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JCS Academics

There are a variety of careers that focus on improving the lives of others and the Department of Justice and Community Studies prepares professionals for these careers. With academic programs in criminal justice, students are prepared for careers in law enforcement and correctional agencies. While diverse, all students are prepared to make a real difference in their communities.

Majors in Criminal Justice

A degree in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare you for in-demand careers in the U.S. criminal justice system, including law enforcement, corrections, courts, and private security. The two and four-year degrees are offered exclusively at Miami University’s regional locations in Hamilton, Middletown, and West Chester. Faculty of the program believe strongly that Criminal Justice graduates need to have a deep understanding of criminal justice systems; possess strong communication and analytical skills; be aware of globalization and be sensitive to diversity; be adaptive, critical, and independent thinkers; appreciate what it means to be a good local and global citizen; and apply what they learn in the classroom in the field.

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Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice

The Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Criminal Justice at Miami's Regional locations is designed to serve those who are interested in working within the police, courts, or corrections as well as those that are currently employed within the criminal justice system. The program provides an in-depth analysis and evaluation of the fundamental organization, operations, and issues specific to the American criminal justice system. Graduates work as police officers, corrections officers, and in the fields of probation, parole and private security. 

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Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

A degree in Criminal Justice is designed to prepare you for in-demand careers in the U.S. criminal justice system, including law enforcement, corrections, courts, and private security. The two and four-year degrees are offered exclusively at Miami University’s regional locations in Hamilton, Middletown, and West Chester.

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Double Major in Criminal Justice and Social Work

Graduates of this program will be exceptionally well prepared to offer critical services to vulnerable populations, consisting of both offenders and victims, on a variety of levels including individuals, families, groups and communities. Social workers are employed in both public and private agencies and throughout criminal justice and legal settings including courts, police departments, and community based treatment programs.

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Minors

The Department of Justice and Community Studies offers minors in Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation.

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Criminal Justice Minor

The minor in criminal justice examines the major systems and institutions that are involved in the investigation, prosecution, adjudication, and punishment of crimes and delinquency, and it introduces you to the fundamental rights that apply in criminal and civil law.

A minimum grade point average of 2.0 must be earned in all criminal justice courses.

This minor is open to students of all majors except criminal justice and forensic investigation. Civic and Regional Development and Forensic Science students may not substitute this minor for the Miami Plan thematic sequence requirement. All other students may use this minor to satisfy the Miami Plan thematic sequence requirement.

Curriculum

  • CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • CJS 125 Law and Courts
  • CJS 211 Policing in America
  • CJS 231 Law & Individual Rights
  • CJS 271 Introduction to Criminal Behavior
  • CJS 281 Corrections in America
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Forensic Investigation Minor

The minor in forensic investigation provides students with an introduction to the field of forensics, including forensic chemistry, science, evidence, law, and investigations. You will focus on the integration and relationship between crime, forensic analysis, constitutional rights, law enforcement investigation, and expert testimony.

A minimum of a 2.0 GPA must be earned in all courses completed for the minor.

This minor is open to all majors except criminal justice, forensic science and forensic investigation. Criminal justice and civic and regional development students may not substitute this minor for the Miami Plan thematic sequence requirement. All other students may use this minor to satisfy the Miami Plan thematic sequence requirement.

Curriculum

  • CJS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice or CJS 211 Policing in America
  • CHM 121 Introduction to Forensic Chemistry
  • CJS 231 Law & Individual Rights
  • CJS 235 Forensic Science Survey
  • CJS 272 Forensic and Crime Scene Evidence
  • CJS 411 Evidence Law and Expert Testimony or other course approved by advisor
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Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice will be able to:

  1. Describe, compare and contrast core concepts within the criminal justice system;
  2. Evidence an understanding of context, audience and content development via written communication; and
  3. Demonstrate an increased knowledge of core concepts in criminal justice.

