The online catalog includes the most recent changes to courses and degree requirements that have been approved by the Faculty Senate, including changes that are not yet effective.
Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology
crmj.wsu.edu
Wilson-Short 111
509-335-8611
Chair and Associate Professor, M.-A. Neuilly (Wolf); Professors, D. Brody, L. Drapela, C. Hemmens, F. Lutze, M. Stohr; Associate Professors, K. DuBois, D. Makin, A. Pedneault, D. Willits; Assistant Professors, C. Franklin, H. Mellinger; Teaching Associate Professor, J. Snyder.
The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology offers substantive studies in criminal justice and criminology in conjunction with a liberal arts education. It prepares students for a broad range of careers in criminal justice institutions, government agencies at local, state, and federal levels, private support and welfare organizations, private security work, and domestic and international corporations, as well as for the pursuit of graduate study or law school; develops leadership qualities; and promotes the ideal of professional achievement in public service.
Criminal Justice and Criminology is the interdisciplinary study of the problem of crime and of the institutions, policies and practices by which society responds to the problem of crime, as well as theories of human behavior and normative philosophies directly related to the maintenance of social order, the control of crime and the achievement of a just society. Specific courses in the program focus on social control issues and policies, substantive and procedural criminal law, the organization and workings of criminal justice institutions (police, courts, corrections, juvenile justice), issues relevant to groups in American society (gender, minorities), research and evaluation skills, theories of crime and delinquency, ethics, and the evaluation of management, programs, and policies conducted by justice system institutions.
Students are also required to complete related courses on the larger political, legal, economic and social environments in which crime and the criminal justice system operate. Taught by a multi-disciplinary faculty, courses cover such areas as public administration, American public policy, constitutional law, and gender and politics. Additional elective courses are offered by departments within the College of Arts and Sciences.
The course of study leads to the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology, and the Master's Degree (thesis and non-thesis tracks) and Ph.D. Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology.
Transfer Students
Students planning to transfer to Washington State University at the end of the first year or sophomore year should follow as closely as possible the general and core course requirements set forth in the schedule of studies. If this is done, there should be no difficulty in completing the requirements for the bachelor’s degree within the normal period of four years.
Preparation for Graduate Study
Undergraduates who are pursuing their studies at other institutions or through other curricula at this institution and who contemplate graduate work in this program will do well to elect courses similar to those required in the schedule of studies.
Student Learning Outcomes
The B.A. in Criminal Justice and Criminology empowers students to be innovative problem-solvers, ethical decision-makers, and effective communicators in the field of criminal justice. Through interdisciplinary coursework and experiential learning opportunities, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of crime and criminal justice at the local, state, national, and international levels, including justice administration, crime determinants, emerging technologies, and global perspectives. Graduates are well-equipped to address the challenges of a rapidly changing criminal justice and public safety landscape by emphasizing evidence-based decision-making, policy analysis, community engagement, and creative evaluation.
Goal 1: Criminal Justice Inputs, Outcomes, and Institutions
Understand common theoretical perspectives on crime as well as general trends, correlates, and measurement issues related to the criminal justice system. Comprehend how criminal justice organizations are organized and managed, and the legal principles upon which criminal justice actors must operate to protect the rights of all members of society.
Goal 2: Quantitative, Scientific, and Technological Literacy
Read, understand, analyze, and synthesize social scientific data and legal doctrines relevant to the study of crime, the administration of justice, and associated public policies.
Goal 3: Institutional and Public Communication
Be able to effectively present, convey, and discuss ideas and issues orally and in writing.
Goal 4: Diversity, Equity, and Justice
Understand and effectively articulate issues related to diversity as they relate to crime, victimization, and the criminal justice system.
Schedules of Studies
Honors students complete the Honors College requirements which replace the UCORE requirements.
Criminal Justice and Criminology (120 Credits)
Students who major in criminal justice and criminology must complete the 18 credits criminal justice core (CRM J 101, 201, 311, 320, 321, and 480) and 12 credits in criminal justice electives of which 1 course must be an [M]. The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology requires a minimum of 30 credits in CRM J.
