Criminal Justice: Police, Courts and Corrections

Bachelor of Science Degree

The Bachelor of Science program in Criminal Justice: Police, Courts, and Corrections prepares students for careers in law enforcement and corrections on the local, state, and federal levels. Career opportunities for graduates also exist with the courts, as well as with private police and military police forces. 

The program blends coursework in patrol operations, homeland security and counterterrorism, courts and the judiciary, probation and parole, privacy law, civil rights and liberties, law enforcement administration, leadership and ethics, intelligence operations, and intelligence analysis to provide students with the ability to develop tactical and strategic plans to reduce crime and protect society.

The goal of this program is to produce graduates with a critical understanding of criminal justice agency operations, theories, and practices, crime and its causes, how intelligence operations and analysis can improve the ability of the police to counter terrorism and crime and who are prepared to use modern criminal justice agency operations and specialized approaches in the design of crime reduction programs.

Typical Employment Opportunities:

Police and Sherrif's Patrol Officers
Transit and Railroad Police
New York Detectives and Criminal Investigators
New York State Probation Office and Correctional Treatment Specialist

Criminal Justice: Police, Courts, and Corrections (BS) Program Objectives:

  • Graduates will be able to utilize intelligence operations and analysis in the design of police strategic and tactical planning efforts.
  • Graduates will be able to undertake and complete the design and implementation of criminal justice agency  programs aimed at reducing crime.
  • Graduates will be able to develop an assessment program which measures and evaluates criminal justice agency performance.
  • Graduates will be able to formulate and interpret policies the impact the criminal justice system in its efforts toward public safety.

Admission to Farmingdale State College - State University of New York is based on the qualifications of the applicant without regard to age, sex, marital or military status, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or sexual orientation.

Center for Criminal Justice Studies |  | criminaljustice@farmingdale.edu | 934-420-2692

Fall 2023

Subject to revision

Liberal Arts and Sciences (37 credits)
EGL 101 Composition I: College Writing (GE) 3
SPE 130 Public Speaking (GE) 3
MTH 110 Statistics (GE) 3
Humanities (GE) 3
The Arts (GE) 3
US History and Civic Engagement/World History and Global Awareness(GE) 3
Natural Sciences and Scientific Reasoning with a lab (GE) 4
PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology (GE) 3
SOC 122 Introduction to Sociology (GE) 3
World Languages (GE) 3
SOC 229 Race and Ethnic Relations (GE) OR
SOC 231 Multiculturalism (GE) 3
EGL 102 Composition II: Writing About Literature 3
Required: Lower Division (39-40 credits)
GEO 110 Maps and Map Analysis 3
CRJ 100 Intro to Criminal Justice 3
CRJ 101 Law Enforcement and Community Relations 3
CRJ 102 Juvenile Delinquency 3
CRJ 105 Corrections in America 3
SST 115 Computer Forensics 3
CRJ 200 Criminal Investigation 3
CRJ 201 Criminalistics 3
CRJ 203 Criminology 3
CRJ 204 Criminal Law 3
CRJ 205 Criminal Procedure Law 3
CRJ 211 Law Enforcement Administration 3
FYE 101 First Year Experience* 1
Free Electives 3
Required: Upper Division (47 credits)
SOC 366 Sociological Research Methods 3
HIS 341 Terrorism & Modern World 3
PSY 315 Abnormal Psychology 3
Upper Division Technical Elective 6
CRJ 350 Courts and the Judiciary 3
CRJ 360 Probation and Parole 3
CRJ 370 Patrol Operations 4
CRJ 374 Intelligence Operations 4
CRJ 380 Homeland Security and Counterterrorism 3
CRJ 405 Corrections and Reentry 3
CRJ 425 Policy and Program Evaluation 3
CRJ 450 Privacy and Equality 3
CRJ 454 Ethics and Leadership in Criminal Justice 3
CRJ 460W Senior Project (Capstone) 3
Total Credits 124-125

*FYE 101 First Year Experience, is required only for first-time full time freshman students beginning in Fall 2023

Curriculum Summary

Degree Type: BS
Total Required Credits: 123

Please refer to the General Education, Applied Learning, and Writing Intensive requirement sections of the College Catalog and consult with your advisor to ensure that graduation requirements are satisfied.

