Supreme Court. (Elective)
CRMJ 3030 Incidence of Crime (3) (Formerly CJ 303). Intensive discussion of the problems involved with crime statistics. Course reviews uniform crime reports and relevant studies. Careful attention is devoted to the concept of unreported crime. (Elective)
CRMJ 3040 Criminal Typology (3) (Formerly CJ 304). Intensive discussion of the types of crimes. Consideration is given to the various bases for the division of crimes into different categories. In addition, there is an intensive examination of the specific research findings on crimes such as rape, robbery, and murder. (Elective).
CRMJ 3050 Deviance and Control (3) (Formerly CJ 305). A sociological discussion of the nature and role of deviance in a society. The various types of deviance are considered, and the nature of the relationship between deviance and the controlling and producing forces of society is discussed. The relationship of deviance to crime is also considered. (Elective)
CRMJ 3060 Introduction to the Philosophy of Law (3) (Formerly CJ 306) . The philosophical development of the concept of law from the Pre-Greek era to the present (Babylonian, Greek, Roman, Germanic, and English systems), with emphasis on the more important philosophical ideas that have led to the present American legal system. (Elective)
CRMJ 3070 Introduction to the Study of Law (3) (Formerly CJ 307). An in-depth analysis of the Socratic method and case method of legal studies, along with the organization and function of law schools. The course should be taken by only those students interested in pursuing a career in law. (Elective)
CRMJ 3080 Police and Patrol Service (3) (Formerly CJ 308). A study of the organization, administration, and supervision of patrol function. Responsibilities, techniques, and methods of police and patrol are treated. Various services and public assistance offered by police organizations are emphasized. (Elective)
CRMJ 3090 Traffic Investigation and Control (3) (Formerly CJ 309). A study of the need for and development of traffic laws with primary attention focussed upon the Uniform Motor Vehicle Code and Model Traffic Ordinances, including use and implementation. The preparation and maintenance of an adequate records system of traffic safety are examined. (Elective)
CRMJ 3100 Criminal Theory (3) (Formerly CJ 310). A survey of the various theories which have been advanced over the years about the causation of crime; biological, sociological, psychological, and other theories are examined along with relevant research findings. (Elective)
CRMJ 3130 Counseling (3) (Formerly CJ 313). An intensive introduction to counseling, with special emphasis upon the nature and problems of correctional guidance counseling. Attention is devoted to the recognition and diagnosis of the psychological problems, as well as development of acceptable counseling methodology. Development of oral competency is stressed, as students participate in mock counseling sessions. (Elective)
CRMJ 3210 Juvenile Delinquency (3) (Formerly CJ 321). An intensive study of the basic ideas of criminology as applied to juvenile delinquency. Attention is devoted to the development and impact of the juvenile court system. (Elective)
CRMJ 3220 Penal Institutions and Treatment Methods (3) (Formerly CJ 322) . Intensive discussion of the methods of corrections involving prisons, jails, and other places of incarceration. Special emphasis is placed on the inmate, treatment of custodial conflicts, and the utility (or lack of utility) of such institutions. (Elective)
CRMJ 3230 Community-Based Treatment Methods (3) (Formerly CJ 323). Intensive study of probation, parole, work-release, and other correctional methods which involve the inmate in his or her community rather than incarceration. Merits and defects of such programs are examined. (Elective)
CRMJ 3300 Police Administration I (3) (Formerly CJ 330). An examination of the principles of organization, administration, and functioning of police departments. Course includes an evaluation of personnel policies, divisions, operations, command policies, and departments as a whole. (Elective)
CRMJ 3310 Police Administration II (3) (Formerly CJ 331). Advanced study of the organization, administration, and functioning of police departments. The designing of policies and a study of the arrangement within a department of specific operations and commands are emphasized. (Elective)
CRMJ 4000 Senior Practicum (12) (Formerly CJ 400). Field experience consisting of nearly full-time work in an appropriate institution or agency. Course also involves intensive weekly discussions of problems that arise. Usual enrollment time is the student’s senior year of study. Required of all CJ majors.
CRMJ 4010 Independent Study (3) (Formerly CJ 401). For the student who shows exceptional promise. Course consists of a research project or intensive reading program specially designed for the individual student. Only those students whose work shows reasonable probability of a new contribution to knowledge are permitted to enroll. Prerequisite: permission of Department Head. (Elective)
CRMJ 4050 Introduction to Criminalistics (3) (Formerly CJ 405). A course designed to give the student a basic knowledge of crime scene protection, as well as the collection, preservation, and identification of evidence, including proper search, dusting for latent prints, casting, fingerprint classification, use of the crime laboratory, and crime detection and prosecution. (Elective)
CRMJ 4100A, 4100B Cooperative Education I, II (3, 3) (Formerly CJ 410A, 410B). Supervised and approved program of learning experiences undertaken by students in governmental, business, or industry setting. Formal proposals, project objectives, or learning plans are reviewed and approved by faculty. Student activity and progress are monitored, evaluated, and graded by a full-time faculty member. Prerequisite: permission of Department Head. (Electives)
CRMJ 4200 Seminar in Law Enforcement (3) (Formerly CJ 420). Review and synthesis of basic principles, practices, and procedures. Course includes visitation to operating police organization and final preparation for employment in law enforcement. (Elective)
CRMJ 4220 White Collar Crime (3) (Formerly CJ 422). A discussion of the incidence and problems of white collar crime. Topics range from tax evasion and business crimes to political corruption and bribes. (Elective)
CRMJ 4300, 4310, 4320 Special Topics I, II, III (3, 3, 3) (Formerly CJ 430, 431, 432). A course taught from time to time as faculty expertise and student interest warrant, with topics in such areas as police-community relations, behavior modification in corrections, and street laws. (Elective)
CRMJ 4500 Senior Project (3) (Formerly CJ 450). Course involving the preparation of an acceptable piece of research, including a final written report, in some aspect of criminal justice. Required of all CJ majors