Department of Administration of Justice
Undergraduate Degree(s):
Minor(s):
Graduate Degree(s):
- Master of Science in Administration Of Justice (Non-Thesis Option)
- Master of Science in Administration of Justice (Thesis Option)
- Doctor of Philosophy in Administration of Justice
- Executive Master of Administration of Justice (Non-Thesis Option), eMAJ
- Executive Master of Administration of Justice (Thesis Option), eMAJ
The Department of Administration of Justice offers courses in Administration of Justice (DAJ). It offers an undergraduate degree, Bachelor of Science (B.S.), in Administration of Justice. Students pursuing undergraduate degrees or majors in other departments where they are required to declare a minor may seek a minor in the Administration of Justice. The Department of Administration of Justice also offers a minor in Forensic Science (FS), Military Science (MSCI), Air Force Leadership (AFSC), and Naval Science (NAVA). Interested students may obtain information from the Department office located on the fourth floor of the Public Affairs Building. The Department of Administration of Justice offers a Master of Science (M.S.) degree in Administration of Justice and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Administration of Justice. Administered fully online, the Department also offers the Executive Masters in Administration of Justice (eMAJ).
The mission of the Department of Administration of Justice is to educate students for careers and community service within a diverse urban environment through the development of specialized knowledge and skills needed for effective public service. The Department strives to prepare students with not only facts and concepts, but also encourages students to think critically and ethically in applying knowledge to related problems and challenging situations.
The curriculum presents subjects designed to develop competence for employment, leadership roles and for students planning careers in:
- the judiciary,
- law enforcement,
- parole and probation,
- corrections,
- institutional services,
- security administration,
- homeland security, and
- other related career areas.
Students wishing to pursue the undergraduate degree offered through the Department must first gain admission to the University. They must satisfy TSI requirements, eradicate identified deficiencies, and declare Administration of Justice as their major. To declare a major in Administration of Justice, students must have an earned overall GPA of 2.50 or better and have completed the following four courses with grades of “C” or better (grades of “C-” are unacceptable):
| Code | Title | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| POLS 2305 | American Government | 3 |
| POLS 2306 | Texas Government | 3 |
| ENGL 1301 | Freshman English I | 3 |
| ENGL 1302 | Freshman English II | 3 |
Once admitted to the Department, students are each assigned an Academic Advisor who must approve all class schedules. They must also keep the Department Office informed of current addresses and telephone numbers prior to graduation. Students must also retain a minimum overall GPA of 2.00 and fulfill all prerequisites for required courses prior to scheduling them to remain in good standing in the Department. Students failing to meet prerequisites for courses will be administratively withdrawn from them. Students are also cautioned that transfer credits will be accepted for either elective or required courses only if grades of “C” or better have been earned (grades of “C-” are unacceptable) at an accredited educational institution.
Students wishing to pursue the B.S. in Administration of Justice are cautioned that a prior criminal conviction may be used to deny access or placement in various jobs in the criminal justice system, especially those related to the judiciary, law enforcement, detention, and corrections, even when the degree has been earned.
Requirements for the B.S. in Administration of Justice are specified in detail below. As first-time degree seekers, students are required to declare a minor in a second academic discipline either through the Department or through another department for graduation. Grades of “C” or better (grades of “C-” are unacceptable) must be earned in all major and minor courses required for graduation. Additionally, in selecting minors, students should seek detailed advisement from their designated advisors because the selection of a minor having representative courses in the core curriculum for the degree of choice could influence the total number of credits required. In no case will students qualify for graduation at the undergraduate level with fewer than 120 semester credit hours satisfactorily completed. At the beginning of the senior year, majors should have their overall transcripts and records evaluated by their Academic Advisor to verify their status with regard to graduation. An exit examination is required of all graduating seniors.
