__University__ 2025-2026 Bulletin

Criminal Behavior and Justice Undergraduate Certificate

The Criminal Behavior and Justice certificate explores the complex nature of crime and factors that contribute to criminal behavior in general, and within specific populations and contexts. The curriculum focuses on the major criminology theories that explain the causes of crime, including the social, cultural, psychological, and economic factors. It also focuses on the major risk and protective factors related to individual criminality and crime patterns. The coursework explores how criminal justice agencies (e.g. police, courts, corrections) can se criminal behavior theory and evidence based assessments to impact equitable and effective outcomes. Students learn to use the policy implications of criminology theories as tools to critically assess common criminal justice system efforts to control criminal behavior. Ultimately, students are prepared to employ both research and theory to make meaningful contributions in their chosen careers.

Requirements

The Criminal Behavior and Justice certificate is made up of 24 credits, consisting of three required courses and three elective courses. All courses credited toward the certificate must have been taken for a letter grade and completed with a grade of C- or higher. No more than one certificate course (4 credits) may be satisfied by transfer credit.

Complete Three Required Courses (12 credits):

CCJ 240Punishment and Corrections

4

or

CCJ 303Punishment and Corrections

4

 

CCJ 312Criminal Behavior

4

CCJ 320UTheories of Crime & Justice

4

Choose Three Elective Courses (12 credits):

CCJ 210Intro to Juvenile Justice

4

CCJ 235Forensics Introduction

4

CCJ 304Crime and the Media

4

CCJ 305Juvenile Justice Reform

4

CCJ 315Crime Myths

4

CCJ 355UPerspectives on Terrorism

4

CCJ 370UWomen, Crime, and Justice

4

CCJ 390UCrimes of the Powerful

4

Total Credit Hours: 24