Bulletin Year: 2023 - 2024 Graduate Bulletin | View the current NMU Catalog.

Courses

Search for courses listed in this bulletin. To find a semester course schedule (including instructors, meeting times and locations), go to mynmu.nmu.edu.

CJ 504 Graduate Seminar in Criminal Justice 4 cr.
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the master of science degree in criminal justice program or consent of instructor
Focus on the major issues that are confronting our system of justice in the U.S. today. Exploratory in nature, this foundation course will analyze the three component parts of the system and identify the nature and theoretical bases of each. Current criminological theory, relevant CJ databases, UCR and victimization surveys will be explored within the framework of the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights. Finally, this class will critically address major trends and problems that impact our overall system of justice from the perspective of public policy and decision making.
CJ 505 Advanced Criminology 4 cr.
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the master of science degree in criminal justice program or consent of instructor
An advanced classical and contemporary criminology course. Examines criminal behavior along distinct lines, including the causes of crime, the origins and definitions of criminality, and the reaction of society to deviance. The main emphasis in the course is the causal explanation of crime. Students will examine the theories of deviance and assess their utility for explaining criminal behavior.
CJ 507 Research Utilization in Criminal Justice 4 cr.
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the master of science degree in criminal justice program or consent of instructor
An introduction to research methods and statistics, with a strong emphasis on research utilization by criminal justice practitioners. In-depth study of the strengths, limitations and proper applications of the social science research methodologies, the nature of statistical data and the body of research literature in criminal justice. Objectives of the course are to (a) familiarize students with the available research literature, (b) develop a fundamental understanding of the strengths, weaknesses and proper application of the different research methodologies, (c) develop a fundamental understanding of statistical data analysis and (d) teach students to use the body of criminal justice and criminological research to solve problems within the field.
CJ 510 Planning Organizational Change in Criminal Justice Agencies 4 cr.
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the master of science degree in criminal justice program or consent of instructor
An examination of the theory and practice of organizational change and its influence on adapting to social demands and needs, integration of diversity needs of contemporary society, the diminishing importance and effectiveness of the bureaucratic model of organization, and the accommodation of new concepts affecting social and human values. Students will examine the practice and theory of organizational change, focusing on the development of a strategic planning process. Emphasis will be placed on designing programs in keeping with the principles, practices and theories of organizational change that can be effectively implemented, evaluated and modified as appropriate.
CJ 515 Contemporary Issues in American Policing 4 cr.  (4-0-0)
  • Graded: A/F
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the master of science degree program in criminal justice.

This course examines the nature of contemporary American law enforcement. A range of topics will be covered including new organizational designs for law enforcement agencies, the use of modern technologies, contemporary law enforcement practices for crime control, case studies in police corruption, and civil liability. The course is designed for the graduate student with a basic knowledge of the nature of American policing and its historical origins. Requirements include participation in weekly discussions, written homework assignments approximately every two to three weeks, a formal research paper, and the completion of a mid-term and final exam.

CJ 520 Contemporary Issues in American Corrections 4 cr.  (4-0-0)
  • Graded: A/F
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the master of science degree program in criminal justice.

This course examines the nature of the modern American correctional system which entails probation, parole, community corrections, jails and prisons. The course will involve an in-depth analysis of each component of the correctional system noting successful programs, problems, and future trends. Requirements include participation in weekly discussions, completion of written homework assignments approximately every two to three weeks, a formal research paper and the completion of a mid-term and final exam.

CJ 525 Transnational Crimes 4 cr.  (4-0-0)
  • Graded: A/F
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the master of science degree program in criminal justice.

This course examines the nature of and challenges for responding to transnational crimes including wildlife, drug and human trafficking, money laundering, counterfeiting, cyber fraud and the international weapons trade along with national and international efforts to prevent such offenses. Requirements include participation in weekly discussions, completion of written homework assignments approximately every two to three weeks, and the completion of a mid-term and final exam.

CJ 530 Principles of Criminal Justice Management 4 cr.
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the master of science degree in criminal justice program or consent of instructor
Theoretical and applied perspectives of criminal justice management. Current research in the field and how that research is incorporated into current organizational practice. Special focus will be on the critical roles that decision making, communication and ethics play in the leadership of agencies and how these core management issues are affected by the culture and traditions of the agency.
CJ 590 Policy Paper Research 1-4 cr.  (4-0-0)
  • Graded: S/U
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the master of science degree program in criminal justice.

Students write a formal research paper on a criminal justice policy of no less than 20 pages and submit it for grading to their three-person graduate faculty committee. The paper is designed to assess the student’s ability to conduct research and write at a master’s level. Furthermore, it will assess the student’s ability to describe the origins, development and implementation of a criminal justice policy and critically analyze its impact including intended and unintended consequences. The student will work with their committee chair to select a topic and prepare their paper.

CJ 597 Teaching/Research Apprenticeship 1-4 cr.
  • Prerequisites: CJ 504
Directed graduate-level activities in either research or teaching at the undergraduate level. Graduate students taking the course will work under the close supervision of their committee chair on pre-determined research projects or teaching assistance within the Criminal Justice Department.
CJ 598 Directed Study in Criminal Justice 1-4 cr.
  • Graded: A/F
  • Prerequisites: Consent of instructor and department head
Independent study under the supervision of a member of the department. Supervisor and study must be selected prior to enrollment in the course and appropriate directed study forms must be completed.
CJ 599 Criminal Justice Thesis Research 1-4 cr.
  • Graded: S/U
  • Prerequisites: Admission to the master of science degree in criminal justice program and consent of instructor

Preparation of an extensive, original research and writing assignment under faculty supervision. Involves working with a thesis committee and formal defense of the thesis.