As a part of the SUNY General Education Framework, all first-time full time Freshman at Farmingdale State College (FSC) beginning Fall 2023, are required to develop knowledge and skills in Diversity: Equity, Inclusion, and Social Justice (DEISJ). Students will be able to fulfill this requirement at FSC by taking a specially designated DEISJ course that has been developed by faculty and approved by the DEISJ Review Board. DEISJ-approved courses will be developed in accordance with the guiding principles and criteria outlined below. DEISJ-approved courses may meet other General Education Knowledge and Skills areas and/or core competencies and thus be dually designated. DEISJ-approved courses may also earn other special designations such as those for Applied Learning or Writing Intensive.

Technical electives may be selected from the following list:  

Any 100, 200, 300 or 400-level CRJ or GEO course from an accredited program
CRJ 309 Crime, Justice, and the Media
CRJ 316 Victimology
CRJ 354 Police Leadership
CRJ 355 Mental Health and Criminal Justice
CRJ 380 Organized Crime
CRJ 444 Intelligence Analysis
CRJ 458 Criminal Justice Internship
PSY 300/CRJ 300 Forensic Psychology
PSY 304 Multicultural Psychology
PSY 311 Organizational Behavior
PSY 331 Industrial/Organizational Psychology
GEO 323 Urban Geography
GEO 221 Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS 222)
GEO 321 Geographic Information and Spatial Analysis (GIS 331)
POL 310 Introduction to Political Theory
SOC 325 Social Inequality
SOC 342 Deviance: Crime, Sex and Drugs

EGL 101 Composition I: College Writing

This is the first part of a required sequence in college essay writing. Students learn to view writing as a process that involves generating ideas, formulating and developing a thesis, structuring paragraphs and essays, as well as revising and editing drafts. The focus is on the development of critical and analytical thinking. Students also learn the correct and ethical use of print and electronic sources. At least one research paper is required. A grade of C or higher is a graduation requirement. Note: Students passing a departmental diagnostic exam given on the first day of class will remain in EGL 101; all others will be placed in EGL 097. Prerequisite is any of the following: successful completion of EGL 097; an SAT essay score (taken prior to March 1, 2016) of 7 or higher; an SAT essay score (taken after March 1, 2016) of 5 or higher; on-campus placement testing.

SPE 130 Public Speaking

This course prepares students in the following areas of effective expository and persuasive public speaking: audience analysis; topic selection; appropriate use and documentation of supporting material; organization and outlining techniques; aspects of delivery which include appropriate eye contact, posture, use of notes, elements of voice such as rate and volume, and the use of presentational visual aids. Group discussion and problem solving exercises will also be provided, and students will engage in peer feedback throughout the course.

MTH 110 Statistics

Basic concepts of probability and statistical inference. Included are the binominal, normal, and chi-square distributions. Practical applications are examined. Computer assignments using Minitab form an integral part of the course. Prerequisite(s): MP2 or MTH 015

PSY 101 Introduction to Psychology

This course is designed to present basic psychological concepts and to introduce students to the scientific study of behavior. Core topics include methods of psychological research, the biological bases of behavior, principles of learning, memory and cognition, personality, and psychopathology. Other selected topics to be covered would include the following: motivation and emotion, life-span development, social psychology, health psychology, sensation and perception, intelligence, human sexuality, statistics, and altered states of consciousness.

SOC 122 Introduction to Sociology

This is an introductory course designed to familiarize students with the field of sociology. In addition to learning about the central concepts and major theoretical sociological perspectives, students study human behavior in groups, the organization of social life, the impact of social institutions on individuals, and the process of sociological research. Great emphasis is also placed upon development of students’ “sociological imagination” – specifically, the ability to understand the ways that our individual lives are shaped by larger social forces and institutions. Note: Students cannot earn credit for SOC 122 and SOC 122W SOC 122W can be used to fulfill the writing intensive requirement.

