Pursuing a degree in criminal justice opens doors to many career paths, ranging from law enforcement to corrections to social advocacy. But what exactly do students learn in criminal justice courses? Understanding the core subjects in Villa’s criminal justice degree program and the skills you’ll learn in it can help you decide if this field is right for you, along with what direction you want to take in your career.
Intro to Criminal Justice
This course serves as an overview of the criminal justice system, its components, and the roles of various agencies that operate within it. You’ll learn how law enforcement, courts, and corrections work together to maintain public safety and address crime through concepts like crime control, due process, and the history of the criminal justice system as a whole.
Psychology
Understanding human behavior is critical for criminal justice professionals because it helps them communicate and assess individuals and situations effectively. These courses prepare students for future interactions with victims, offenders, and colleagues. You’ll also learn how to develop empathy and analytical skills in addition to gaining insight into mental disorders, criminal profiling, and the effects of trauma.
Crime and Society
Crime doesn’t happen in isolation; a variety of social factors like poverty, inequality, race, and gender influence it. In this class, you’ll learn about these factors and how they impact both crime rates and public perceptions of the justice system. By understanding crime as a societal issue rather than an individual one, you’ll have better tools to address it in future careers.
Survey of Criminology
Criminology drives into the theoretical root causes of crime. This course examines different theories of crime causation from biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives. You’ll learn how these theories inform crime prevention strategies and influence criminal justice policies, helping you develop evidence-based approaches to addressing criminal behavior.
Criminal Law
Understanding criminal law is crucial for anyone considering a career in the justice system. This class covers the core principles of criminal law such as elements of a crime, legal defenses, and the laws that shape legal precedent. You’ll also explore the rights of criminal defendants and the regulations that regulate police behavior like the right to counsel and search and seizure.
Criminal Courts and Procedures
This course takes you through the court process, all the way from arraignments to appeals. Students learn about the different types of courts in our judicial system, the roles of key players like judges, juries, and attorneys, and critical processes like plea bargaining and trial proceedings. Knowing how the court functions allows you to navigate or interact with the court system professionally.
Juvenile Justice
Though there are some similarities, the juvenile justice system differs from the adult system. Students in this course explore the history and philosophy behind juvenile proceedings, juvenile detention alternatives, and restorative justice programs aimed at helping young offenders get back on track.
Corrections
Corrections courses allow students to gain insights into the correctional system, including incarceration, probation, and parole. The course covers prison culture, rehabilitation programs, and the challenges of reentry into society. It also emphasizes the evolving philosophies behind corrections, institutional treatment, and the rights of offenders.
Policing In a Multicultural Community
In today’s diverse society, law enforcement officers must be equipped with cultural sensitivity and competency skills. This class teaches students how to foster trust and collaboration between law enforcement and marginalized communities, emphasizing the importance of cultural awareness and relationship building.
Emerging Issues In Criminal Justice
Criminal justice evolves just as society does, so professionals in this field have a duty to adapt to new challenges. This class introduces you to contemporary challenges like cybercrime, human trafficking, forensic technology advancements, and policing reforms, ensuring you stay up to date on new issues and their impacts.
Criminal Investigations
Investigative skills are key to solving crimes, no matter what type of crime occurs. Students learn techniques for legally and safely gathering and analyzing evidence, interviewing suspects and witnesses, and applying forensic science in investigations. They also explore crime scene procedures and the rules of evidence to maintain an investigation’s integrity.
Law Enforcement
Law enforcement classes focus on the structure and function of police organizations, covering topics such as patrol methods, crime prevention strategies, and the role of technology in modern policing. It prepares you for careers in law enforcement by providing deeper insight into the responsibilities and challenges faced by police officers.
Ethical Issues In Criminal Justice
Ethical decision-making is a cornerstone of the criminal justice profession. Students in this class explore moral dilemmas such as excessive use of force, racial profiling, and the ethics of punishment. You will be encouraged to think critically about how justice professionals make ethical decisions in their work and in their lives outside of their jobs.
Law and Society
This class examines the intricate relationship between laws and societal norms, exploring how legal systems are shaped by social forces and how they, in turn, influence society. Topics include legal decision-making, social inequalities within the law, and the role of legal institutions in shaping social change.
Drugs, Crime, and the Justice System
Substance abuse is a major contributor to crime. This course explores the relationship between drug use and criminal behavior, the impact of drug policies, and treatment programs aimed at reducing drug-related offenses.
Studying Criminal Justice at Villa
At Villa, our criminal justice program prepares you for a wide range of career options in the field. Our faculty is deeply connected to the broader criminal justice community and provides students with the knowledge and practical skills they need to succeed. Be an agent of change and take the first step toward your future at Villa Maria College.
