JPP 1010. Introduction to Law Enforcement. (3 Credits)

This course examines the history, philosophy, and functions of local police departments, county sheriff’s offices, state law enforcement agencies, and federal investigative and intelligence organizations. Students gain a foundational understanding of policing that is essential for careers in law enforcement, public safety, and related fields.

JPP 1020. Criminology. (3 Credits)

This course examines the causes of crime including sociological, psychological, biophysiological, and free-will theories. Students gain a foundational understanding of criminological theories and learn to apply them to analyze criminal behavior and inform effective prevention strategies.

JPP 1030. Introduction to Law and the Legal System. (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the American legal system, law, legal reasoning, and basic rules of evidence for criminal and civil litigation. Learning is supported with case studies, simulations based on court transcripts, and mock courtroom procedures. Students develop essential insight into the intertwined relationships between courts, the players involved in the civil and criminal justice systems, and society. Students learn fundamental foundations for professions involving the law, public policy, criminal justice, social work, and politics.

JPP 1040. Juvenile Justice Theory. (3 Credits)

This course studies the organizations, functions and jurisdiction of juvenile justice agencies along with the theories and causations of juvenile crime and antisocial behavior. Essential for careers involving juvenile justice, students in this course will understand youth crime and rehabilitation.

JPP 1050. Community Corrections. (3 Credits)

This course provides an introduction to probation, supervised release and parole in the American Criminal Justice System. Students will gain an understanding of probation, parole and supervised release, administration, policy and procedures as well as insight into the best practices currently being utilized in the field. This course further provides insight into the difficult, but interesting work performed by probation officers and techniques utilized to manage their caseloads. Students gain practical knowledge of community corrections and insight into probation and parole careers.

JPP 2010. The Correctional State: History, Power, and Policy in America. (3 Credits)

This course studies the history, philosophy and functions of the American correctional system. Students develop a broad perspective on incarceration and corrections, essential for correctional administration or policy reform.

JPP 2020. Criminal Law. (3 Credits)

This course studies the socio-political relationship between criminal conduct and constitutional law, measures of criminal responsibility, limitations on criminal responsibility, and components of common crimes. Students learn through real-life cases and simulations based on real cases, witness interviews, arrest reports, charging documents, and court transcripts. This class provides key insights into the distinctions between criminal laws “on the books” and their enforcement in practice for students pursuing careers in law, criminal justice, and public policy.
Prerequisites: (JPP 104 or 1030).

JPP 2030. Evidence & Inquiry: Modern Methods in Criminal Investigation. (3 Credits)

This course studies the criminal investigation process including interviewing, crime scene analysis, collection of evidence, and analysis of issues critical to investigations. This course equips students with investigative skills crucial for law enforcement and forensic careers.

JPP 2040. Criminal Justice Research Methods. (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the essential research methods and analytical tools used in the study of justice and public service. Students examine both quantitative and qualitative research strategies, addressing issues in measurement, research design, and hypothesis development. Emphasis is placed on strengthening analytical reasoning for evidence-based decision-making—skills critical for graduate study, professional practice, and policy evaluation.

JPP 2050. Inside the Mind of Terrorism: Understanding Extremism and Threats. (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the phenomena of contemporary terrorism and extremism. Emphasis is placed on understanding extremism as a foundation for terrorist behavior, the various types of terrorism, and how governments and law enforcement agencies respond to these threats. The course enhances students’ awareness of global and domestic security issues - knowledge vital for careers in homeland security, intelligence, and counterterrorism.

JPP 2060. Stress Management. (3 Credits)

This course introduces techniques and strategies developed for coping with or lessening the psychological, physical, and emotional effects of everyday life pressure when working in the criminal justice system, thereby improving job performance. Students develop resilience and wellness strategies essential for sustaining long careers in high-stress justice professions.

