The Division of Justice and Law Administration
Dr. Kim Marino, Chair
marinok@wcsu.edu
White Hall 126B, Midtown Campus
(203) 837-3973
(203) 837- 3908 (fax)
Charlene Jenkins, Secretary
parksc@wcsu.edu
White Hall 126, Midtown Campus
(203) 837-8340
(203) 837- 3908 (fax)
Faculty
| M. Alizadeh | H. Arslan |
| W. DeFeo | T. Dwyer |
| K. Jordan | |
| K. Marino, Chair | T. Miller |
| D. Sharma |
Mission
The administration of justice and law in the United States today is as pervasive as the law itself. Accordingly, the mission of the Division of Justice and Law Administration (JLA) is to provide an integration of substantive and practical education in courses of study designed to prepare students for a variety of career choices in law, public service, social systems and private enterprises.
The division has as its primary purposes: A) to enhance the students’ abilities to reason, to communicate in written and verbal form, and to engage in scholarship; B) to fulfill students’ career goals in the areas of the administration of justice, the regulatory, protective or rehabilitative services, or the law-related professions; and C) to assist students in pursuing undergraduate and graduate level education in law, criminology, public administration, rehabilitation services, criminal justice and associated areas.
The Division of JLA offers the bachelor of science degree, a Minor in Justice Administration, and numerous undergraduate elective course offerings.
Learning Outcomes
A JLA graduate should be able to:
- Engage in scholarship that is relevant to the options within the JLA program
- Use quantitative, qualitative and critical thinking skills to analyze and propose solutions to practical problems in the areas of law, criminology, rehabilitation services, criminal justice, and associated areas.
- Demonstrate proficiency in the areas of written and oral communication
History
The Division of Justice and Law Administration (originally called The Department of Criminal Justice) was founded by Prof. Solomon Gross and Dr. Frank Muska in 1976, with a $14,000 grant from the Federal Law Enforcement Assistance Administration. The entering class numbered fourteen students. The department broadened its academic focus to a multi-option format, e.g., Law Enforcement, Legal Studies, Criminology, Corrections, Probation, Parole, and Offender Rehabilitation, Paralegal Sequence, and Homeland Security. Dr. Muska chaired the department from 1978-1982, followed by Dr. Harold B. Schramm (now Professor Emeritus), 1982-1991. Succeeding Chairs, Dr. David Whelan, 1991-1993, Dr. David Machell (now professor Emeritus), 1993-2003, Dr. Michael Foley (now Professor Emeritus), 2003-2009, Professor Charles Mullaney (now Professor Emeritus), 2009-2015, Dr. Anthony Markert (now Professor Emeritus), 2015-2017, Dr. George Kain (now Professor Emeritus), 2017-2021, and Dr. Kim Marino as the incumbent Chair grew and managed the Division to its current status as one of the largest majors at Western Connecticut State University. Over 300 students currently major and minor in Justice and Law Administration. They are taught by a faculty of 10 full-time faculty, assisted by 24 part-time faculty. JLA typically offers 45-50 courses each semester, catering to a diverse body of students who seek to enter the varied fields of law and justice. JLA graduates work in law enforcement at the federal, state and local levels, the legal profession, corrections services, social service agencies, private security, education, and myriad other professions.
Degrees in Justice and Law Administration
BS in Criminal Justice
BS Criminal Justice: Corrections, Probation, Parole & Offender Rehabilitation option
BS Criminal Justice: Criminology option
BS Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement option
BS Criminal Justice: Legal Studies option
BS Criminal Justice: Homeland Security option
Minor
Justice & Law Administration
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (B.S.)
BS Criminal Justice: Corrections, Probation, Parole & Offender Rehabilitation Option
Description: The mission of the Division of Justice and Law Administration (JLA) is to provide an integration of substantive and practical education in courses of study designed to prepare students for a variety of career choices in law, public service, social systems and private enterprises.
