Course Descriptions - Online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology Completion Program
The 60-credit curriculum of the online criminology degree concentrates primarily on the behavior of criminals, professionals in the field, and human reactions. The goal is to better prepare the student for a career serving communities and working directly with people. The empathetic, human-centered approach to criminology gives students a better understanding of the motivations behind human behaviors and actions, and as a result, students learn first-hand innovative deescalation methods.
Core Courses
APYCR 325 Introduction to Addictions (3 credits)
This course covers all areas of addictions and accompanying disorders in the individual, the family, and society. An introduction to the physical, psychological, sociological, and spiritual aspects of addictions.
CR 310 Fundamentals of Gangs (3 credits)
This course introduces students to the cultural and structural components of gang activity. It is an examination of the history of gangs, socio-psychological aspects of individual and group behavior, and the major theories and socio-economic reasons why gangs exist. Included in this course are descriptions of all types of gangs, as well as a review of social programs and law enforcement techniques designed to combat gangs.
CR 320 Crime and Media (3 credits)
This course examines the reality of crime in America, as well as the half-truths, accumulated truths, and misconceptions most people have about crime and the criminal justice system. The course also looks at how the media presentation of crime determines our perspectives and opinions on crime. Using current research and high-profile cases, this course works to set straight many of the beliefs held about crime in this country.
CR 330 Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (3 credits)
Concepts and problems associated with crisis and emergency management. Study of natural hazards and threats posed by domestic and international terrorist groups. Reorganization of relevant government agencies, civil preparedness measures, law enforcement responses, and changes to the law will all be examined in context.
CR 350 Victimology (3 credits)
Major theoretical issues and debates in victimology. Victim blaming and defending, research and victim statistics, legal and policy dilemmas, bureaucratic responses to victims, and evaluation of victim compensation and restitution.
CR 352 Ethics in Criminology (3 credits)
This course makes students aware of ethical issues in policing, courts, corrections, and policymaking. These issues are explored using real-world examples, analytical tools from the social sciences, and a variety of ethical philosophies. A major goal of this course is to encourage students in the development of a sense of personal responsibility.
CR 380 Juvenile Delinquency (3 credits)
This course examines theories of juvenile delinquency. We will examine these theories in depth. The course will begin by focusing on how the system works and then take a broad overview of why juveniles become delinquent behavior. This course is an Idea Seminar. As such, we will examine juvenile delinquency under the theme of global interdependence through diversity, change, and interconnectedness in the ever-increasing international scope of juvenile justice.
CR 431 The Criminal Mind (3 credits)
In this course, students examine the lifestyles, practices, and motivations of serial killers, robbers, and those who assault citizens in our communities. Learners review psychosocial theories used to analyze and evaluate deviant human behavior and the environment that precipitates repetitive criminal conduct. The course is also an introduction to profiling criminals and predicting criminal behavior.
CR 450 Criminology (3 credits)
The development of criminal law and definitions of crime, measurement of the incidence and types of crimes, theoretical explanations of crime, the criminal justice system and treatment programs, issues and trends in criminal justice.
CR 490 Corrections (3 credits)
Study of the emergence of jails, prisons, and youth facilities; structures and functions of correctional facilities; staffing and personnel training; programs and services; administration of correctional facilities; prison overcrowding; legal and political issues confronting corrections.
EN 310 Transfer Core (3 credits)
This course aims to bring students to an understanding of their liberal education, to prepare students for upper-level college study, and to become proficient in writing and critical thinking through the study of literature. Designed for transfer students.
PSCR 302 Terrorists, Patriots, and Revolutionaries (3 credits)
Examination of global terrorism, nationalism, and revolution. The course covers not only theoretical models used to examine this material, but also provides a historical view of each phenomenon. Focus on identifying possible political interventions that would produce the best results for the world community.
PY 240 Marriage and Family (3 credits)
A study of the relationships, processes, behaviors, functions, and structures involved in marriage and family over the lifespan.
PY 290 Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence (3 credits)
A study of the cognitive, social, physical, and emotional development from the prenatal period through adolescence. Personality development in cultural contexts is explored through current research. Field observations or interviews may be required.
PY 335 Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
Studies in the historical and contemporary perspectives of psychological disorders and human deviance and approaches to treatment.
PY 460 Social Psychology (3 credits)
The study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. Such topics as attitudes, social beliefs, cultural and group influence, persuasion, conformity, prejudice, aggression, attraction, and altruism are considered.
PYCR 585 Research Methods (3 credits)
Methods of studying social and psychological phenomena, with emphasis on understanding the scientific process, techniques of data collection, and writing research reports.
PYCR 590 Behavioral Science Seminar (3 credits)
An integrative review and overview of key perspectives in the behavioral sciences, and related concerns from general education, consistent with the mission and goals of the university; application of these perspectives to making critical decisions about personal, societal, and ethical issues. Fulfills the Senior Integrative Experience requirement (Senior Capstone).
SO 210 Deviance and Society (3 credits)
Introduction to the theory and philosophy of the sociological concept of deviance. Criminal and noncriminal forms of deviance will be studied using a variety of theoretical approaches.
Upper Level Theology