Criminal Justice

http://crimjust.nmsu.edu

Undergraduate Program Information

The Department of Criminal Justice offers courses in the traditional setting as well as online. 

The criminal justice degree plan is broadly interdisciplinary in nature embracing the study of the humanities, law, natural, behavioral and social sciences. The curriculum seeks to balance theoretical inquiry with applied knowledge.

Students become prepared for careers in law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, work with juveniles, victim services, non- and not-for profit organizations connected with criminal and social justice, and the related field of forensics. Graduates have also been successful in law school and graduate programs in the social sciences. The undergraduate major consists of at least 33 credits in the major field, 27 of which must be numbered 300 or above (excluding CJUS 393 Internship in Criminal Justice).

The department offers an interdisciplinary minor in Forensic Sciences. Students interested in the minor should consult with the department head.

Graduate Program Information

The Department of Criminal Justice offers graduate study leading to the Master of Criminal Justice (MCJ) degree. Admission to the MCJ is competitive and prospective graduate students are expected to have at least a 3.0 undergraduate grade-point-average, coursework in research methods and statistics, and possess a bachelor’s degree. Those not meeting these requirements may be admitted conditionally and required to make up deficiencies at the outset of their program of study.  Applicants should review our graduate handbook and provide a personal statement that includes a discussion of your interest in the field and reasons for wanting to pursue the degree (1-2 pages).  If interested in a graduate assistantship, please complete the application form and provide three letters of recommendation.  Students meeting the minimum GPA requirement (3.0 or better) do not need to submit letters of recommendation.  Students not meeting the minimum GPA requirement may be asked for additional materials, including letters of recommendation.  The GRE is NOT required for admission into the MCJ program. The MCJ Graduate Committee may require a student to complete additional English writing coursework. For more information, please visit the Criminal Justice Graduate Programs webpage.

Students must declare their intent to pursue one of the two degree options: the thesis option or the focused coursework option. The degree options are provided so that students may better match their education with career goals. The thesis option is often used by students interested in pursuing careers in basic and applied criminal justice research or a doctoral degree. The focused coursework option is often used by students pursuing administrative positions within criminal justice agencies. The thesis option is typically only available for Campus-Based students.

All candidates, regardless of chosen degree option, must complete a final examination. Examination requirements vary by degree option. Please contact the director of the MCJ program or consult the Department of Criminal Justice Graduate Programs webpage.

Thesis students must submit a thesis proposal to their faculty committee at a proposal hearing for approval and subsequently complete the approved thesis project. An approved thesis proposal is one wherein the thesis committee determines the student demonstrates a comprehensive understanding of the nexus of theory, method, and policy as it applies to the proposed thesis project. At the discretion of the thesis committee the proposal may be considered inadequate and the student is required to revise and resubmit the thesis proposal until the committee determines the proposal is satisfactory. The final examination includes a defense of the completed thesis, but may also include a general examination based upon the candidate’s program of study. The minimum coursework requirements are displayed below.

Focused coursework students must pass two written comprehensive examinations following completion of the required courses, no earlier than their third semester. Students not passing the examinations will be required to wait until the following semester to retake the examination. The minimum course requirements are displayed below.

Online M.C.J. Coursework

There is an online option for the MCJ degree. Online criminal justice courses are available only to those admitted to the MCJ program as online students, or with permission of the Director of the MCJ program. Students desiring to be admitted to the MCJ program as online students must declare that intent in writing to the MCJ director.  For more information regarding the online MCJ degree option, consult the Department of Criminal Justice web page, http://crimjust.nmsu.edu, or contact the Director of the MCJ program.

Teaching Assistantships

Teaching assistantships are typically available for some traditional (on-campus) MCJ students on a competitive basis. The Director of the MCJ Program will contact admitted students to determine their interest, and the Graduate Committee will make recommendations to the Department Head for a final decision.

Degrees for the Department

Bachelor Degree(s) & Supplemental Major(s)

Master Degree(s) & Dual Degree(s)

Minors for the Department

Professor, Dennis M. Giever, Department Head

Professor Posadas; Associate Professors Keys, Natividad; Assistant Professors Baek, Cho, Trujillo; College Associate Professor Dimitrijevic; College Assistant Professor; D'Antonio-Hangen; Emeritus Professors Crowley, Gregware, Mays (Regents), Winfree.