SOC 229 Race and Ethnic Relations

This course provides a sociological perspective on race and ethnic relations. Such a perspective suggests that racial and ethnic categories are social constructs that result from historical struggles over economic resources, political access, and cultural identity. Furthermore such a perspective demonstrates that racism and ethnic prejudice are not simply the properties of individuals. This class will examine the intersection of racial and ethnic conflict with a variety of other ideas and structures in society in order to reveal the ways in which race continues to matter. Prerequisite(s): SOC 122 or ANT 100

SOC 231 Multiculturalism

This course explores the wide variety of cultures that currently exist in the United States. In addition to different racial and ethnic cultures, we also consider class cultures, religious cultures and LGBTQ cultures. Significant time is devoted to examining the values, norms and everyday life of different cultures as well as the ways that different cultures (and the people from those cultures) interact. Multicultural social policy issues and media representations of different cultures are also analyzed. Prerequisite(s): SOC 122

EGL 102 Composition II: Writing About Literature

This is the second part of the required introductory English composition sequence. This course builds on writing skills developed in EGL 101, specifically the ability to write analytical and persuasive essays and to use research materials correctly and effectively. Students read selections from different literary genres (poetry, drama, and narrative fiction). Selections from the literature provide the basis for analytical and critical essays that explore the ways writers use works of the imagination to explore human experience. Grade of C or higher is a graduation requirement. Prerequisite(s): EGL 101

GEO 110 Maps and Map Analysis

This course is an introduction to the study and design of map formats, symbology, coordinate systems, and how maps record the historical patterns of human behavior. The course will also examine maps as a tool to analyze human activity and societal development, and include important aspects of map data collection, processing, the Global Positioning System (GPS), quantitative mapping, and GIS-based mapmaking techniques. Note: Students who take GEO 110 may not receive credit for GIS 101

CRJ 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice

In this introductory course, the roots of the criminal justice system will be explored, along with the specific processes of law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. The understanding of Supreme Court cases will be connected to these areas of the system. Further understanding will be developed in areas of theory, crime elements and crime trends. Current issues in the criminal justice system will also be discussed.

CRJ 101 Law Enforcement and Community Relations

This course considers the functions of law enforcement in modern society. Emphasis will be placed on the numerous and complex factors involved in the areas of human relations, including culture and environment. The intricacies of communication, perception, and body language will be a connector to the examination of bias, prejudice and discrimination. Documented law enforcement and community interactions will be examined in relationship to agency policy, the courts and public sentiment.

CRJ 102 Juvenile Delinquency and Justice

This course discusses this unique population through theory and the processes of the courts and juvenile justice systems. Juveniles represent a special population within the justice system, with differences in explanations of delinquency and treatment. Methods of rehabilitation and sanctioning will be explored, along with assessment, screening, and referral procedures. The policies and laws that frame the treatment of juveniles will further students’ understanding of system behavior.

CRJ 105 Corrections in America

This course will discuss the history of the US correctional systems as a series of penal reforms. It will also explore the theoretical principles and critiques that direct and influence correctional policies and practices, past and present. In addition, it will investigate the populations and operations of various correctional institutions and programs: inmates and offices, jails, prisons, and community forms of correction. It will further assess the problems and challenges of current correctional practices: aging populations, mental illness, and HIV/AIDS. Moreover, it will consider the future of corrections in the context of what has been called "a culture of control".

SST 115 Computer Forensics

This course will introduce basic concepts of computer and digital hardware and software as they apply to challenges of computer and mobile forensics, including the process of analysis and examination of operating systems and file systems. Students will learn differences in evidence locations and examination techniques on Windows and Linux computers, as well as for common mobile devices. A concise survey of standard forensics tools commonly used in forensics investigations will be presented and reviewed for their latest features and applications. Legal issues governing the collection and handling of digital evidence will be explored.

CRJ 200 Criminal Investigation

Introduction to criminal investigation, technical methods used at the crime scene; development of clues, identification of suspects; criminal investigation procedures including the theory of an investigation; conduct at crime scenes; collection and preservation of physical evidence, analysis of the elements that constitute all crimes. Note: The course may be offered as a writing intensive course at the discretion of the Criminal Justice Department. Students cannot get credit for both CRJ 200 and CRJ 200W. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 100

CRJ 201 Criminalistics

The role of the Crime Laboratory in the law enforcement organization; scope of a criminalistic operation; organizational orientation of the criminalistics laboratory. Reconstruction of the crime scene through computer animation methods. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 100 and CRJ 200

