Program Contact: Stephen McGuinn 203-582-8415

Exploring fundamental issues inherent in the criminal justice system provides valuable insight into some of today’s most complex societal challenges, including growth of the prison population and the ever-increasing number of formerly incarcerated individuals returning to communities. From the role mental illness plays in crime to the impact of drugs and alcohol on our communities, this minor examines an eclectic array of crime and justice topics that complement many majors including sociology, political science and psychology.

You’ll have the flexibility to shape the program in a way that reflects your interests and enhances your professional goals, and you’ll have plenty of support and guidance from a faculty with a broad range of expertise in the criminal justice field. You will meet one-on-one with the program director, and together design a minor that’s right for you, choosing from a varied selection of courses such as Crime and Media, Sexual Violence, and Investigative Techniques. 

To complete the minor, students must complete 15 credits in criminal justice studies at any level and one 300-level criminal justice class for a total of 18 credits. Students should meet with the program director to select appropriate courses. A student majoring in gerontology or sociology can minor in criminal justice. Courses taken for a minor may not count toward a gerontology or sociology major. Courses taken for a gerontology or sociology major may not count toward a minor.

Students in the criminal justice minor may choose from the following courses:

Select 18 credits from the following:
CJ 101Crime and Society3
CJ 225Addiction and Crime3
CJ 232Women in the Criminal Justice System3
CJ 241Police and Policing3
CJ 243Investigative Techniques3
CJ 250Youth Crime3
CJ 251Probation Parole and Community Corrections3
CJ 253Sexual Violence3
CJ 261Prisons and Jails3
CJ 263Prosecution and Sentencing3
CJ 271Public Order Crimes3
CJ 275Sexual Violence Victim Advocacy3
CJ 320Victimology3
CJ 325Advanced Victimology3
CJ 330Perspectives on Violence3
CJ 333Drugs, Alcohol and Society3
CJ 343Forensic Issues in Law Enforcement3
CJ 351Corrections Counseling3
CJ 355Crime and Media3
CJ 360Inside-Out Prison Exchange Seminar3
CJ 370Constitution, Ethics and Policing3
CJ 375Family Violence3