Criminal Justice Department
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The Department of Criminal Justice is an interdisciplinary major designed to provide students with a broad perspective of crime and criminal justice.
- The major blends the history, theories, and practical applications of Criminal Justice with Christian ethics.
- According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, job growth in the Criminal Justice field will continue to grow over the next decade.
- Graduates of YU's criminal justice program will be able to demonstrate a working understanding of law enforcement, courts and corrections.
Whether you see yourself as a future lawyer, federal agent, social worker, private investigator, community programmer, police officer our program will set you up for success. Position yourself for a successful career in criminal justice and explore all areas of the system as a criminal justice major.
A degree in communications provides the skills necessary to pursue rewarding careers or graduate studies in:
- Law Enforcement
- Corrections
- Law
- Criminology
- Human Services
- Homeland Security
- Public Policy
Some of the courses you may take include:
- Survey of Corrections
- Criminal Law
- Criminology
- Criminal Investigation
- Probation, Pardon and Parole
- Constitutional Law
- Courts and Courtroom Procedure
- Ethics and the Criminal Justice System
- Special Issues in Criminal Justice
- Research and Writing in Criminal Justice
- The learner will identify and demonstrate a working understanding of the major components of the criminal justice system (law enforcement, courts, and corrections).
- The learner will demonstrate a basic knowledge of procedural and evidentiary rules and the relationship between procedural and substantive law.
- The learner will understand and analyze legal concepts and terminology in substantive and procedural areas of criminal justice.
- The learner will apply criminal justice/criminological concepts and theories to real life applications in the field of criminal justice.
Meet Your Professor
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Dr. Brian Hempel
Chair of the Criminal Justice Department
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice
Dr. Brian Hempel's teaching expertise includes: criminal law, corrections, criminal investigations, ethics in the criminal justice system, as well as coursework in leadership, management, and decision-making during crises. Dr. Hempel's research interest includes leadership in law enforcement, decision-making in the criminal justice system, and providing insight to help those interested in criminal justice to be more well rounded individuals in the community.
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