Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice Management

Union Institute & University’s program in Criminal Justice Management is your path to a rewarding career in law enforcement. Our flexible online degree program is specifically designed to prepare you to move up the ranks into supervisory, management, and executive positions within the criminal justice system. It is led & taught by experts who know the field, not only because they’ve studied it, but because they’ve experienced it firsthand – as line employees, support personnel, supervisors, managers, and executives. Union encourages you to bring your own real-world experience in the field to our online criminal justice community.

120 Total credits

$350 Cost Per Credit Hour

Jun 26 Next Start Date

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Criminal justice CONCENTRATIONS

Students who choose to major in Criminal Justice may complete a generalized program or select one of the two following concentrations (12 credit hours) with a specific focus:

Homeland Security

The concentration in Homeland Security will give students an increased understanding of the resources at their disposal to respond to terrorist threats in their communities. These online courses are designed for professionals working in the areas of public safety, security management, fire service, emergency management, criminal justice, and law enforcement, as well as managers in private and nonprofit corporations responsible for multiple aspects of supervising security programs.

Organizational Leadership

Self-understanding is at the heart of good leadership, the building of relationships, and the effectiveness of teams. The focus of this concentration is on leading oneself, leading others, and leadership for the common good.

120 credit hour program (minimum)
Full & part-time options
Classes start every eight weeks
Transfer up to 90 credit hours

Cost of Program

Core Courses

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CJM 303

Applied Ethics in Criminal Justice

3+1 credits

This course covers applied ethical theories against the backdrop of criminal justice policy, action and management, and employee decision-making. Accepted standards applicable to criminal justice organizations and professionals are used to examine such topics as ethical systems; social change; values and norms; cultural diversity; use of force; use of discretion; corruption, and other related topics. Upon completion, students should be able to apply ethical considerations to the decision-making process and recommend management responses to organizational ethical dilemmas and individual ethical lapses. Corequisite: CJM1 303, 1 credit hour.
CJM 306

Supervision in the Criminal Justice Field

3+1 credits

This course examines the role of the first-line supervisor in law enforcement organizations, including the managerial responsibilities a supervisor is often called upon to handle. The class will address leadership, power, communication, personnel matters, decision-making, and many other related topics. The impact and importance of effective leadership on employee development, morale, and motivation will be a particular focus of study. Corequisite: CJM1 306, 1 credit hour.
CJM 307

Criminal Justice Management and Administration

3 +1 credits

Utilizing a managerial and administrative perspective, this course studies the protocols and techniques for modern police administration. Topics will include organizational tasks, policy issues, functions of police management, executive roles, budgeting, contemporary issues, and leadership concepts. Corequisite: CJM1 307, 1 credit hour.
CJM 409

Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice Management

3 +1 credits

This course presents a comprehensive management perspective and overview of contemporary issues and problems associated with the criminal justice system. The course provides an in-depth examination of current and vital issues in criminal justice such as current research trends, policy development, implementation and review, liability issues, personnel as well as political and ethical obligations involving social justice. Corequisite: CJM1 409, 1 credit hour.
CJM 410

Criminal Justice Management Information Systems

3 +1 credits

This course concentrates on the introduction and use of technology in the management of criminal justice data and systems. The student examines the issues and impacts on criminology and the criminal justice system caused by the availability and usage of technological advancements. The course will also survey the trends and uses of modern technology in police response, criminal investigations, communications, response to major incidents and the administration of management and personnel data. It will examine problematic issues, their impact on current laws, jurisdiction, and the potential unintended consequences of technology in criminal justice management. Corequisite: CJM1 410, 1 credit hour.

Elective Courses

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CJM 302

Research and Management Analysis Techniques for Criminal Justice Managers

3+1 credits

This course examines research methodologies that are utilized by criminal justice managers to design and evaluate criminal justice programs. The focus of the course will be the interpretation of data, problem analysis, and clarification of social problems, confidentiality, decision-making, policy formation, and evaluation. Corequisite: CJM1 302, 1 credit hour.
CJM 304

The Role of Criminal Justice in Terrorism

3 +1 credits

This course employs a criminal justice framework for the analysis and evaluation of terrorist groups and individuals, terrorist origins, goals, dynamics, ideologies, and counterterrorism. The course will include a discussion of the task of defining terrorism, an exploration of the history and causes of terrorism (both internationally and domestically), the structure and organization of terrorist groups, an overview of the methods and weapons of terrorists, and public policies, strategies, and approaches for combating and preventing terrorism. Corequisite: CJM1 304, 1 credit hour.
CJM 308