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 54 SH.
| Criminal Justice CORE | |
| MIS 155 Information Technology (IL) | 3 SH |
| JLA 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice I (FY) | 3 SH |
| JLA 150 Introduction to Criminal Justice II | 3 SH |
| JLA 170 Introduction to American Law | 3 SH |
| JLA 200 Writing for Justice Professions (W2) | 3 SH |
| JLA 201 Criminology | 3 SH |
| JLA 205 Juvenile Delinquency | 3 SH |
| JLA 210 Criminal Law | 3 SH |
| JLA 240 Commercial Law | 3 SH |
| JLA 315 Police Administration and Organization | 3 SH |
| JLA 322 Constitutional Law | 3 SH |
| JLA 400 Research Methodology in JLA | 3 SH |
| JLA 405 Research Seminar in Justice and Law Administration (CE, W3) | 3 SH |
| Corrections, Probation, Parole & Offender Rehabilitation Option | |
| JLA 312 Community Based Corrections | 3 SH |
| JLA 342 Correction Counseling & Offender Rehabilitation | 3 SH |
| JLA 409 Addiction & Crime | 3 SH |
| Two approved JLA Electives (6 SH): consult your advisor | 6 SH |
| COGNATES | |
| PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology | 3 SH |
| PS 102 American Government (CT) | 3 SH |
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics (QR) | 3 SH |
| Minimum GPA for the BS in JLA = 2.0 | |
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad/academic-programs-degrees/
Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the general education breadth requirement. If cognate courses are required, they are included in the list of courses required in the major.
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BS Criminal Justice – Corrections, Probation, Parole and Offender Rehabilitation option
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| JLA 100 Intro to Criminal Justice I (FY) | 3 | JLA 150 Intro to Criminal Justice II | 3 |
| MIS 155 Information Technology (IL) OR PS 102 American Government (CT) | 3 | MIS 155 Information Technology (IL) OR PS 102 American Government (CT) | 3 |
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics (QR) OR Free Elective | 3-4 | MAT 120 Elementary Statistics (QR) OR Free Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Intercultural Competency (IC) | 3 | PSY 100 Intro to Psychology | 3 |
| JLA 170 Intro to American Law | 3 | WRT 101 Composition I (W1) | 3 |
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| JLA 200 Writing for Justice Professions OR Gen Ed: Breadth | 3 | JLA 200 Writing for Justice Professions (W2) OR Gen Ed: Breadth | 3 |
| JLA 201 Criminology OR JLA 205 Juvenile Delinquency | 3 | JLA 201 Criminology OR JLA 205 Juvenile Delinquency | 3 |
| JLA 210 Criminal Law OR JLA 240 Commercial Law | 3 | JLA 210 Criminal Law OR JLA 240 Commercial Law | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Oral Communication (OC) | 3 | Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP) | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 1 | 3 | Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 2 | 3 |
| Semester 5 | SH | Semester 6 | SH |
| JLA 322 Constitutional Law | 3 | JLA 315 Police Administration and Organization | 3 |
| JLA 312 Community Based Corrections | 3 | JLA 342 Correction Counseling and Offender Rehabilitation | 3 |
| JLA Elective 1 | 3 | JLA Elective 2 | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 3 | 3 | Gen Ed: Scientific Inquiry (SI) | 4 |
| Free elective | 3 | Gen Ed: Health and Wellness (HW) | 2 |
| Semester 7 | SH | Semester 8 | SH |
| JLA 400 Research Methodology | 3 | JLA 405 Research Seminar in JLA (CE, W3) | 3 |
| JLA 409 Addiction and Crime | 3 | Free Electives | 12 |
| Free Electives | 9 | ||
| Total Credits Required for the BS in JLA = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0. | |||
BS Criminal Justice: Criminology Option
Description: The mission of the Division of Justice and Law Administration (JLA) is to provide an integration of substantive and practical education in courses of study designed to prepare students for a variety of career choices in law, public service, social systems and private enterprises.
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 54 SH.
| Criminal Justice CORE | |
| MIS 155 Information Technology (IL) | 3 SH |
| JLA 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice I (FY) | 3 SH |
| JLA 150 Introduction to Criminal Justice II | 3 SH |
| JLA 170 Introduction to American Law | 3 SH |
| JLA 200 Writing for Justice Professions (W2) | 3 SH |
| JLA 201 Criminology | 3 SH |
| JLA 205 Juvenile Delinquency | 3 SH |
| JLA 210 Criminal Law | 3 SH |
| JLA 240 Commercial Law | 3 SH |
| JLA 315 Police Administration and Organization | 3 SH |
| JLA 322 Constitutional Law | 3 SH |
| JLA 400 Research Methodology in JLA | 3 SH |
| JLA 405 Research Seminar in Justice and Law Administration (CE, W3) | 3 SH |
| Criminology Option | |
| JLA 334 Organized Crime | 3 SH |
| JLA 336 White Collar Crime | 3 SH |
| JLA 410 Advanced Criminology | 3 SH |
| Two electives (6 SH) from the list below: | 6 SH |
| JLA/WS 301 Women & Criminal Justice, JLA 345 Sem. In Violent Crime, JLA 346 Sem. in Sex Crimes, JLA 347 Domestic & International Terrorism, JLA 348 Visual Criminology, JLA 332 Crime Mapping, JLA 349 Justice & Law Practicum | |
| COGNATES | |
| PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology | 3 SH |
| PS 102 American Government (CT) | 3 SH |
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics (QR) | 3 SH |
| Minimum GPA for the BS in JLA = 2.0 | |
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad/academic-programs-degrees/
Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the general education breadth requirement. If cognate courses are required, they are included in the list of courses required in the major.