Students who successfully complete the Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice will be able to:

  1. Evidence application and synthesis of core concepts within criminal justice;
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of genre and disciplinary conventions and sources and evidence via written communication; and
  3. Demonstrate an increased knowledge of core concepts in criminal justice.

Thematic Sequence: Race and Criminal Justice (CJS 1)

A Thematic Sequence is a series of related courses (usually three) that focuses on a theme or subject in a developmental way. Each course builds or expands upon knowledge or perspective gained from preceding courses, and some sequences prepare students for Capstone experience. This interdisciplinary thematic sequence, open to all students other than criminal justice majors, focuses on the myriad ways in which issues of race and ethnicity play out in the administration of the American criminal justice system. Utilizing a sociohistorical framework, it provides students with critical perspectives on how America's complex legacy on questions of race have shaped the development and contemporary operations of our correctional, policing and legal/judicial institutions.

Note: For students who enrolled at Miami prior to fall 2023.

CRE 151 Introduction to Critical Race and Ethnic Studies (3)

This course will introduce students to the core concepts and theories used in the critical study of race and ethnicity.

CJS 211 Law Enforcement (4) or CJS 281 Corrections (3)

  • CJS 211:Provides students with an in-depth analysis of America system of law enforcement. Policing course which covers: eras of law enforcement, law enforcement styles and patrols, entering and working in the police subculture, police ethics/civil liability, and the future of American law enforcement.
  • CJS 281: Focuses on the historical perspectives of corrections in America, institutional corrections, and the demographics of correctional clients. Provides an overview of correctional law, ethical and moral dilemmas and key issues in corrections.

BWS/CJS 401 Race and Criminal Justice (3)

Investigates the critical role that race plays in our criminal justice system. Provides a sociohistorical framework of the criminal justice system exploring its inherent structural inequalities and their consequences on different racial/ethnic groups in the United States. It also employs a life course perspective to investigate criminal behavior from juvenile delinquents through adulthood, exploring how it is affected by inequalities in the criminal justice system.

Online Courses

Life doesn't stop when college starts. Many of our current students are working professionals that need to fit classes into their busy work and family schedules. To provide you with greater flexibility in course scheduling, the Department of Justice and Community Studies offers classes in both the traditional classroom and online formats.

Undergraduate

  • CJS 101: Introduction to Criminal Justice - Offers an overview of America's criminal justice system, with an emphasis on the development, functions, and current issues/problems facing the current criminal justice system. Courses specifically focuses on the history, roles, and present state of the police, courts, and corrections. IIC.
  • CJS 125: Law and the Courts - Provides a critical examination of the American judicial system and legal processes. Focuses on the contextual meaning of law and justice to society and will encourage critical thinking from political, sociological, historical, and philosophical perspectives.
  • CJS 211: Law Enforcement - Provides students with an in-depth analysis of America’s system of law enforcement. Policing course which covers: eras of law enforcement, law enforcement styles and patrols, entering and working in the police subculture, police ethics/civil liability, and the future of American law enforcement.
  • CJS 271: Criminal Behavior - Focuses on theories of criminal behavior and activity. Provides criminal justice students with a micro level, law enforcement approach to criminal behavior. Students will be expected to learn and apply criminological theory, criminal typologies, and appropriate agency responses.
  • CJS 281: Corrections - Focuses on the historical perspectives of corrections in America, institutional corrections, and the demographics of correctional clients. Provides an overview of correctional law, ethical and moral dilemmas and key issues in corrections.

Faculty Advising

Don't go it alone! The JCS faculty are here to help you complete your degree. Every student is assigned to a faculty advisor, and all students are welcome to visit with any JCS faculty member regardless of their particular assignment. Additional information can also be found on the web pages for each degree.

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Transfer Agreements

Learn More about Transferring Credit from Other Colleges/Universities
Cincinnati State Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Sinclair Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice

How do I get started?

Choose one of the options to start on your pathway to success!
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CONTACT INFORMATION

Department of Justice and Community Studies

Hamilton Campus
Phelps Hall 103
513-785-7702