This course examines both private and public institutions as systems whose effectiveness depends on how an organization adapts to opportunities, threats, and demands (external and internal). Students explore the design and leadership of ethical and socially responsible organizations. In course examples and exercises, students will apply this knowledge to their respective research interests (e.g., cybersecurity, analytics, criminal justice, public health, etc.).

This course focuses on situational crime prevention by both law enforcement personnel and the general public. Theoretical and practical aspects of techniques of situational prevention are examined. Students formulate their own theories on crime prevention and control, and evaluate methods for the reduction of crime and corresponding financial and social costs.

This course introduces students to the discipline of ethical decision making by criminal justice professionals in a system where great authority is given, and even greater responsibility is expected. The concept of discretion will be an ever-present factor in discussions of critical decisions made by law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. In this course, students will be exposed to ethical scenarios, and they will be asked to discuss what the proper course of action was, or should have been. In addition to real-life case studies, students will be asked to work through challenging hypotheticals that test their understanding of ethical dilemmas in the criminal justice field. In sum, the student of this course will have the opportunity to develop a much greater awareness of the ethical tests faced by criminal justice professionals on a daily basis and the expectations of society in that regard.

What is the link between an academic degree and one's career or professional development? In this course, students explore trends in their field of study and connect them to their academic and professional context. Students synthesize and present their research findings though a variety of formal and informal written communication formats. This course reinforces critical analysis and strategic thinking skills for students developing their course of study, seeking professional advancement, or preparing for future graduate study. Students with a regionally-accredited associate degree do not have to take either ENG 500G or CRIT 501G as prerequisites.