Justice Studies

Mission

The Justice Studies program provides students with instruction in Criminal Justice and Legal Studies. The program focuses on law enforcement, criminology, law, legal studies, courts, juvenile justice, forensic studies, and corrections from a social science perspective. The program promotes principles of justice that enhance the criminal justice and legal professions and benefit the community at large. The program seeks to produce students who are critical and ethical thinkers, knowledgeable about issues of crime, law and justice, and appreciative and mindful of their civic and social responsibilities to provide service and leadership in their communities. The program provides students with the professional and academic preparation necessary for entry-level positions in public and private sectors. The program prepares students for successful graduate study and professionals with career-enhancing educational experiences.

Student Learning Outcomes – Criminal Justice

The curriculum prepares students for professional employment in the Criminal Justice field for various professional schools including law, social work, public administration and business administration; and for those who plan to obtain advanced degrees.

  • Students will evaluate issues in written form, applying industry-accepted analysis or instructed critical thinking techniques.
  • Students will evaluate ethical issues in the justice system to make informed decisions.
  • Students will write clearly, concisely, and professionally, using a discipline-specific format.
  • Students will deliver clear, organized, and professional oral presentations that demonstrate criminal justice expertise.
  • Students will apply knowledge of core areas within criminal justice.

Student Learning Outcomes – Legal Studies

The curriculum prepares students for support services in law firms, government offices, trust departments, real estate offices, accounting firms and other law related environments. Under a lawyer’s supervision, Legal Assistants or Paralegals perform a wide variety of functions. The curriculum prepares students for interviewing clients and witnesses, researching legal authority, analyzing factual and legal situations, and preparing documents and forms. The curriculum also prepares students for graduate work in Legal Studies or law school. 

  • Students will evaluate issues in written form, applying industry-accepted analysis or instructed critical thinking techniques.
  •  Students will evaluate ethical issues in the justice system to make informed decisions.
  • Students will obtain proficiency in legal research.
  • Students will apply knowledge of substantive law and procedural law.