H. Baek, Ph.D. (University of Louisville, Kentucky)--police administration, criminology; A. Cho, Ph.D. (Sam Houston State University)--corrections, gender as it relates to crime & justice; D. Giever, Ph.D. (Indiana University of Pennsylvania)--criminology, research methods, evidence-based program evaluation; D. Keys, Ph.D. (Missouri-Columbia)– penology, narcotic policy; N. Natividad, Ph.D. (Arizona State)–borderland studies, race and identity studies, immigration; C. E. Posadas*, Ph.D. (Arizona State)– immigration and justice, juvenile justice, research methods; S. Trujillo, Ph.D. (University of Missouri - St. Louis)-immigration, ethnicity, community-level correlates of crime, as well as juvenile justice and gang behavior; M. Edwards, Ph.D. (Kansas State University) - criminology, community supervision, structural & social inequalities; J. Corey, Ph.D. (University of Texas at Dallas) - corrections, mental health, program evaluation; M. Dimitrijevic, M.A. (New Mexico State University) - human trafficking, drugs, comparative CJ systems; I. D'Antonio-Hangen, M.A. (New Mexico State University) - criminal investigations, human trafficking, forensic law.
*MCJ Program Director

Criminal Justice Courses

CJUS 1110G. Introduction to Criminal Justice

3 Credits (3)

This course provides an overall exploration of the historical development and structure of the United States criminal justice system, with emphasis on how the varied components of the justice system intertwine to protect and preserve individual rights. The course covers critical analysis of criminal justice processes and the ethical, legal, and political factors affecting the exercise of discretion by criminal justice professionals.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe the history, structure and function of the criminal justice system in the United States.
  2. Discuss the role of law enforcement, court systems, corrections, and security in maintaining social order.
  3. Identify and describe crime causation theories, various measures of crime and their reliability and victimization theories.
  4. Relate fundamental principles, concepts and terminology used in criminal justice to current events.
  5. Apply basic analytical and critical thinking skills in evaluating criminal justice issues, policies, trends and disparities.

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CJUS 1120. Criminal Law

3 Credits (3)

This course covers basic principles of substantive criminal law including elements of crimes against persons, property, public order,public morality, defenses to crimes, and parties to crime. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Explain the concepts of substantive criminal liability in the United States, including actus reas, mens rea, causation, concurrence, and parties to crime.
  2. Define the differences between criminal law and civil law in the United States.
  3. Demonstrate basic knowledge of legal terminology as it relates to criminal law.
  4. Identify the elements of crimes against persons, property, public order and the administration of justice, public morality, and the inchoate crimes.
  5. Describe the various defenses to crimes.

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CJUS 1996. Special Topics in Criminal Justice

1-3 Credits

Specific subjects to be announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under different topics for a maximum of 6 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Varies

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CJUS 2120. Criminal Courts and Procedure

3 Credits (3)

This course covers the structures and functions of American trial and appellate courts, including the roles of attorneys, judges, and other court personnel, the formal and informal process of applying constitutional law, rules of evidence, case law and an understanding of the logic used by the courts.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Explain the application of the Constitutional Amendments that apply to criminal justice.
  2. Explain and describe the dual court system in the U.S. and how courts enforce the rule of law.
  3. Identify and list the duties and requirements of the courtroom workgroup.
  4. Describe courtroom procedures, rules of the court, and due process of law.
  5. Articulate basic knowledge of the U.S. criminal court system.
  6. Define legal terms.
  7. Explain the use of discretion in criminal procedure.
  8. Differentiate the role of courts of limited jurisdiction, courts of general jurisdiction, and the appellate courts in the processing of criminal cases.

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CJUS 2140. Criminal Investigations

3 Credits (3)

This course introduces criminal investigations with in the various local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Emphasis is given to the theory, techniques, aids, technology, collection, and preservation procedures which insure the evidentiary integrity. Courtroom evidentiary procedures and techniques will be introduced. Community Colleges only. (Note: students completing CJUS 2140 may not take CJUS 321.)