| First Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| CRM J 101 [SSCI] | 3 |
| ENGLISH 101 [WRTG] | 3 |
| Quantitative Reasoning [QUAN] | 3 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| Arts [ARTS] | 3 |
| Communication [COMM] or Written Communication [WRTG] | 3 |
| CRM J 201 | 3 |
| Equity and Justice [EQJS] or CRM J 205 [EQJS] | 3 |
| HISTORY 105 [ROOT] | 3 |
| Second Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| Biological Sciences [BSCI] with lab1 | 4 |
| CRM J 311 | 3 |
| Humanities [HUM] | 3 |
| Electives | 6 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| CRM J 321 | 3 |
| Diversity [DIVR] | 3 |
| Electives | 9 |
| Complete Writing Portfolio | |
| Third Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| CRM J 320 | 3 |
| CRM J Electives2 | 3 |
| Electives3 | 9 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| CRM J Electives2 | 3 |
| Physical Sciences [PSCI] with lab1 | 4 |
| Electives3 | 9 |
| Fourth Year | |
| First Term | Credits |
| CRM J Electives2 | 6 |
| Foreign Language, if needed, or Electives3 | 9 |
| Second Term | Credits |
| CRM J 480 [CAPS] [M] | 3 |
| Foreign Language, if needed, or Electives3 | 10 |
Footnotes
| 1 | To meet College of Arts and Sciences requirements, students must complete 1 additional lab credit of [BSCI] or [PSCI] for a total of 8 credits (2 labs). |
| 2 | CRM J Electives (12 credits): Any CRM J course not used to fulfill the CRM J core requirements. Must include one [M] course. |
| 3 | Electives: 300-400-level coursework as needed to meet University requirements of 120 credits and 40 upper-division credits. |
Minors
Criminal Justice and Criminology
The student who minors in Criminal Justice will learn about the various components and activities of our system of justice, such as the police, courts, corrections, and juvenile justice. A minor in Criminal Justice will be useful to any student desiring knowledge of how our American system of justice works.
The minor in Criminal Justice and Criminology requires 18 credits of coursework in criminal justice (CRM J), including CRM J 101. 9 credits must be 300-400 level and earned in WSU courses or through WSU-approved education abroad or educational exchange courses. All coursework with the exception of CRM J 490 and 499 must be graded. CRM J 499 may not be applied toward the minor unless approved in advance by department. Interested students should contact the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology for details.
Courses
The online catalog includes the most recent changes to courses and degree requirements that have been approved by the Faculty Senate, including changes that are not yet effective. Courses showing two entries of the same number indicate that the course information is changing. The most recently approved version is shown first, followed by the older version, in gray, with its last-effective term preceding the course title. Courses shown in gray with only one entry of the course number are being discontinued. Course offerings by term can be accessed by clicking on the term links when viewing a specific campus catalog.
Criminal Justice (CRM_J)
101 [SSCI] Introduction to the Administration of Criminal Justice 3 Agencies and processes in the administration of criminal justice. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
201 Introduction to Criminological Theory 3 Analysis of conceptions of crime and seriousness as determined by societal factors. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer.
205 [EQJS] Advancing Justice: Addressing Power and Inequity in the Justice System 3 The pursuit of justice and the historical, contemporary, and future issues and challenges facing society and the criminal justice system. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer.
270 Introduction to Policing 3 Historical development and contemporary challenges associated with policing with special emphasis on the conflicting role expectations facing police officers. Typically offered Fall and Summer. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
280 Introduction to American Criminal Courts 3 History, purpose, structure, and process associated with criminal courts; emphasizes the roles of attorneys and judges and court processes from initial appearance to appeal. Typically offered Spring and Summer. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
311 Research Methods for Criminal Justice 3 Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101. Discussion of research methods appropriate for the study of crime and criminal justice policies and institutions. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer.
320 Criminal Law 3 Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101. Substantive criminal law; principles, functions, and limits; basic crime categories, state and national legal research materials. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
321 Quantitative Methods for Criminal Justice 3 Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101. Critical discussion of skills and methods needed for the analysis of implementation and impact of criminal justice policies. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer.
330 Crime Control Policies 3 Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101. Analysis of ideologies, assumptions, and performance of crime control policies. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
365 Juvenile Justice and Corrections 3 Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101. History, philosophy, legal process, performance, and outcomes of the juvenile justice and corrections systems. (Crosslisted course offered as CRM J 365, SOC 367.) Typically offered Fall and Spring. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
370 Policing and Society 3 Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101. Development, organization, policies, and performance of the police. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
380 Criminal Courts in America 3 Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101. Structure and process of the prosecution and adjudication of individuals charged with crimes in the criminal court system. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer.
381 Crime and Justice in the Movies 3 (2-2) Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101. Mass media as both reflector and shaper of public attitudes and opinions about crime, criminals, law, order, and justice; using films. (Crosslisted course offered as CRM J 381, POL S 381.) Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer.
385 Institutional Corrections 3 Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101. Ideologies of punishment and correction, intermediary sanctioning and reintegration policies in the criminal justice system. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer.