Administration of Justice Courses
Introduction to Criminology (3) An introduction to the scientific study of crime. Three hours of lecture per week.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Introduction to Administration of Justice (3) An introduction to the U.S. and Texas criminal justice systems. Definition of crime, law enforcement, prosecution, due process, and rehabilitation systems. Prerequisite for all Administration of Justice courses. Three hours of lecture per week. Listed as CRIJ 1301 in the Texas Common Course Numbering System.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Introduction to Court Systems (3) Examines the role of courts in the criminal justice system. Special attention is on processes and organization of state and federal courts. Three hours of lecture per week.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Introduction to Corrections (3) Historical development of the current structure and dynamics of correctional organizations and their practices. Three hours of lecture per week.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Introduction to Law Enforcement (3) Survey of both public and private law enforcement agencies with special emphasis on public law enforcement agencies at the different levels of government. Three hours of lecture per week.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Security Management (3) Organization of the security function and its administration will be emphasized. Selection, education, and training for security personnel will be examined including modern technological approaches.
Prerequisite(s): AJ 105
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Legal Aspects of Law Enforcement (3) Designed to create an awareness of the law governing the behavior of law enforcement officials. Special attention given to probable cause, interrogation, arrest, searches and seizures, and criminal court procedure. Three hours of lecture per week. Listed in the Texas Common Course Numbering System as CRIJ 2323.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Substance Abuse (3) Designed to focus on varied substances, including drugs and alcohol that are currently being used and abused in society. Three hours of lecture per week.
Prerequisite(s): AJ 105
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Research Methods in Administration of Justice (3) Introduction to applied research methods in administration of justice with emphasis on descriptive statistical methods as a tool for assisting administration of justice administrators and researchers in decision making. Computer applications included. Three hours of lecture per week.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Quantitative Methods in Administration of Justice (3) Continuation of AJ 301.Introduces probability and inferential statistics as analytical tools useful to administration of justice administrators and researchers. Students are expected to gain knowledge and experience in the use of packaged statistical software in data analysis. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: AJ 301.
Prerequisite(s): AJ 301
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Criminal Law and Procedure (3) Basic concepts of criminal law with an emphasis on the penal law of Texas. Evidence sufficiency, procedural due process, and constitutional safeguards also addressed. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: AJ 211 and AJ 250.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Judicial Administration (3) Local, state, and federal judicial operations; constitutional, legislative, and judicial influence on administrative action; and administrative problems associated with judicial functions. Prerequisite: AJ 211.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: 2338
Probation and Parole Administration (3) Systems of probation and parole from the perspective of organization, operation, and results; legal and administrative requirements of probation management; substitutions for incarceration. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: AJ 220.
Prerequisite(s): (AJ 220)
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Juvenile Justice System (3) Examination of aspects of the juvenile justice history and philosophy; court practices and procedures; police practices and corrections. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisites: AJ 220 and AJ 240.
Prerequisite(s): AJ 105
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Correctional Counseling (3) Emphasis on principles and procedures; the theoretical foundations of therapeutic psychology; therapeutic techniques and processes. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: AJ 220.
Prerequisite(s): AJ 220
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Police and Community Relations (3) Role of the urban police department in community relations and how the police and the community can establish a more effective relationship. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: AJ 240.
Prerequisite(s): AJ 105
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Criminal Investigation (3) Designed to focus on the theory and practice of criminal investigation, including techniques and skills of successful investigators. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: AJ 240.
Prerequisite(s): AJ 240
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Community-Based Corrections (3) Principles and practices of community-based corrections such as probation, intermediate sanctions and parole. Emphasis is on functions, supervisions, problems, methods and technologies utilized in community-based programs. Prerequisite: AJ 220.