Learning Outcomes
  1. Identify developments in investigation technology.
  2. Identify common types of criminal investigations and their key components.
  3. Apply proper crime scene investigative protocols.
  4. Explain proper evidentiary gathering and handing procedures, and utilize various interviewing techniques.
  5. Identify and compare different law enforcement agencies and the role they play in criminal investigations.
  6. Describe proper collection, evidence preservation, documentation, and court presentation.
  7. Develop effective search authorization.

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CJUS 2150. Corrections System

3 Credits (3)

This course introduces the corrections system in the United States, including the processing of an offender in the system and the responsibilities and duties of correctional professionals. The course covers the historical development, theory, and practice, as well as the institutional and community-based alternatives available in the corrections process.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe the purposes of the corrections system and the issues facing the corrections system.
  2. Explain the components of the corrections system and describe their functions.
  3. Compare and contrast the different forms of correction practices.
  4. Explain the goals of corrections, the different factors affecting the sentencing process, the legal rights of prisoners, and the issues concerning prison violence.
  5. Explain the impact of reentry into society.
  6. Identify the issues concerning capital punishment.
  7. Describe the effectiveness of various correction programs on offenders.

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CJUS 2160. Field Experience in Criminal Justice

3-6 Credits

This course is designed to provide actual experience working for a criminal justice agency and the opportunity to apply criminal justice concepts and theory to a field situation. Students already working in an agency will complete an approved learning project while on the job.

Prerequisites: CJUS 1110G, prior arrangement and consent of instructor and a GPA of 2.0 or better in major.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Obtain practical experience by observing, researching, and working in a criminal justice agency.
  2. Apply the knowledge of principles, theories, and methods that were learned in the classroom to situation in which field experience will be devoted
  3. Instill an understanding for general and specific problems that criminal justice agencies encounter on a daily basis.
  4. Develop a professional work ethic and attitudes, including reliability, professional responsibility, and the ability to work cooperatively with others.

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CJUS 2220. The American Law Enforcement System

3 Credits (3)

This course covers the historical and philosophical foundations of law and order, with an in-depth examination of the various local, state, ad federal law enforcement agencies and how they interact within the criminal justice system.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Discuss, evaluate, and analyze the role of police in the democratic society today, and the historical development of modern day law enforcement
  2. Define and explain the different types of community policing and the valid reasons behind their application within a community
  3. List and discuss the ways to overcome the barriers to change within a police organization, good recruitment, screening, and retention of employees
  4. Analyze and discuss the history of and the different types of police patrol, as well as the use of force and deadly force, and methods used for controlling police behavior
  5. Describe and discuss the different types of police behavior, potential oversight, and remedy and their limitations
  6. List and discuss the benefits of higher and continued education, along with the minimum educational requirements for police officers
  7. Evaluate and discuss the reasons for police stress and the methods of dealing with stressors
  8. Interpret current court cases, both state and federal, that affect police procedures

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CJUS 300. Introduction to Criminal Justice Research

3 Credits (3)

Overview and evaluation of criminal justice research. Selection of research topics, methods of data selection and collection, analysis techniques, and presentation of findings.

Prerequisite: restricted to majors or consent of instructor.

CJUS 301. Advanced Research Methods

3 Credits (3)

Study of selected quantitative and qualitative skills and their application to criminal justice research.

Prerequisite: Restricted to majors or consent of instructor.

CJUS 302. Crime, Justice and Society

3 Credits (3)

Through critical analysis students build a rich understanding of the role of crime in our contemporary landscape and explore ideas and practices associated with justice, victimization, criminality, morality and righteousness. The course cultivates knowledge & awareness of the interactions between socially constructed phenomena (race, class, power, ethnicity, economic structures) and popular beliefs, policies, and practices associated with crime, punishment, and formal social control. It is recommended that you complete three of the following English courses before enrolling in this class: ENGL 1110G, ENGL 2210G, ENGL 2221G & ENGL 2130G. Restricted to: Criminal Justice majors.