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BS Criminal Justice: Criminology option
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| JLA 100 Intro to Criminal Justice I (FY) | 3 | JLA 150 Intro to Criminal Justice II | 3 |
| MIS 155 Information Technology (IL) OR PS 102 American Government (CT) | 3 | MIS 155 Information Technology (IL) OR PS 102 American Government (CT) | 3 |
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics (QR) OR Free Elective | 3-4 | MAT 120 Elementary Statistics (QR) OR Free Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Intercultural Competency (IC) | 3 | PSY 100 Intro to Psychology | 3 |
| JLA 170 Intro to American Law | 3 | WRT 101 Composition I (W1) | 3 |
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| JLA 200 Writing for Justice Professions OR Gen Ed: Breadth | 3 | JLA 200 Writing for Justice Professions (W2) OR Gen Ed: Breadth | 3 |
| JLA 201 Criminology OR JLA 205 Juvenile Delinquency | 3 | JLA 201 Criminology OR JLA 205 Juvenile Delinquency | 3 |
| JLA 210 Criminal Law OR JLA 240 Commercial Law | 3 | JLA 210 Criminal Law OR JLA 240 Commercial Law | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Oral Communication (OC) | 3 | Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP) | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 1 | 3 | Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 2 | 3 |
| Semester 5 | SH | Semester 6 | SH |
| JLA 322 Constitutional Law | 3 | JLA 315 Police Administration & Organization | 3 |
| JLA 334 Organized Crime | 3 | JLA 336 White Collar Crime | 3 |
| JLA Elective 1 | 3 | JLA Elective 2 | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 3 | 3 | Gen Ed: Scientific Inquiry (SI) | 4 |
| Free elective | 3 | Gen Ed: Health and Wellness (HW) | 2 |
| Semester 7 | SH | Semester 8 | SH |
| JLA 400 Research Methodology | 3 | JLA 405 Research Seminar in JLA (CE, W3) | 3 |
| JLA 410 Advanced Criminology | 3 | Free electives | 12 |
| Free Electives | 9 | ||
| Total Credits Required for the BS in JLA = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0. | |||
*Students who enrolled in a 3 SH First Year Navigation course do not need to add a free elective.
BS Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement Option
Description: The mission of the Division of Justice and Law Administration (JLA) is to provide an integration of substantive and practical education in courses of study designed to prepare students for a variety of career choices in law, public service, social systems and private enterprises.
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 54 SH.
| Criminal Justice CORE | |
| MIS 155 Information Technology (IL) | 3 SH |
| JLA 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice I (FY) | 3 SH |
| JLA 150 Introduction to Criminal Justice II | 3 SH |
| JLA 170 Introduction to American Law | |
| JLA 200 Writing for Justice Professions (W2) | 3 SH |
| JLA 201 Criminology | 3 SH |
| JLA 205 Juvenile Delinquency | 3 SH |
| JLA 210 Criminal Law | 3 SH |
| JLA 240 Commercial Law | 3 SH |
| JLA 315 Police Administration & Organization | 3 SH |
| JLA 322 Constitutional Law | 3 SH |
| JLA 400 Research Methodology in JLA | 3 SH |
| JLA 405 Research Seminar in Justice and Law Administration (CE, W3) | 3 SH |
| Law Enforcement Option | |
| JLA 212 The Police and Social Order | 3 SH |
| JLA 300 Management Issues in Law Enforcement (JLA 212 pre-req) | 3 SH |
| JLA 323 Criminal Procedure and Process | 3 SH |
| Two approved JLA Electives (6 SH): consult your advisor | 6 SH |
| COGNATES | |
| PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology | 3 SH |
| PS 102 American Government (CT) | 3 SH |
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics (QR) | 3 SH |
| Minimum GPA for the BS in JLA = 2.0 | |
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad/academic-programs-degrees/
Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the general education breadth requirement. If cognate courses are required, they are included in the list of courses required in the major.