Prerequisite(s): AJ 105
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Spatial Analysis of Crime (3) The analysis of the location of crime including the site and situational relationship of crime causative and associational factors. Th ree hours of lecture per week.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Comparative Administration of Justice (3) An introduction to various administration of justice systems and practices operative in different nationstates. Three hours of lecture per week.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Prerequisite(s): (POLS 235 and POLS 236)
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Seminar on Administration of Justice Ethics (3) Ethical issues in criminal justice by philosophers, criminal justice professionals, lawyers and judges, and the general public. Includes topics relating to policy, courts, corrections, and issues in legal philosophy. Prerequisite: 18 semester credit hours in Administration of Justice or consent of the instructor.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Selected Topics in Administration of Justice (3) The review of various administration of justice beliefs and practices; the topics can vary by semester and instructor. May be repeated for up to 9 credits as topics vary. Three hours of lecture per week.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Correctional Administration (3) Organizational and Administrative problems and procedures unique to corrections. Custody, discipline, security force distribution, and coordination with treatment services within correctional institutions. Personnel policies, budgets, and the prison community's social structure. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: AJ 220.
Prerequisite(s): AJ 220
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Police Administration (3) Emphasis on police management theory and practice; personnel management; planning and research; management of information; allocation and distribution of operational human resources. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: AJ 240.
Prerequisite(s): AJ 240
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Seminar on Administration of Justice (3) Selected topics such as the experiences encountered by African-Americans and other ethnic groups in criminal justice in the United States. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: 21 semester credit hours in Administration of Justice or consent of the instructor.
Prerequisite(s): AJ 105
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Race and Crime (3) An introduction to the impact and relationship of race and ethnicity to crime.Three hours of lecture per week.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Administration of Justice Theories (3) This course is designed to provide students with an understanding of competing theories in administration of justice.Three hours of lecture per week.Listed in the Texas Common Course Numbering System as CRIJ 003642.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Administration of Justice Internship (3) Supervised practical experience in public and nonprofit selected agencies. Three hours of lecture per week. Prerequisite: Junior/senior standing.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Capstone (3) An overview of the discipline emphasizing synthesis of theory and research, critical reflection and evaluation, and recent developments in Administration of Justice. Particular emphasis will be given to the integration of Administration of Justice with other social sciences. Required of all majors in AJ.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Forensic Science Courses
Introduction to Forensic Science (3) This course provides the beginning student with an overview of the forensic sciences, including exposure to the rules of evidence, evidence collection and handling, expert witness testimony and an introduction to the various sub-disciplines that fall under the umbrella of the forensic sciences. The course is open to undergraduates as an elective.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Forensic Evidence Collection and Processing (3) This course serves as a comprehensive review of all aspects of evidence collection and preservation. Prerequisite: FORS 226 or permission of the instructor.
Prerequisite(s): FORS 226
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Forensic Science Analysis (3) This course is an introduction to classical and modern forensic science laboratory techniques. Prerequisites: FORS 226 and FORS 236. Junior standing or above.
Prerequisite(s): FORS 226
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Forensic Science Seminar (3) This course will focus on criminal and civil cases as well as forensic science literature research. Students will conduct forensic science research, including case reviews, searches for forensic literature, and analysis of trial testimony. Prerequisites: FORS 226, FORS 236, FORS 326, and senior standing.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Military Science Courses
Ranger Challenge Training (1) Team competition, land navigation, rifle marksmanship, tactics, and survival skills covered. Fitness training requires cadets to compete against other universities. Prerequisite: Must be enrolled for Military Science minor.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Introduction to Army and Marksmanship (2) Introduction to the role of the U.S. Armed Forces in society. Emphasizes weapon safety, responsibility, and marksmanship techniques. No military obligation incurred for attendance. Open to all students at the University.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Survival and Unarmed Self-Defense (2) Basic concepts and techniques in unarmed self-defense, field expedient techniques, and basic field craft addressed. Rape prevention techniques also addressed. No military obligation incurred for attendance. Open to all students at the University.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Military Leadership Development (2) Introduction to leadership, problem analysis, decision making, oral communication, first aid, land navigation, basic radio communications, marksmanship, and repelling. Fitness training and laboratory required.