Mission
Utilizing a Christian worldview, students are given tools to practice in a broad spectrum of employment within the field to include law enforcement, corrections, investigations, and juvenile justice and probation and parole systems.
Overview
The Criminal Justice program at Evangel University prepares graduates for competent service within the criminal justice field and for success in graduate school. Students who complete a degree in Criminal Justice may anticipate opportunities in this multi-faceted field, including law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice, probation and parole, and the court system.
Program Goals and Objectives
Goal 1. Equip students with knowledge and understanding of the history and operation of various components in the criminal justice system.
Goal 2. Prepare students to think critically and develop an understanding of the various criminological theories.
Goal 3. Equip students with the knowledge and skills to competently apply principles of criminal investigation.
Goal 4. Prepare students to demonstrate an understanding of concepts and theories of police administration.
Goal 5. Develop within students the understanding and application of significant law enforcement values, ethics and behavior.
Goal 6. Equip students with knowledge and history of state and federal laws.
Goal 7. Prepare students to function competently and ethically within a criminal justice setting.
Goal 8. Prepare students to work in the criminal justice field using a Christian worldview.
Introduces the criminal justice system in the United States. Topics include an examination of crime and the nature of law, process of justice, aspects of criminal law and procedure, courts and adjudication, and law enforcement.
Examines the core communication skills essential to helping relationships. Topics include basic listening and action-oriented skills within the context of professional values and a multi-disciplinary theory base, including issues related to working with diverse populations. Includes experiential role-playing and practice on non-verbal expression, active listening, exploration, constructive confrontation, conflict resolution, and other interviewing skills essential to a professional helper.
Junior or senior standing.
CJST 333 Laboratory.
Explores the nature and cause of crime and delinquency. Topics include punishment, correction, and prevention of crime. Cross-listed with SOCI 334.
(One of the three) SOCI 111 or CJST 241 or PSYC 112.
Develops a biblical and practical understanding of conflict. Students examine the conflict cycle, styles of conflict management, and intervention strategies for resolving conflict. Special focus is given to the leader’s pivotal role in managing conflict, using conflict for positive change, and setting the cultural climate conducive for addressing conflict. The roles of mediation, arbitration, and negotiation also are examined. Cross listed with HRDV 340.
Explores juvenile delinquency phenomena. Topics include causation, prevention, control, and treatment; the juvenile justice system; and the role of the faith-based movement in prevention and treatment. Cross-listed with PSYC 342, SOCI 342, and SWK 342.
(One of the three) SOCI 111 or CJST 241 or PSYC 112.
Explores the American correctional system. Topics include the development of the concept of corrections, the correctional process, the correctional client, correctional institutions, institutional procedures, treatment approaches, effects of institutionalization, the role of jails, community-based corrections, probation, parole, and other release programs.
SOCI 111 or CJST 241.
Introduces the topic of security for houses of worship and para-church organizations, examining the history of private security up to the current application of physical security measures. Topics include risk assessment, risk mitigation, physical and environment prevention techniques, and cyber-security and access control. Emergency planning, incident management, and policy development will also be covered for the unique environment of houses of worship, but the principles would also apply to any populated or corporate environment. Cross-listed with CHMN 356.
Junior or Senior standing.
Discusses the general police organization and administration. Topics include current management theories, principles, and practices, and the role of the police department in the community and as a part of the political entity.
(One of the three) SOCI 111 or CJST 241 or CJST 334.
Meets the needs of individual students that cannot be satisfied by other courses.
Senior standing with approval of the Program Coordinator and Department Chair.
Provides students the opportunity to gain practical experience by working in a law enforcement agency under the supervision of a field instructor.