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BS Criminal Justice: Law Enforcement option
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| JLA 100 Intro to Criminal Justice I (FY) | 3 | JLA 150 Intro to Criminal Justice II | 3 |
| MIS 155 Information Technology (IL) OR PS 102 American Government (CT) | 3 | MIS 155 Information Technology (IL) OR PS 102 American Government (CT) | 3 |
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics (QR) OR Free Elective | 3-4 | MAT 120 Elementary Statistics (QR) OR Free Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Intercultural Competency (IC) | 3 | PSY 100 Intro to Psychology | 3 |
| JLA 170 Intro to American Law | 3 | WRT 101 Composition I (W1) | 3 |
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| JLA 200 Writing for Justice Professions OR Gen Ed: Breadth | 3 | JLA 200 Writing for Justice Professions (W2) OR Gen Ed: Breadth | 3 |
| JLA 201 Criminology OR JLA 205 Juvenile Delinquency | 3 | JLA 201 Criminology OR JLA 205 Juvenile Delinquency | 3 |
| JLA 212 The Police and Social Order | 3 | JLA Elective 1 | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Oral Communication (OC) | 3 | Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP) | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 1 | 3 | Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 2 | 3 |
| Semester 5 | SH | Semester 6 | SH |
| JLA 322 Constitutional Law | 3 | JLA 315 Police Administration & Organization | 3 |
| JLA 210 Criminal Law OR JLA 240 Commercial Law | 3 | JLA 210 Criminal Law OR JLA 240 Commercial Law | 3 |
| JLA 300 Management Issues in Law Enforcement | 3 | JLA 323 Criminal Procedure & Process | 3 |
| JLA Elective 2 | 3 | Gen Ed: Scientific Inquiry (SI) | 4 |
| Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 3 | 3 | Gen Ed: Health and Wellness (HW) | 2 |
| Semester 7 | SH | Semester 8 | SH |
| JLA 400 Research Methodology | 3 | JLA 405 Research Seminar in JLA (CE, W3) | 3 |
| Free Electives | 12 | Free Electives | 12 |
| Total Credits Required for the BS in JLA = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0. | |||
*Students who enrolled in a 3 SH First Year Navigation course do not need to add a free elective.
BS Criminal Justice: Legal Studies Option
Description: The mission of the Division of Justice and Law Administration (JLA) is to provide an integration of substantive and practical education in courses of study designed to prepare students for a variety of career choices in law, public service, social systems and private enterprises.
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 54 SH.
| Criminal Justice CORE | |
| MIS 155 Information Technology (IL) | 3 SH |
| JLA 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice I (FY) | 3 SH |
| JLA 150 Introduction to Criminal Justice II | 3 SH |
| JLA 170 Introduction to American Law | 3 SH |
| JLA 200 Writing for Justice Professions (W2) | 3 SH |
| JLA 201 Criminology | 3 SH |
| JLA 205 Juvenile Delinquency | 3 SH |
| JLA 210 Criminal Law | 3 SH |
| JLA 240 Commercial Law | 3 SH |
| JLA 315 Police Administration and Organization | 3 SH |
| JLA 322 Constitutional Law | 3 SH |
| JLA 400 Research Methodology in JLA | 3 SH |
| JLA 405 Research Seminar in Justice and Law Administration (CE, W3) | 3 SH |
| Legal Studies Option | |
| JLA /WRT 321W Legal Writing, Research & Analysis | 3 SH |
| JLA 323 Criminal Procedure and Process | 3 SH |
| JLA 408 Human Rights: With Liberty and Justice for All | 3 SH |
| Two approved JLA Electives (6 SH): consult your advisor | 6 SH |
| COGNATES | |
| PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology | 3 SH |
| PS 102 American Government (CT) | 3 SH |
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics (QR) | 3 SH |
| Minimum GPA for the BS in JLA = 2.0 | |
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad/academic-programs-degrees/
Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the general education breadth requirement. If cognate courses are required, they are included in the list of courses required in the major.
