Criminal Justice (CRJ)

526 David M. French Hall
https://www.umflint.edu/cas/programs/criminal-justice

Professional Advisor
Criminal Justice Professional Advisor: Megan Presland

Faculty
Associate Professor Joan Mars; Assistant Professor Kimberly Bender

Criminal Justice, one of the disciplines making up the Department of Behavioral Sciences, is an academic field which examines the actions of the formal social control mechanisms we call the criminal justice system. This system is composed of three subsystems: law enforcement agencies, criminal courts, and correctional facilities. The study of criminal justice requires an examination of the structure and functioning of each of these subsystems, as well as knowledge about the role behavior of the participants. It also involves a critical evaluation of how the administration of justice actually operates in American society. This raises fundamental questions and provides perspectives from which solutions to problems might be drawn.

The content of criminal justice study is interdisciplinary, drawing on theory developed in sociology, law, political science, and other fields. From sociology are derived theories regarding the etiology of crime and delinquency. Law and political science provide information about the development of law and the application of sanctions within the legal process.

Mission and Assessment
The promotion of critical thinking, social justice, and civic responsibility is the hallmark of the Criminal Justice programs. The mission of the programs is to ensure that each student is given the opportunity to acquire the skills necessary to critically analyze and negotiate life encounters that are both unique to individuals and shared by all persons. The program faculty participate in the University-wide effort to assess its academic programs. Information on assessment plans, including goals, methods and outcomes is available at www.umflint.edu/assessment.

Programs

Baccalaureate

Criminal Justice Program (BA)

Minor

Criminal Justice Minor