CJUS 303. Introduction to Criminological Theory

3 Credits (3)

Defining and measuring crime, crime causation, and the criminal behavior system, and their linkage to criminal justice policies, procedures, and practices. Students must be enrolled or have completed third English writing class and completed two of the following: ENGL 1110G, ENGL 2210G, ENGL 2221G or ENGL 2130G. Restricted to: C J majors.

Prerequisite(s): CJUS 300.

CJUS 304. Historical Perspectives of Criminal Justice Systems

3 Credits (3)

Examines the precursors to and development of three distinct systems associated with crime and punishment in the United States: the Courts, the Police, & Corrections. By studying the historical context and socio-political backdrop in which theses institutions emerged and expanded students will come to a richer understanding of them and their attendant polices, practices, conventions, and assumptions.It is recommended that you complete three of the following English courses before enrolling in this class: ENGL 1110G, ENGL 2210G, ENGL 2221G or ENGL 2130G. Restricted to: Criminal Justice majors.

Prerequisite(s): CJUS 300.

CJUS 306. Criminal Procedural Law

3 Credits (3)

Legal analyses of the rights of criminal defendants; legal duties and responsibilities of criminal justice personnel in the processing of criminal defendants. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Restricted to: C J majors.

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to majors, Forensic Science minors, or consent of instructor.

CJUS 307. Law of Evidence

3 Credits (3)

Evidentiary rules and concepts and their application in a criminal trial. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Restricted to: C J majors.

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to majors, Forensic Science minors, or consent of instructor.

CJUS 321. Criminal Investigation and Intelligence

3 Credits (3)

Principles of criminal investigation and intelligence production; processing cases from complaint through crime scene search, identification and collection of evidence, interviewing and interrogation, and case preparation for courts. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Restricted to: C J majors.

Prerequisite(s): Restricted to majors, Forensic Science minors, or consent of instructor.

CJUS 331. American Correctional Institutions

3 Credits (3)

Structure, organization, and operations of United States jails and prisons. Overview of correctional standards and classification systems, emphasizing current theory and practice.

Prerequisite: restricted to majors or consent of instructor.

CJUS 332. Correctional Law

3 Credits (3)

Federal and state laws and rules of post-conviction procedures; rights of the convicted related to sentencing, appeals, clemency, and restoration of rights.

Prerequisite: restricted to majors or consent of instructor.

CJUS 333. Juvenile Corrections

3 Credits (3)

Development and implementation of juvenile facilities and community programs. Effectiveness of current corrections practices. Restricted to majors.

CJUS 345. Victimology

3 Credits (3)

Study of risk factors in crime victimization, the impact of crimes upon victims, and the role of the victim in the criminal justice system.

Prerequisite: restricted to majors or consent of instructor.

CJUS 347. Sex Crimes

3 Credits (3)

Dynamics of sex crimes for victims and offenders, plus consideration of the legal and correction systems' response to sex crimes. Restricted to majors.

CJUS 348. Serial Killers

3 Credits (3)

Overview and critical assessment of serial homicide and its relevance for contemporary U.S. society. Focus on factors influencing definitions and cultural understanding of serial homicide.

Prerequisite(s): 60 credit hours.

CJUS 360. The Juvenile Justice System

3 Credits (3)

History, development, and philosophy behind a separate juvenile justice system. Role of the juvenile court, evaluation of juvenile law and procedure, and the processing of juvenile offenders.

Prerequisite: restricted to majors or consent of instructor.

CJUS 380. Introduction to Terrorism

3 Credits (3)

Overview of the phenomenon of terrorism, psychological and sociological theories of terrorism, and various contemporary governmental policies.

CJUS 391. Special Readings in Criminal Justice

1-3 Credits

Individually chosen subject areas not readily available in other courses. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits under different subtitles. Restricted to majors.

Prerequisites: at least a 2.5 GPA and consent of instructor.

CJUS 393. Internship in Criminal Justice

1-12 Credits

Field experience in a local, state, or federal criminal justice or private security agency. Includes orientation, observation, conferences, and work experience. Credits limited to six if student has taken CJUS 2160. May be repeated for a maximum of 12 credits. Restricted to majors. Graded S/U.