JPP 3010. Criminal Procedural Law. (3 Credits)

This course studies the complex and nuanced intersection of individual constitutional rights, governmental powers to enforce criminal laws, and the limitations on those powers. Through real-life case studies and simulations based on actual cases, this course focuses on how constitutional law applies to law enforcement procedures from criminal investigations through trial. This course further enhances critical thinking and legal reasoning necessary for careers in law, criminal justice, and public policy.
Prerequisites: (JPP 104 or 1030) and (JPP 207 or 2020).

JPP 3030. Criminal Psychology. (3 Credits)

This course studies the psychological theories of crime causation and the impact of the use of psychology on the Legal System. Useful for law enforcement, legal, or counseling roles, students will gain an understanding of offender behavior and mental health.

JPP 3040. Forensic Investigation. (3 Credits)

This course introduces the principles and techniques of crime scene investigation, providing practical forensic knowledge applicable to careers in law enforcement, criminalistics, and evidence analysis.

JPP 3050. Organized Crime. (3 Credits)

This course examines the history, structure, and operations of organized crime. Students gain specialized insight into criminal networks and develop knowledge applicable to investigative or intelligence-related careers.

JPP 3060. Management of Public Service Agencies. (3 Credits)

This course introduces the principles of administration and management with a focus on public administration as applied to public service organizations. Students examine leadership strategies, organizational structures, and decision-making processes while developing the management and supervisory skills essential for effective service in public administration settings.

JPP 3070. Criminal Justice Liability Law. (3 Credits)

This course explores the circumstances under which government actors and agencies may be held legally accountable or immune from liability in civil court for various types of conduct, practices, and policies, including constitutional and other civil rights violations, bodily harm and property damage, employer-employee relations, and more. Through real-life case studies, students will critically study the interaction of legal and ethical aspects of navigating and managing these legal risks while serving the public, which are critical to decision-making strategies and policy implementation in criminal justice, public policy, and other legal and law-adjacent fields.
Prerequisites: (JPP 104 or 1030) and (JPP 207 or 2020) and (JPP 308 or 3010).

JPP 3080. Public Finance and Budgeting. (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the principles of budgeting and finance in public agencies. Students gain a foundational understanding of fiscal management and learn to apply these principles to agency operations. The course also prepares students to manage public resources responsibly—an essential skill for leadership in government and nonprofit sectors.

JPP 3090. Special Topics in Criminal Justice. (1-3 Credits)

This course explores contemporary issues, innovations, and evolving practices within the field of criminal justice. Each term focuses on a unique set of topics that may include emerging trends, new technologies, or pressing professional challenges. Through in-depth study and discussion, students gain insight into the skills, knowledge, and attitudes needed to navigate the complexities of justice-related careers and to succeed in a rapidly changing professional landscape.

JPP 3999. Career & Internship in Justice and Service. (3 Credits)

This course introduces students to the wide range of career and internship opportunities in the justice field while equipping them with essential professional skills for long-term success. Students will explore topics such as professional etiquette, resume and cover letter development, job description alignment, interview strategies, online applications, networking, and mentorship. The course also addresses practical aspects of career readiness including position acceptance or rejection, understanding benefits, and budgeting for work and personal life, along with discussions on tithing and financial responsibility. Emphasis is placed on personal branding, particularly through social media, and students will participate in mock interviews to refine their presentation skills. By combining career preparation with practical life skills, this course provides real-world experience, networking opportunities, and tools that enhance employability, professional growth, and readiness to serve as effective justice and public service practitioners.

JPP 4010. Ethics in Justice and Public Service. (3 Credits)

This course examines the complex ethical challenges faced by professionals in the justice field. Through the analysis of real-world cases, students develop the moral reasoning and decision-making skills essential for leadership, integrity, and credibility in the pursuit of justice.

JPP 4020. Financial Deception: Investigating Fraud, Corruption, and Corporate Crime. (3 Credits)

This course examines the history, types, and methods of operation of white-collar and financial crimes. Students gain specialized knowledge of economic and corporate offenses, preparing them for careers in fraud investigation, compliance, or financial regulation.