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BS Criminal Justice – Legal Studies option:
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| JLA 100 Intro to Criminal Justice I (FY) | 3 | JLA 150 Intro to Criminal Justice II | 3 |
| MIS 155 Information Technology (IL) OR PS 102 American Government (CT) | 3 | MIS 155 Information Technology (IL) OR PS 102 American Government (CT) | 3 |
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics (QR) OR Free Elective | 3-4 | MAT 120 Elementary Statistics (QR) OR Free Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Intercultural Competency (IC) | 3 | PSY 100 Intro to Psychology | 3 |
| JLA 170 Intro to American Law | 3 | WRT 101 Composition I (W1) | 3 |
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| JLA 200 Writing for Justice Professions (W2) OR Gen Ed: Breadth | 3 | JLA 200 Writing for Justice Professions (W2) OR Gen Ed: Breadth | 3 |
| JLA 201 Criminology OR JLA 205 Juvenile Delinquency | 3 | JLA 201 Criminology OR JLA 205 Juvenile Delinquency | 3 |
| JLA 210 Criminal Law OR JLA 240 Commercial Law | 3 | JLA 210 Criminal Law OR JLA 240 Commercial Law | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Oral Communication (OC) | 3 | Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP) | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 1 | 3 | Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 2 | 3 |
| Semester 5 | SH | Semester 6 | SH |
| JLA 322 Constitutional Law | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| JLA/WRT 321 Legal Writing, Research & Analysis | 3 | JLA 323 Criminal Procedure & Process | 3 |
| JLA Elective 1 | 3 | JLA Elective 2 | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 3 | 3 | Gen Ed: Scientific Inquiry (SI) | 4 |
| JLA 315 Police Administration & Organization | 3 | Gen Ed: Health and Wellness (HW) | 2 |
| Semester 7 | SH | Semester 8 | SH |
| JLA 400 Research Methodology | 3 | JLA 405 Research Seminar in JLA (CE, W3) | 3 |
| JLA 408 Human Rights: With Liberty & Justice for All | 3 | Free Electives | 12 |
| Free Electives | 9 | ||
| Total Credits Required for the BS in JLA = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0. | |||
*Students who enrolled in a 3 SH First Year Navigation course do not need to add a free elective.
BS Criminal Justice: Homeland Security Option
Description: The mission of the Division of Justice and Law Administration (JLA) is to provide an integration of substantive and practical education in courses of study designed to prepare students for a variety of career choices in law, public service, social systems and private enterprises.
Degree Requirements
All degrees at WCSU require 120 semester hours (SH). This includes major requirements, general education requirements, cognates (where applicable), and free electives. This structure provides room for minors, internships, and study abroad.
Required Courses in the Major: 54 SH.
| Criminal Justice CORE | |
| MIS 155 Information Technology (IL) | 3 SH |
| JLA 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice I | 3 SH |
| JLA 150 Introduction to Criminal Justice II | 3 SH |
| JLA 170 Introduction to American Law | 3 SH |
| JLA 200 Writing for Justice Professions (W2) | 3 SH |
| JLA 201 Criminology | 3 SH |
| JLA 205 Juvenile Delinquency | 3 SH |
| JLA 210 Criminal Law | 3 SH |
| JLA 240 Commercial Law | 3 SH |
| JLA 315 Police Administration and Organization | 3 SH |
| JLA 322 Constitutional Law | 3 SH |
| JLA 400 Research Methodology in JLA | 3 SH |
| JLA 405 Research Seminar in Justice and Law Administration (CE, W3) | 3 SH |
| Homeland Security Option (15 SH) | |
| JLA 260 Intro to Homeland Security | 3 SH |
| JLA 347 Justice Issues in Domestic & International Terrorism | 3 SH |
| JLA 360 Advanced Issues in Homeland Security | 3 SH |
| JLA 460 Legal Issues in Homeland Security | 3 SH |
| One elective from the list below: | 3 SH |
| JLA 370 Crime Mapping, JLA 380 Data Analytics, JLA 390 Legal Forensics & Cyber Security | |
| COGNATES | |
| PSY 100 Introduction to Psychology | 3 SH |
| PS 102 American Government (CT) | 3 SH |
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics (QR) | 3 SH |
| Minimum GPA for the BS in JLA = 2.0 | |
General Education: All students must complete the General Education curriculum. General Education Requirements include both competency and breadth requirements. In some cases, major courses will satisfy competencies. These are indicated in the parentheses after the course title. For a complete description of the General Education program, follow this link. https://catalogs.wcsu.edu/ugrad/academic-programs-degrees/
Cognates: In some programs there are courses outside of the major that are required as pre-requisites or enhancements to the major course work. These courses may satisfy competencies and they will count toward the general education breadth requirement. If cognate courses are required, they are included in the list of courses required in the major.