390 Criminal Justice Management 3 Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101. Predominate and progressive thought and theory of criminal justice administration in the U.S.; exploring important and troubling issues faced by those involved in managing criminal justice agencies.
400 [M] Special Topics in Criminal Justice and Criminology 3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101; junior standing. Selected topics in criminal justice and criminology. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
400 (Effective through Summer 2025) [M] Special Topics in Criminal Justice and Criminology 3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101. Selected topics in criminal justice and criminology. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
403 [CAPS] Violence Toward Women 3 Course Prerequisite: Junior standing. Violence toward women and its relationship to broader social issues such as sexism and social control. (Crosslisted course offered as CRM J 403, WGSS 403.) Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer.
405 [M] Comparative Criminal Justice Systems 3 Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101; junior standing. Comparative study of criminal justice systems in the US and selected foreign countries. (Crosslisted course offered as CRM J 405, POL S 405.) Typically offered Fall and Spring. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
405 (Effective through Summer 2025) [M] Comparative Criminal Justice Systems 3 Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101. Comparative study of criminal justice systems in the US and selected foreign countries. (Crosslisted course offered as CRM J 405, POL S 405.) Typically offered Fall and Spring. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
420 [M] Criminal Procedure 3 Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101; junior standing. Principal court decisions concerning standards of conduct and rights in the criminal process. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
420 (Effective through Summer 2025) [M] Criminal Procedure 3 Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101. Principal court decisions concerning standards of conduct and rights in the criminal process. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
424 Community Corrections 3 Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101. Theory practice and human impact of treating criminal offenders in the community. Typically offered Spring. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
426 Victimology and Public Policy 3 Examination of victimization; policy responses to victims; victim's rights.
427 Crime Prevention Strategies 3 Personal, environmental, community-based and government crime prevention strategies and issues. Typically offered Spring.
428 Drug and Alcohol Use and Abuse 3 Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101. Drug use, impact on behavior and drug control policies. Typically offered Fall and Spring.
450 [M] Senior Seminar: Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice 3 Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101; senior standing. Examination of ethical issues in decision making in criminal justice. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer.
468 Addictive Behavior Among Diverse Populations 3 Course Prerequisite: Junior standing. Overview of social, cultural, and historical perspectives on dealing with addictive behavior. Recommended preparation: SOC 101, PSYCH 105, or CRM J 101. (Crosslisted course offered as PSYCH 468, CRM J 468, SOC 468.)
480 [CAPS] [M] Senior Capstone in Criminal Justice and Criminology 3 Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101; CRM J 311; CRM J 321; senior standing. Experiential learning emphasizing refining skills and preparing students for the myriad of challenges awaiting them in public safety.
490 Criminal Justice Internship V 2-12 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 12 credits. Course Prerequisite: By instructor permission. On/off-campus internship in criminal justice institutions (police, FBI, jails, law firms, etc.); written assignments and readings will be required. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. S, F grading.
490 (Effective through Summer 2024) Criminal Justice Internship V 2-12 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 12 credits. On/off-campus internship in criminal justice institutions (police, FBI, jails, law firms, etc.); written assignments and readings will be required. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. S, F grading.
491 Special Topics: Study Abroad 3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 12 credits. Criminal Justice Study Abroad. Typically offered Spring. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
499 Special Problems V 1-4 May be repeated for credit. Course Prerequisite: By Instructor permission; CRM J 101. Independent study conducted under the jurisdiction of an approving faculty member; may include independent research studies in technical or specialized problems; selection and analysis of specified readings; development of a creative project; or field experiences. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. S, F grading.
499 (Effective through Summer 2024) Special Problems V 1-4 May be repeated for credit. Course Prerequisite: CRM J 101. Independent study conducted under the jurisdiction of an approving faculty member; may include independent research studies in technical or specialized problems; selection and analysis of specified readings; development of a creative project; or field experiences. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. S, F grading.
505 Comparative Criminal Justice 3 Comparative study of crime laws and criminal justice systems in selected foreign countries. Typically offered Fall and Spring. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
510 Leadership in Criminal Justice 3 Study of leadership models and theories as they apply to criminal justice institutions. Typically offered Fall.
511 Criminal Justice Management 3 Examines the theoretical framework for understanding criminal justice organizations through examining management theory, organizational dynamics, and administration research.
512 Juvenile Justice 3 Examination of the major theories and contemporary issues related to juvenile delinquency, the juvenile justice system, gangs, and juvenile corrections. Typically offered Spring.
513 Multicultural Issues in Criminal Justice 3 Critical examination of race, gender, and other diversity and cultural issues within the U.S. criminal justice system.
