For students who already hold an associate degree in juvenile justice or a related field, this track moves beyond direct youth supervision into the administration and advocacy side of the field. You'll study how juvenile programs are structured and funded, and how family court proceedings shape outcomes for young people in the system.
Coursework builds on your existing frontline experience with program administration, court advocacy, and the policy debates driving youth justice reform. Graduates are prepared for juvenile program coordinator roles, family court advocacy positions, and administrative paths within youth-serving agencies.
CJ 125Introduction to Criminology
Surveying the major theories that attempt to explain why crime occurs and who commits it.
- Origins of criminological theory
- Biological, psychological, and sociological explanations of crime
- Measuring and classifying criminal behavior
SS 126Sociology
Examining how social structures, institutions, and group dynamics shape individual and collective behavior.
- Socialization and social institutions
- Stratification, inequality, and social class
- Group behavior and deviance within society
CJ 448Corrections
Introducing the philosophy, structure, and daily operation of the American correctional system.
- History and goals of punishment
- Institutional vs. community-based corrections
- Classification and management of offender populations
CJ 493Issues in Criminal Justice
Analyzing current controversies and emerging challenges facing the criminal justice system.
- Contemporary policy debates
- Balancing public safety and civil liberties
- Evaluating reform proposals and their impact
CJ 519Criminal Procedures
Studying the constitutional rules that govern arrest, search, seizure, and trial.
- Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment protections
- Procedures from arrest through sentencing
- Exclusionary rule and its exceptions
CJ 585Investigation
Covering the principles and techniques used to gather, document, and preserve criminal evidence.
- Crime scene processing fundamentals
- Interviewing witnesses and suspects
- Chain of custody and case documentation
LLS 642Introduction to Laws
Providing a foundation in legal systems, sources of law, and how statutes are interpreted and applied.
- Structure of the American legal system
- Statutory, case, and constitutional law
- Legal reasoning and interpretation
CJ 720Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
Comparing how different countries organize policing, courts, and corrections.
- International models of policing and courts
- Cultural and political influences on justice systems
- Lessons from cross-national justice reform
2
Specialist Courses
6 Courses
JUJ 035Research in Criminal Justice
Introducing research design and data analysis methods used within criminal justice practice.
- Formulating research questions
- Quantitative and qualitative data collection
- Interpreting and reporting findings
JUJ 267Introduction to Juvenile Justice
Surveying the history, philosophy, and structure of the juvenile justice system.
- Origins of the juvenile court
- Due process rights of minors
- Diversion and informal processing options
JUJ 653Introduction to Juvenile Delinquency
Examining the causes and patterns of delinquent behavior among youth.
- Theories of juvenile delinquency
- Risk and protective factors
- Patterns of youth offending
JUJ 790Current Issues in Juvenile Justice
Analyzing contemporary policy debates and reform efforts affecting youth justice.
- School-to-prison pipeline debates
- Racial and socioeconomic disparities
- Evaluating recent reform initiatives
JUJ 855Juvenile Justice in America
Providing a broad view of how the juvenile justice system operates across U.S. jurisdictions.
- Structure of state juvenile systems
- Roles of courts, agencies, and advocates
- Comparing state-level approaches
JUJ 863Computer Crime
Introducing digital crime issues as they relate to juvenile offenders and victims.
- Cyberbullying and online exploitation
- Digital evidence in youth cases
- Prevention and intervention strategies
$24,000
Total Program Cost
Fees are billed per term and are subject to change. Financial aid, scholarships, and flexible payment plans are available to students who qualify.
Explore Financial Aid
Admission requires Associate Degree or equivalent credits.
01
Submit Your Application
Complete the online application with your basic and academic details.
An admissions advisor reviews your application and any transfer credit.
Receive your decision, complete enrollment, and start your first term.
Apply Now