Management of Fatal Officer-Involved Shootings

1 credit

This course examines the management responsibilities during the investigation of fatal officer-involved shootings. The course will explore supervisory and managerial roles in the administrative review of fatal shootings. The criminal and civil ramifications of fatal shootings will be discussed.
CJM 309

Drugs in Society

3+1 credits

This course examines the multifaceted topic of drugs in society. The course analyzes the four most pivotal areas of the problem, including drug culture, impaired drivers, drug trafficking, and drug control policy. The foundation of the course compares and contrasts the debate on legalization and decriminalization of illicit drugs. Additional topics include the influence of gangs, organized crime, and foreign drug trafficking organizations on society. Corequisite: CJM1 309, 1 credit hour.
CJM 315

Police Accountability and the Criminal Justice Manager

2 credits

This course explores the theoretical and practical issues of police accountability and reform in policing agencies. It examines and compares various strategies and systems in place throughout policing today: early intervention systems, citizen oversight, police auditing, use of force review, vehicle pursuit tracking, and consent decrees. The role of the police manager in the various systems and strategies will be examined and analyzed.
CJM 317

Human Sex Trafficking as a Global Phenomenon

3+1 credits

This course examines contemporary issues in domestic and global human sex trafficking from perspectives in criminal justice. This course compares and contrasts factors in human smuggling, slavery, and illicit economies that impact supply and demand in the sex industry. A unique feature of the course will evaluate how those people employed in the sex trade move through the criminal justice system labeled as both victims and defendants. The course will conclude with an analysis of the link between human and drug trafficking. Corequisite: CJM1 317, 1 credit hour.
CJM 320

Capital Punishment

2 credits

This course examines the issues surrounding the use of the death penalty in the United States. The course will analyze the relationship between capital punishment and the U.S. Constitution, current debates on the issue, and historical controversial decisions made in death penalty cases.
CJM 316

Managing Mental Health Interagency Task Forces

1 credit

This course examines the formation, management, and delivery of mental health interagency task forces to aid persons with mental illness. The course will focus on the police manager's role in managing such an interagency task force.
CJM 317

Human Sex Trafficking as a Global Phenomenon

3 credits

No description available
CJM 320

Capital Punishment

2 credits

No description available
CJM 321

Criminological Theories

No description available
CJM 325

The Impact of Social Media on Criminal Justice Organizations

2 credits

This course explores the opportunities and challenges for criminal justice organizations that use social media. The course examines social networking issues in public relations, criminal investigations, and internal personnel matters.
CJM 330

Gangs and Gang Subcultures

3+1 credits

This course examines the subculture of criminal gangs in the United States. The course will compare and contrast both traditional and non-traditional gangs. Topics include gang identification, organization, and gang behavior, combined with a study of aggression factors and group dynamics. Corequisite: CJM1 330, 1 credit hour.
CJM 331

Managing Regional Gang Task Forces

3+1 credits

This course explores the planning, implementation, and management of regional gang task forces. Analyzing the partnership between street gangs and international drug trafficking organizations, the course examines the multifaceted challenges facing law enforcement and corrections to disrupt criminal enterprises that are causing violence in American communities. The course concludes with a presentation of a task force plan to a panel of professional police managers. Corequisite: CJM1 331, 1 credit hour.
CJM 412

Fiscal Management for Criminal Justice Organizations

3+1 credits

This course examines the theory and practice of budgeting in the public setting. It analyzes the evolution of the budget from a simple line item to more complex performance systems. It prepares the student to participate in the public policy discussion, the complicated budget process, and the politics of this process as various groups struggle for limited resources. The course will emphasize grant writing as an integral tool of the budget process and fiscal management. Corequisite: CJM1 412, 1 credit hour.
CJM 415

Managing Elder Abuse Investigation and Prevention Programs

3 credits

This course examines the formation, organization, and management of elder abuse prevention and investigation program. Program responsibilities for the investigation and detection of physical abuse, neglect, and fiduciary abuse will be studied. Strategies for preventing elder abuse will be identified and discussed.
FOR 310

Forensic Science Management

3+1 credits

The field of forensic science is complex, structured and based on scientific discovery. The management of forensic science professionals or laboratories can be challenging. Incorrect analysis or the contamination of a crime scene can severely affect a criminal investigation. The quality and timeliness of forensic science examinations are a critical part of the criminal justice system. This course will examine the various legal, technical and administrative issues related to the overall management of a forensic science unit, laboratory or professional. Students will be exposed to the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors (ASCLAD) certification process, with an emphasis on quality control measures. Real-life case studies will also be discussed and analyzed during this course. Corequisite: FOR1 310, 1 credit hour.
PSY 353

Criminal Behavior

3 credits

This course examines theories of criminal behavior. Biological, psychological, sociological and developmental theories will be explored. The relationship between mental illness and violent criminal behavior will be explored in the context of psychological and legal viewpoints on mental illness. Approaches to treatment and rehabilitation will also be examined.
PSY 356

Forensic Psychology

3 credits

This course provides an examination of the field of forensic psychology. It evaluates applications of psychology to the criminal justice system including the areas of investigative psychology, law enforcement responses, psychology and the courts, forensic assessment, and correctional psychology. It will also provide an in-depth survey of the relationship between violence and mental disorders and focus on the criminal justice system’s handling and treatment of the mentally ill.