Prerequisites: consent of instructor and GPA of 2.5 or better.

CJUS 399. New Mexico Law

3 Credits (3)

Examination of the history, development and implementation of law in New Mexico with an emphasis on legal issues unique to New Mexico. Crosslisted with: POLS 399. May be repeated up to 3 credits.

Learning Outcomes
  1. To understant the unique legal issues of New Mexico through critical examination of the history, development and implementation of law in the state.
  2. To develop skills to critically analze debates over legal issues in New Mexico.
  3. To develop skills to effectively communicate analysis of legal issues in New Mexico in oral and written forms.

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CJUS 405. Juvenile Courts and Law

3 Credits (3)

History, development, and current status of juvenile courts. Legal status of juveniles in court and constitutional protections afforded them. Restricted to majors.

CJUS 410. Criminal Justice Administrative Systems

3 Credits (3)

Administrative structures in criminal justice agencies and institutions; relationship of administrative structures to practical police, courts, and corrections problems.

Prerequisite: restricted to majors or consent of instructor.

CJUS 412. Introduction to Security Technology and Loss Prevention

3 Credits (3)

Private and public responses to security problems, including employee theft, perimeter security, and domestic or foreign terrorism; reviews related law and management practices.

CJUS 414. Race, Crime and Justice

3 Credits (3)

Historical and contemporary analysis of the relationship between race and crime in the United States with emphasis upon human equality and fairness. Overview of racial and ethnic social categorizations and how they impact law and order.

CJUS 416. Global Perspectives on Youth and Drug Use

3 Credits (3)

Overview of global drug use among young people, comparative legal structures, formal and informal responses. Restricted to C J, ANTH, GOVT, SOC, GNDR, S WK majors.

CJUS 417. Drugs In Our World

3 Credits (3)

Comparative analysis of patterns and theories of drug use, formal government mitigation strategies.

CJUS 424. Forensic Law

3 Credits (3)

Overview of the rules and issues related to the use of scientific information in the legal process. May be repeated up to 3 credits. Restricted to: C J majors.

Prerequisite(s): C J major, Forensic Science minors, or consent of instructor.

CJUS 425. Issues in Ethics, Law, and Criminal Justice

3 Credits (3)

Examination of the key ethical and decision-making dilemmas facing professionals working in the field of law and criminal justice.

Prerequisite: restricted to majors or consent of instructor.

CJUS 427. Race and Crime in Film

3 Credits (3)

Critical analysis of film where messages relating race and crime are present, with emphasis on how this imagery informs problem definition, policies, and practice within the criminal justice system.

Prerequisite(s): 60 credit hours.

CJUS 428. Mexican-Americans and Issues of Social Justice

3 Credits (3)

In this course we will explore and discuss social issues related to the Mexican American community in the U.S., with special emphasis on their collective historical struggles and contributions to society. We will discuss the political, economic and cultural forces that exemplify their experience as a “whole.”

Prerequisite(s): Students must have completed CJUS 300 or research methods equivalent or consent from the instructor.

CJUS 429. Immigration & Justice

3 Credits (3)

This course is designed to introduce undergraduate students to the complexities of immigration in the United States through a social justice lens. Students will explore the intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, and class in immigration through different groups’ historical and contemporary experiences, including immigrants' experience with the criminal justice system.

Prerequisite(s): Student must have completed CJUS 300 or Research Methods equivalent or consent of the instructor.

CJUS 432. Issues in Criminal Justice

3 Credits (3)

Seminar on problems and conflicts encountered in major criminal justice issues. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated for unlimited credits under different subtitles.

CJUS 434. Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections

3 Credits (3)

Structure, organization, and operation of probation, parole, and other community-based correctional programs in the U.S. Overview of historical and recent trends in the supervision of offenders in the community and in the development of alternatives to incarceration. Analysis of issues related to community correctional policies and practices. Restricted to majors.

CJUS 435. Political Penology

3 Credits (3)

Comparative analysis of incarceration and sanctions as punishment for crimes of conscience, religious intolerance, and dissidence.