514 Professional Development in Criminal Justice and Criminology 1 Professional aspects of research, teaching, and service activities in criminal justice and criminology. Typically offered Fall.
520 Criminal Justice Research Methods 3 The design and execution of criminal justice research; critical examination of current research methods in criminal justice. Typically offered Fall.
521 Advanced Topics in Criminal Justice Research Methods 3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. Course Prerequisite: CRM J 520. Exploration of specialized topics in research methodology; topics may include qualitative methods, GIS, ethnography, and survey design.
522 Foundations of Quantitative Methods 4 Application of foundational quantitative methods utilized in the field of Criminal Justice and Criminology. Typically offered Fall.
523 Intermediate Quantitative Methods 4 Course Prerequisite: CRM J 522. Intermediate-level quantitative methods including logistic regression, factor analysis, propensity scoring and model building. Typically offered Spring.
524 Advanced Topics in Quantitative Methods 3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. Course Prerequisite: CRM J 523. Advanced quantitative methods used in criminal justice, including time series, HLM, multi-level modeling, spatial analysis, and repeated measures analysis.
530 Criminal Justice: Process and Institutions 3 Processes of criminal justice in the context of the social, political, and economic environments. Typically offered Fall. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
531 Drugs, Alcohol, and Crime 3 Examination of the research and theory surrounding the relationship between alcohol, drugs, crime, and the criminal justice system.
540 Evaluation Research 3 Interrelationship of ideology, data, policy development, and policy implementation in public policy analysis. (Crosslisted course offered as CRM J 540, POL S 541.) Typically offered Fall and Spring. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
541 Corrections 3 Current issues related to the control, management, and sanctioning of criminal offenders. Typically offered Fall and Spring. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
542 Community Corrections 3 Examines correctional processes in a community setting, including probation, parole, and innovative community-based strategies for dealing with the offender.
555 Seminar in Criminological Theory 3 Individual, situational and ecological correlates of criminal behavior; data sources and empirical research. Typically offered Spring.
560 Prosecution and Adjudication 3 The function of courts and the behavior of prosecutors, defense attorneys and judges within the criminal justice system. Typically offered Fall and Spring.
570 The Police and Society 3 Community and selected social institutional factors as related to their influence on police systems. Typically offered Fall and Spring. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
572 Comparative Policing 3 Study of the history, organization, and policies of policing systems in selected countries and of transnational policing. Typically offered Fall and Spring. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
580 Gender and Justice 3 Criminal justice system's treatment of women offenders, victims, and professionals. Typically offered Fall and Spring.
591 Topics in the Administration of Justice 3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. Current issues, problems, and critical concerns within the field of administration of criminal justice. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. Cooperative: Open to UI degree-seeking students.
592 Proseminar in Administration, Justice, and Applied Policy Studies 3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. Same as POL S 542. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer.
594 Special Topics in Comparative Criminology and Criminal Justice 3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. Intensive study of specific topics in comparative criminal justice or criminology.
595 Advanced Topics in Criminal Justice Institutions and Processes 3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. In-depth study of issues associated with criminal justice institutions and processes.
596 Special Topics: Criminal Justice and Public Health 3 May be repeated for credit; cumulative maximum 6 credits. Examination of public health ramifications of criminal justice policy and practice; public health approaches to violence and substance abuse prevention.
600 Special Projects or Independent Study V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Independent study, special projects, and/or internships. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor before enrolling in 600 credit, which cannot be used toward the core graded credits required for a graduate degree. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. S, F grading.
700 Master's Research, Thesis, and/or Examination V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Independent research and advanced study for students working on their master's research, thesis and/or final examination. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor/committee chair before enrolling for 700 credit. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. S, U grading.
702 Master's Special Problems, Directed Study, and/or Examination V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Independent research in special problems, directed study, and/or examination credit for students in a non-thesis master's degree program. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor/committee chair before enrolling for 702 credit. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. S, U grading.
800 Doctoral Research, Dissertation, and/or Examination V 1-18 May be repeated for credit. Course Prerequisite: Admitted to the Criminal Justice and Criminology PhD program. Independent research and advanced study for students working on their doctoral research, dissertation and/or final examination. Students must have graduate degree-seeking status and should check with their major advisor/committee chair before enrolling for 800 credit. Typically offered Fall, Spring, and Summer. S, U grading.
- Criminal Justice and Criminology
Courses
- Criminal Justice
Schedules of Studies
- Criminal Justice and Criminology
Minors
- Criminal Justice and Criminology