CRJ 203 Criminology

This course introduces anthropological, biological, economic, ecological, philosophical, psychiatric, and sociological theories of criminal behavior. The functions of punishment and methods of crime reduction will be connected to theoretical concepts. Crime trends and patterns will be explored through the examination of Uniform Crime Reports, the National Crime Victimization Survey, and local sources. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 100

CRJ 204 Criminal Law

The course introduces students to the criminal law system and its function within the criminal justice system, specifically through the discussion of New York State Penal Law. The course will examine offense types and degrees, as well as the elements of specified offenses, with reference to principal rules of criminal liability. Students will employ the case analysis method to study case precedents. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 100

CRJ 205 Criminal Procedure Law

This course focuses on the rules of evidence, operation, and policy that make up criminal procedure. Emphasis will be placed on New York Criminal Procedure Law and its rules regarding arrest, force, and search and seizure. Case Tracking tools that are used within prosecution and court units and systems will be discussed, as well as methods of determining trends in practice and rule effectiveness. Students will be able to apply fact patterns to procedure. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 204

CRJ 211 Law Enforcement Administration

Principles of organization and management in law enforcement and public safety. Analysis of the major problems in police organization and administration. Developing, maintaining and using complex and multiple information systems for crime trends as well as internal organizational operations; use of management control systems and associated computer information analysis and simulation tools for police patrol planning and evaluation. Examination of the role of technology in the police crime prevention function. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 100, 101

FYE 101 First Year Experience

This course is designed to assist new students in acclimating, connecting, and adjusting to the college campus and experience. Through presentations, discussions and group work, students will become familiar with college resources and learn strategies for academic success. Students will also be introduced to the values and ethical principles of the College and encouraged to reflect on their role/responsibilities as college students. Topics include time management, study skills, stress management, goal setting, course and career planning, self-assessment and awareness, and the development of wellness strategies. Note: Students completing FYE 101 may not receive credit for FRX101, FYS 101, or RAM 101. Credits 1 (1.0)

SOC 366 Sociological Research Methods

In this course, we develop an understanding of the different types of research methods used by sociologists (and other social scientists) to study the social world. The class begins with a discussion of the fundamental concepts of social science research and the ethical issues involved. Students will learn how to conduct basic qualitative and quantitative research - the ability to formulate research questions, methods of research design, strategies for collecting information and data, as well as the ability to analyze and present statistical data. Great emphasis is placed on students doing research projects in and outside of class. Prerequisite(s): Any 200 Level Sociology course.

HIS 341 Terrorism and the Modern World

This course traces the global impact of terror and terrorism since the first use of the term in 1795. Much of the course focuses on the use of political violence by non-state actors and revolutionary organizations operating both at a domestic and international level. We will compare and contrast the various "waves" of terror which have gripped the globe since the late 1800s and analyze the similarities and differences between groups such as the IRA, the Ku Klux Klan, and al Qaeda. We will also explore state-based terror, specifically the use of fear, surveillance, and the secret police by various regimes in the 19th and 20th centuries. The role of media as an enabler of terrorism and terrorists will also be an important theme throughout the semester. Prerequisite(s): Any 200-level or higher HIS/POL/GEO course or Junior Status

PSY 315 Abnormal Psychology

In this course the student will learn about concepts, theories, and issues in psychopathology (the study of mental illness and behavioral disorders). Topics may include historical background, mental health professionals, legal issues, normality/abnormality, etiology/assessment/ diagnosis/therapy, anxiety/stress/depression, personality disorders, sexual deviance, schizophrenia, neurological dysfunction, substance abuse, and psychophysiological disorders. The applications of psychology to personal problem solving will also be explored. Prerequisite(s): PSY 101

CRJ 350 Courts and the Judiciary

In this course, students will analyze the administration of justice in the United States. Topics include common and statutory law, the policy of stare decisis, constitutional law, due process, court administration, the exclusionary rule, courtroom procedure (the role of the police, prosecutor, defense counsel, judge, grand jury, trial jury), federal courts (federal criminal law, judges, attorney generals, U.S. marshals, and the judicial districts), state courts (types and jurisdiction, relationship to federal courts), and the U.S. Supreme Court (constitutional law, justices, and appellate jurisdiction). Prerequisite(s): CRJ 204 and CRJ 205 both with a grade of C- or higher