CJUS 436. Courts and Sentencing

3 Credits (3)

This course will focus on the structure, organization, and operation of the state and federal court systems in the United States. It examines courtroom decision making and dynamics of courthouse justice—prosecutorial discretion, plea bargaining practices, jury and judicial decision making and sentencing. Additional topics will include racial, gender and class disparities in sentencing outcomes and the impact of recent reforms directed at the criminal court system. Restricted to: Criminal Justice majors.

CJUS 437. Wrongful Convictions

3 Credits (3)

This course will address causes (e.g. problems in witness identification, forensics, police and attorney conduct) as well as results of erroneous dispositions (e.g. compensation, media dynamics, possible reforms) in a critical analysis. Appropriate for prospective police, legal, and policy professionals. Restricted to: Criminal Justice majors.

CJUS 440V. Comparative Criminal Justice Systems

3 Credits (3)

Cross-national study of selected Western and non-Western legal systems. Comparison of structures and functions of police, court systems, and corrections in different systems.

CJUS 453. Women and Justice

3 Credits (3)

Critical analysis of the impact of the criminal justice system, race and class upon the lives of women. Restricted to majors.

CJUS 454. Human Trafficking

3 Credits (3)

Study of global human trafficking, its causes and costs, and mitigation strategies. Restricted to C J, GOVT, SOC, GNDR, S WK majors.

CJUS 456. Police and the Community

3 Credits (3)

This course is an advanced introduction to policing in the United States. The course will also cover current issues in policing, such as new technologies and the role of police in terrorism prevention.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Describe the evolution of police community relations and community policing.
  2. Compare and contrast traditional policing with community policing.
  3. Examine discretion in police work and relate it to legal, operational, and ethical issues and problems.
  4. Examine police misconduct and corruption.
  5. Examine the importance of professionalism and ethics in police work.
  6. Identify strategies for interacting with the physically and mentally disabled, the elderly, and crime victims.

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CJUS 484. Hate Crimes & Groups

3 Credits (3)

Explores the phenomenon of hate-motivated violence. Examines the hate crime laws, organized hate groups, and social theories attempting to explain violent hate.

CJUS 501. Research Methods in Criminal Justice

3 Credits (3)

Research design, methods of data collection and analysis, and preparation of research reports. Restricted to majors.

Prerequisite: C J major or consent of instructor.

CJUS 502. Statistics in Criminal Justice

3 Credits (3)

Intermediate level statistical techniques applied to criminal justice data.

Learning Outcomes
  1. Understand the basic statistical procedures for criminal justice research.
  2. Use statistical software to enter and edit data, and conduct basic analysis.
  3. Allow students the opportunity to recognize the critical role of empirical research in informing, influencing, and evaluating criminal justice practices and policies.
  4. Developing a basic understanding of the role of statistics in criminal justice research.
  5. Interpret and evaluate research evidence and statistical operations.

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CJUS 511. Nature of Crime

3 Credits (3)

Defining and measuring crime, crime causation, and criminal behavior systems. Restricted to majors.

Prerequisite: C J major or consent of instructor.

CJUS 514. Advanced Race, Crime, and Justice

3 Credits (3)

Advanced analysis of the historical and contemporary relationship between race and crime in the United States with emphasis upon human equality and fairness. Overview of racial and ethnic social categorizations and how they impact law and order.

CJUS 515. A Course on Punishment

3 Credits (3)

Exploration and analysis of the idea and practice of punishment through a variety of philosophical perspectives, seeking to understand its moral and practical viability as employed in contemporary society, including its application within the criminal justice system.

CJUS 520. Advanced Girls, Women & Crime

3 Credits (3)

Advanced critical social science analysis of concepts of violence and justice as experienced by women impacted by the criminal justice system. Restricted to C J, GNDR majors. Crosslisted with: GNDR 520

CJUS 525. Issues in Ethics, Law, and Criminal Justice

3 Credits (3)

Examination of the key ethical and decision-making dilemmas facing professionals working in the fields of law and criminal justice. Restricted to majors.

CJUS 527. Advanced Race & Crime in Film

3 Credits (3)

Advanced critical analysis of film where messages relating race and crime are present, with emphasis on how this imagery informs problem definition, policies, and practice within the criminal justice system.

