{"id":10817,"date":"2023-03-24T15:55:29","date_gmt":"2023-03-24T19:55:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/?p=10817"},"modified":"2024-12-13T16:58:16","modified_gmt":"2024-12-13T21:58:16","slug":"areas-of-study-criminal-justice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.goodwin.edu\/enews\/areas-of-study-criminal-justice\/","title":{"rendered":"Key Areas of Study in Criminal Justice"},"content":{"rendered":"

Criminal justice is an ideal major for advocates and critical thinkers seeking to better their communities and be of service to society. With a criminal justice degree covering judicial process, prevention, research, and theory, graduates are equipped to ensure the criminal justice system operates as smoothly and safely as possible.<\/p>\n

A postsecondary criminal justice program<\/a> typically encompasses three main sectors of the criminal justice field \u2014 corrections, court systems, and law enforcement agencies<\/em>. Criminal justice areas of study also instill professional integrity while strengthening interpersonal and<\/em> investigative skills.<\/p>\n

Working toward a degree in criminal justice, students may debate and discuss topics like ethics and legal issues, homeland security, psychology, and public safety. In addition, the specialized training educates tomorrow\u2019s criminal justice leaders about the historical, social, and societal elements that guide modern emergency response, investigative, law, and security professions.<\/p>\n

Are you interested in making an everyday impact in your career? Read below to discover more about this major and the primary areas of study in criminal justice.<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Criminal Justice Classes and Coursework<\/h2>\n

Industry-Expert Instructors<\/h3>\n

Criminal justice instructors at career-focused institutions like Goodwin University are authorities with extensive field experience. Educators range from attorneys and detectives to military veterans, police commanders, and state troopers \u2014 coaching student success while sharing valuable lessons learned in the field.<\/em><\/p>\n

The Criminal Justice Curricula<\/h3>\n

The associate degree in Criminal Justice<\/a> offered by Goodwin University requires students to pass 21 general education courses and eight core curriculum classes, including an internship, to graduate. Of the eight core courses, four fundamental classes are taken during the student\u2019s first year, while the remaining four are completed in their second year of study.<\/p>\n

A breakdown detailing the eight core criminal justice classes can be seen below.<\/em><\/p>\n

First Year<\/em><\/h4>\n

1. Introduction to Criminal Justice and the Law<\/strong><\/p>\n

This course contains an introduction to the criminal justice system, career opportunities in the field, federal and state criminal law, elements of a crime, and types of crimes and their respective penalties.<\/p>\n

2. Investigative Report Writing<\/strong><\/p>\n

Class content covers fundamental guidelines regarding investigative arrest and crime reporting and note-taking \u2014 such as describing persons and property, search warrants, and common issues in report writing.<\/p>\n

3. Criminal Procedures<\/strong><\/p>\n

This course curriculum explores the United States Constitution, the rights of victims and offenders, and the processes and procedures to protect guaranteed rights.<\/p>\n

4. Introduction to Corrections<\/strong><\/p>\n

This class examines the history and applications of corrections and punishment, the foundations of corrections, and contemporary correctional issues.<\/p>\n

Second Year<\/em><\/h4>\n

5. Criminology<\/strong><\/p>\n

This course encompasses major criminological theories from biology, psychology, and sociology to emphasize understanding why people commit crimes and the elements associated with criminal behavior and prevention.<\/p>\n

6. Criminal Law<\/strong><\/p>\n

This class content comprises the theory, history, and purposes behind common law and statutory law offenses with supplementary discussion on the federal and state penal code.<\/p>\n

7. Juvenile Justice in America<\/strong><\/p>\n

This course incorporates the history, philosophy, and current practices of the juvenile justice system, including the psychological processes that characterize misbehavior and the diversion of youth from the justice system.<\/p>\n

8. Internship<\/strong><\/p>\n

This practical field placement experience consists of 150 supervised hours. The internship<\/a> site can include corrections, fire service, law enforcement, public or private security, or other protective service environments.<\/p>\n

Flexibility and Scholarships: A Foundation for Success<\/h2>\n

Designed so students can attend classes on their schedule, Goodwin created its criminal justice program to be inclusive, innovative, and intentionally convenient<\/a>. Criminal justice courses are offered during the day and evenings, with available internship site suggestions across the state.<\/p>\n

It gets even better!<\/em><\/p>\n

At Goodwin, select students enrolled in the associate degree in Criminal Justice program or bachelor\u2019s degree in Public Safety and Security<\/a> are eligible to receive a public service scholarship<\/a> of up to 30% off student tuition. Please note that certain conditions apply.<\/em><\/p>\n

Program Outcomes that Open Doors<\/h3>\n

Students who complete Goodwin University\u2019s Criminal Justice program requirements produce results that make a real-world difference.<\/a> For instance, prepared graduates can explain the functions and structure of the American criminal justice system, corrections, and the federal and state court systems. Alums can also articulate significant theories that may explain criminal behavior, the development of criminal law and procedure, and the problems in policing, courts, and corrections in America.<\/p>\n

Career Areas in Criminal Justice<\/h3>\n

If you\u2019re a people-person who can stay calm under pressure, is interested in the law, or
\nseeking to rehabilitate and reduce recidivism for justice-impacted individuals, considering a career in criminal justice could catapult your success.<\/p>\n

Examples of potential career titles for criminal justice graduates include:<\/p>\n