CRJ 360 Probation and Parole

This course will explore the history and philosophy of probation and parole in the United States, with an emphasis on the systems of New York State. Topics include an examination of the nature, characteristics, and scope of parole and probation operations, as well as the impact of supervision and alternatives to incarceration on the function of the criminal justice system. Students will assess treatment, rehabilitation, deterrence, and retribution functions and will explore sentencing models. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 105 and Junior level status

CRJ 370 Patrol Operations

This course focuses on the policies and procedures related to the function of police patrols, including communication issues and community relations. Topics include law enforcement philosophies and theories, community policing, the importance of written and verbal communication in the patrol process, ethical considerations, officer safety, and criminal investigation. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 200

CRJ 374 Intelligence Operations

This course prepares students to analyze a wide range of data in crime investigations, and includes training in software that is used in the field. Students will apply basic analytical techniques and intelligence training. Topics include sources of information, the information process, general research methods, critical thinking, statistical approaches, crime analysis, data association, inference development, information flow and classification, and telephone and financial analysis. In-class exercises will support additional applied learning topics. Prerequisite(s): SST 115 and CRJ 200

CRJ 380 Homeland Security and Counterterrorism

This course provides an in-depth study of the issues leading to terrorist activities and the multiple approaches to dealing with terrorism in the context of homeland security. Students will examine the fundamental issues behind terrorism and the current responses to this threat. Topics will include the various modes of terrorism, the psychology of terrorism and prominent terrorist groups. In addition, students will evaluate international measures to curb terrorism, and explore the role of police, public and civil sectors, business and media interests in countering terrorist activities, as well as emerging trends in terrorism. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 211

CRJ 405 Corrections and Reentry

This course explores the important factors in the maintenance and supervision in correctional settings, as well as programs post-release. Students will assess and evaluate the current prison/jail population and extrapolate from the population of formerly incarcerated individuals. Students will examine the current programs to which inmates and supervised individuals are remanded, evaluate their effectiveness, and develop alternatives. This course will cover the constitutional amendments directly connected to corrections, with their ethical underpinnings, and examine the reintegration and supervision of individuals in the community. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 360

CRJ 425 Policy and Program Evaluation

This course examines policies and programs in the field of criminal justice through the lens of the evaluation hierarchy. Policies and programming efforts are central components of the criminal justice system, and the field is moving towards prioritizing evidence-based practices. The purpose of this course is to explore key ways to evaluate policies and programs. Specifically, students will learn about the importance of assessing the need for interventions, identifying the theoretical mechanisms for how policies and programs should achieve their goals, monitoring the implementation fidelity of policies· and programs, analyzing the effectiveness of the interventions, and conducting cost-efficiency evaluations. Policies and practices from each component of the criminal justice system - police, courts, and corrections will be evaluated. Prerequisite(s): SOC 366

CRJ 450 Privacy and Equality

This course will focus on the development of civil rights and liberties under the Bill of Rights, the Fourteenth Amendment, and legislative enactments. Students will examine the legal authority for privacy and equality in our governmental system. Topics will include individual liberties, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, due process, the right to privacy, equal treatment and equal protection under the law, and civil liberties in the criminal justice system. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 350

CRJ 454 Ethics and Leadership in Criminal Justice

This course provides an understanding of the role of integrity in leadership roles throughout the criminal justice system. Students will explore leadership and ethics as applied to police, courts and corrections, with particular emphasis on organizational culture. Students will trace the historical path of leadership and ethics, and the development of current practices. Topics will include solidarity, influence, power and authority, discretion, and communication. Prerequisite(s): CRJ 211 and CRJ 450

CRJ 460W Senior Project (capstone)Wrtg

Students in this course develop a criminal justice topic in the area of police, courts, corrections or intelligence that is of interest to both the student and a faculty member who shall act as project advisor. The project selected will utilize competencies acquired in criminal justice and related courses. Students will either develop an independent project or work with an advisor on on-going research. The advisor will work with the student to define the project based on the student’s academic and career path. Prerequisite(s): Senior status in Criminal Justice B. S. degree program

Last Modified 2/13/24