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Military Leadership Development (2) Continuation of MSCI 221. Fitness training and laboratory required.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Basic Camp (4) Six-week, off-campus field training practicum that introduces students to the military. Includes topics in leadership and repelling. No military obligation is required for attending course. Prerequisite: Consent of the Faculty Chair.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Advanced Military Science (3) Introduction to small unit leadership, troop leading procedures, leadership theory, and small unit patrolling. Fitness training required as part of the course. Prerequisite: Consent of the Faculty Chair.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Advanced Military Science (3) Introduction to combat orders and military principles, small unit tactics, and tactical communications. Fitness training required as part of the course. Prerequisite: Consent of the Faculty Chair.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Advanced Military Science (3) Leadership and command, military law, administration/staff operations and procedures, dynamics of the military team, training management, ethics, and professionalism. Fitness training required as part of the course. Prerequisite: Consent of the Faculty Chair.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Advanced Military Science (3) Continuation of MSCI 431. Fitness training required as part of the course. Prerequisite: Consent of the Faculty Chair.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Air Force Leadership Courses
Foundations of the USAF I (2) Overall roles and missions of the USAF; career f elds available. Emphasis on military customs and courtesies, appearance standards, core values, written and personal communication. Introduction to American military history.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Foundations of the USAF II (2) Overall roles and missions of the USAF; career fi elds available. Emphasis on military customs and courtesies, appearance standards, core values, written and personal communication. Introduction to American military history.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Evolution of Air Power I (2) Key historical events and milestones in the development of air power as a primary instrument of United States national security. Core values and competencies of leaders in the United States Air Force. Tenets of leadership and ethics.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Evolution of Air Power II (2) Key historical events and milestones in the development of air power as a primary instrument of United States national security. Core values and competencies of leaders in the United States Air Force. Tenets of leadership and ethics.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Air Force Leadership Studies I (3) Leadership, management fundamentals, professional knowledge, Air Force personnel and evaluation systems, and leadership ethics. Case studies of Air Force leadership and management situations.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Air Force Leadership Studies II (3) Leadership, management fundamentals, professional knowledge, Air Force personnel and evaluation systems, and leadership ethics. Case studies of Air Force leadership and management situations.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
National Security Affairs I (3) Evolution of the role of national security in a democratic society with emphasis on policy formation, competing values, and organizations. Civilian control of the military; roles of the services; functions of the Air Force Commands.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
National Security Affairs II (3) Evolution of the role of national security in a democratic society with emphasis on policy formation, competing values, and organizations. Civilian control of the military; roles of the services; functions of the Air Force Commands.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Naval Science Courses
An introduction to naval traditions and customs, seamanship, naval organization and missions, and the fundamental concepts of sea power.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Readings, discussions, and research on selected topics related to the history, importance, and impact of sea power on modern civilization.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
An introduction to the principles and concepts of management, organization, leadership, information systems, and decision making.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Marine navigators and laws of vessel operations. Includes coastal piloting, navigational aids, nautical astronomy, satellite and inertial systems, and rules of the nautical road.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
An analysis of ship movements, formations, and fleet operations. Includes Rules of the Road, maneuvering board, tactical publications and communications.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Historical survey of the evolution of the conduct of warfare. Strategy, tactics, weapons, organization, and military leaders/thinkers are studied.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
The theory and employment of weapons systems. The student explores the processes of detection, evaluation, threat analysis, weapon selection, delivery, guidance, and explosives. The physical aspects of radar and underwater sound are described in detail.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Leadership principles with particular emphasis on ethics, human resources management, military law and discipline, and administration.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Ship propulsion systems, auxiliary systems, steering systems, electrical power distribution, ship design, ship stability and damage control measures.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
Study of the history of amphibious warfare, using case studies to examine doctrine tactics, and the factors necessary for successful operations.
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice
College/School: The School of Public Affairs
Department: Dept of Admin of Justice