Electives: All degrees require 120 semester hours. Elective credits are opportunities for minors, internships, study abroad, and just following general interests. We encourage all students to speak with their advisors about great opportunities for their elective courses.
Sample Four Year Plan: BS Criminal Justice: Homeland Security option
Four-year plans are suggestions. Plans change. Consult your advisor to adjust your plan.
| Semester 1 | SH | Semester 2 | SH |
| JLA 100 Intro to Criminal Justice I (FY) | 3 | JLA 150 Intro to Criminal Justice II | 3 |
| MIS 155 Information Technology (IL) OR PS 102 American Government (CT) | 3 | MIS 155 Information Technology (IL) OR PS 102 American Government (CT) | 3 |
| MAT 120 Elementary Statistics (QR) OR Free Elective | 3 | MAT 120 Elementary Statistics (QR) OR Free Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Intercultural Competency (IC) | 3 | PSY 100 Intro to Psychology | 3 |
| JLA 170 Intro to American Law | 3 | WRT 101 Composition I (W1) | 3 |
| Semester 3 | SH | Semester 4 | SH |
| JLA 200 Writing for Justice Professions (W2) OR Gen Ed: Breadth | 3 | JLA 200 Writing for Justice Professions OR Gen Ed: Breadth | 3 |
| JLA 201 Criminology OR JLA 205 Juvenile Delinquency | 3 | JLA 201 Criminology OR JLA 205 Juvenile Delinquency | 3 |
| JLA 170 Intro to American Law | 3 | JLA 260 Intro to Homeland Security | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Oral Communication (OC) | 3 | Gen Ed: Creative Thinking (CT) | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Creative Process (CP) | 3 | Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 1 | 3 |
| Semester 5 | SH | Semester 6 | SH |
| JLA 315 Police Administration & Organization | 3 | Free Elective | 3 |
| JLA 347 Justice Issues in D & I Terrorism | 3 | JLA 210 Criminal Law OR JLA 240 Commercial Law | 3 |
| JLA 210 Criminal Law OR JLA 240 Commercial Law | 3 | JLA 360 Advanced Issues in Homeland Security | 3 |
| JLA Homeland Security Elective | 3 | Gen Ed: Scientific Inquiry (SI) | 4 |
| Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 2 | 3 | Gen Ed: Health and Wellness (HW) | 2 |
| Semester 7 | SH | Semester 8 | SH |
| JLA 400 Research Methodology | 3 | JLA 405 Research Seminar in JLA (CE, W3) | 3 |
| JLA 460 Legal Issues in Homeland Security | 3 | JLA 460 Legal Issues in Homeland Security OR Free Elective | 3 |
| Gen Ed: Repeat Competency 3 | 3 | Free Electives (3) | 9 |
| Free Electives | 6 | ||
| Total Credits Required for the BS in JLA = 120; Minimum GPA 2.0. | |||
Additional Requirements of the Division of Justice and Law Administration
The Division of JLA is a unit of the SPS, yet because of its division status, it maintains some difference in its requirements from departments of the SPS. All requirements not delineated here are covered under the requirements of the SPS.
Admission to the Division of Justice and Law Administration
JLA adheres to the admission standards/requirements of the SPS.
Good Academic Standing and Graduation Requirement
In order to continue in good standing and graduate from the JLA Division and the SPS, a student must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better.
The Division of JLA adheres strictly to the following policies of the SPS: academic probation and suspension, readmission to the SPS, other academic policies and course loads for full-time students.
Minor in Justice & Law Administration (18 SH)
Please see your advisor to review all program requirements.
Required Courses (9 SH):
JLA 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice I
JLA 150 Introduction to Criminal Justice ll
JLA 322 Constitutional Law
Three (3) Approved JLA courses selected under the supervision of a JLA adviser (9 SH)
To be accepted for the minor, a student must have an overall average of 2.0 or better. An average of 2.0 in all minor courses must be maintained to fulfill the requirements for the minor.