CJUS 528. Advanced Mexican-Americans and Issues of Social Justice

3 Credits (3)

Advanced analysis of social issues related to the Mexican American community in the U.S., with special emphasis on their collective historical struggles and contributions to society. We will discuss the political, economic and cultural forces that exemplify their experience as a “whole.”

Learning Outcomes
  1. Explore and discuss social issues related to the Mexican American community in the U.S.
  2. Gain a better understanding of the history of the Mexican American experience in the U.S.
  3. Understand current social justice issues impacting the Mexican American community.
  4. Explore the Mexican American community experience particularly in the southwest.
  5. Critically engage the challenges faced by the Mexican American community on issues such racial discrimination, racial profiling, immigration, and crime.

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CJUS 529. Advanced Immigration & Justice

3 Credits (3)

Advanced analysis of the complexities of immigration in the United States through a social justice lens. Students will explore the intersections of race, ethnicity, gender, and class in immigration through different groups’ historical and contemporary experiences, including immigrants' experience with the criminal justice system.

CJUS 531. Advanced Family Violence and the Law

3 Credits (3)

This course will examine how practitioners are involved in the criminal justice system in areas of family violence including: child physical abuse; child sexual abuse; child neglect; child ritualistic abuse; child exploitation; sibling abuse; intimate partner abuse; stalking; sexual abuse and elder abuse. This course will be helpful for those who wish to go into law enforcement or victim’s advocacy work. Restricted to: Criminal Justice majors.

CJUS 532. Advanced Issues in Criminal Justice (f, s, sum)

3 Credits (3)

Seminar on problems and conflicts encountered in major criminal justice issues. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes. May be repeated under different subtitles for unlimited credit.

CJUS 537. Advanced Wrongul Convictions

3 Credits (3)

This course will address causes (e.g. problems in witness identification, forensics, police and attorney conduct) as well as results of erroneous dispositions (e.g. compensation, media dynamics, possible reforms) in a critical analysis. Appropriate for prospective police, legal, and policy professionals. Restricted to: Criminal Justice majors.

CJUS 541. Seminar in Criminal Justice Policy Analysis and Planning

3 Credits (3)

Seminar on policy development, planning and implementation processes in criminal justice. Links formal policy goals as they relate to theory and outcomes. Topics announced in the Schedule of Classes. Restricted to majors.

Prerequisite: C J major or consent of instructor.

CJUS 545. Advanced Victimology

3 Credits (3)

Study of risk factors in crime victimization, the impact of crimes upon victims, and the role of the victim in the criminal justice system. Consideration of the impact of criminal justice policy on victim outcomes.

CJUS 560. Juvenile Justice Systems

3 Credits

Policy development and operations in police, court, and correctional agencies in response to juveniles. Analysis of programs designed to identify, prevent and treat juvenile offenders. CJUS 570. Probation and Parole 3 cr. Advanced analysis of goals, theories and practices of all forms of correction in the community, including probation, parole, plus other intermediate sanctions. Restricted to majors.

CJUS 581. Community Policing

3 Credits (3)

Overview and analysis of community policing issues from various perspectives. Analysis of strategies that facilitate police and community collaboration. Restricted to majors.

CJUS 591. Directed Readings in Criminal Justice

3 Credits (3)

Supervised review of literature in specialized areas of the nature of crime, law and social control, and criminal justice administration. Consent of instructor required.

CJUS 592. Independent Research

1-3 Credits

Design and execution of a criminal justice research project. Requires a written paper in standard format, including literature review, hypotheses, methodology, findings, and conclusions.

CJUS 593. Internship

3-6 Credits

Supervised placement in an applied or research setting in criminal justice. An in-depth written report of the project is required. Restricted to C J majors. May be repeated for a maximum of 6 credits. Graded S/U.

Prerequisites: introductory graduate course in the area of the internship and consent of the internship supervisor.

CJUS 599. Master's Thesis

1-15 Credits

Thesis.

Name: Andreia Jaramillo-Scarborough, Administrative Assistant

Office Location: Breland 107

Phone: (575) 646-3316

Email: dreej@nmsu.edu

Website: http://crimjust.nmsu.edu