GENERAL EDUCATION AT UNION

General education courses are the foundation of a bachelor's degree and aim to introduce students to the world of critical thinking, written expression, broad philosophical topics, scientific method, quantitative reasoning, and more.

General education at Union Institute & University is different with a purpose. Most colleges have an assortment of “Introduction to….” courses for their general education curriculum - not Union. Our general education courses are topic-based, and they have a direct link to our popular majors. These topics make for a seamless transition from the breadth of general education to the depth of your major.

Explore Our General Education Courses

Applying Your Degree to Real World Experience

Union’s Criminal Justice Management program connects with Union’s national community of law enforcement personnel across the country. Developed by and for law enforcement professionals, our program connects you directly to our law enforcement site coordinators to provide the personal attention you need to advance your rank.

Police Officer
Deputy Sheriff
State Correctional Officer/Deputy
County Custodial Officer/Deputy
Probation Officer
Juvenile Hall Officer
Sergeant
Lieutenant
Captain
Chief of Police/Sheriff

Transfer Credits

At Union, we know your field work has taught you things that can’t be learned in a classroom. That’s why our credit transfer policy recognizes your previous training and experience. Transfer up to 32 semester credits from your Basic POST Certificate and up to 34 credits for your FDLE Academy Training. You can also transfer additional training beyond the academy using Union’s certified learning method (with a maximum of 60 credit hours for training). Our generous transfer credit for service is just one of the ways Union is built for you.

Skills & Benefits Union Students Gain

Understand and apply contemporary techniques for supervision, leadership, and administration within a justice organization.
Analyze and critique criminal justice policy and service delivery from a management point of view.

Interpret & describe how current issues in the field impact organizations, personnel, community and other stakeholders.
Interpret applied ethical theories in a contemporary environment.

Meet Our Faculty

WHAT MAKES OUR PROGRAM UNIQUE?

"Developed by law enforcement, the Criminal Justice Management program was developed for law enforcement students preparing for advancement in their careers while discussing contemporary issues in their chosen field. The program's professors offer real-life law enforcement experience to our students bridging the gap between theoretical and practical application."

Paul Brugman, M.S.
Criminal Justice Management Chair

Hear What Our Students Are Saying

After just two weeks into my first course at Union Institute & University, I was extremely inspired and motivated to complete my degree. In March 2013, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management, graduating with a 4.0 GPA. Not only did Union Institute & University assist me in reaching my educational goal, but it also assisted me in obtaining the rank of Police Captain.

Captain Frederick H. Bobbit, Jr.

2013 Graduate

As a 27-year veteran in law enforcement I enrolled in Union’s Criminal Justice Management program but the following year I was seriously injured in the line of duty. Even while in the hospital I continued my academic studies. I was really determined; nothing was going to stop me from reaching my goal. I am even more thankful than ever to have my degree because it opens so many possibilities should I not be able to return to full duty.

Sergeant Tony Silva

2013 Graduate

As a working person, Union Institute & University met my educational needs and schedule in a convenient location. The educational focus on criminal justice management matched up with my personal focus and I was able to infuse my ‘real life experience’ to meet many of the educational requirements.

Lieutenant John Weaver

2012 Graduate

Alumni Spotlight

“Union is a perfect fit for me. I had to find a university with a real-world curriculum that allowed me to work full time."

SGT. HEATHER FORSYTHE
Graduate and Mark Dunakin Award Recipient, 2018

Funding Your Future

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Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice Management

Criminal justice CONCENTRATIONS

Homeland Security

Organizational Leadership

GENERAL EDUCATION AT UNION

Applying Your Degree to Real World Experience

Transfer Credits

Skills & Benefits Union Students Gain

Meet Our Faculty

WHAT MAKES OUR PROGRAM UNIQUE?

Hear What Our Students Are Saying

Captain Frederick H. Bobbit, Jr.

2013 Graduate

Sergeant Tony Silva

2013 Graduate

Lieutenant John Weaver

2012 Graduate

Alumni Spotlight

Funding Your Future

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