Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Email: criminology@missouristate.edu
Website: http://criminology.missouristate.edu
Department Head: Professor Craig T. Hemmens, J.D., Ph.D.
Faculty (as of July 15, 2011)
Professors: Bernard J. McCarthy, Ph.D.; Mary K. Stohr, Ph.D.
Associate Professors: Brett E. Garland, Ph.D.; Patrick R. Gartin, Ph.D.; Patti R. Salinas, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor: Aida Y. Hass, Ph.D.
Senior Instructors: Ivy Yarckow-Brown, M.S.; Diane M. Leamy, M.S.
Instructor: Paula K. Rector, M.S.
Emeritus Professors: Michael K. Carlie, Ph.D.; Melodye G. Lehnerer, Ph.D.
Graduate Programs
The following graduate programs are available:
Criminology (Master of Science)
Refer to the Graduate Catalog for more information.Courses are offered toward the options in Criminal Justice and in Homeland Security within the Master of Science degree in Administrative Studies and the graduate certificate in Homeland Security and Defense. Refer to the Graduate Catalog for more information.
Accelerated Master of Science in Criminology
Eligible Missouri State undergraduate majors in Criminology may apply for preliminary acceptance into the Master of Science program in Criminology after admission requirements for the accelerated master’s option have been satisfied. This option allows a student to take up to 12 hours of graduate credit counting toward both the requirements for the Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Criminology (Mixed Credit). However, only six of these hours may count as electives in the criminology undergraduate program, with the remaining six hours counting as free electives toward the 125 credit hours required for the undergraduate degree.
If accepted, it is possible for a student to earn the Master of Science in Criminology by taking an additional two semesters and one summer beyond the completion of the Bachelor’s degree, accumulating 143 total credit hours as opposed to the 155 required for students not in the accelerated program, assuming the student selects the thesis option. If the student elects the non-thesis option, they must complete at least 149 total hours as opposed to the 161 required for students not in the accelerated program. Refer to the Graduate Catalog for more information.
For courses to be designated as Mixed Credit, the graduate advisor, undergraduate department head, and Graduate College dean must approve by signing the Permission for Mixed Credit form. This form must be provided to the Office of the Registrar in Carrington Hall 320 no later than the end of the Change of Schedule Period for the semester.
Majors
Criminology (Non-Comprehensive)
- General Education Requirements - see General Education Program and Requirements section of catalog
- Major Requirements (36 hours)
- Minor Required (or second major)
- Specific Requirements for Bachelor of Arts Degree - see Degrees, Programs and Requirements section of catalog
- General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements - see General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements section of catalog
Criminology (Non-Comprehensive)
- General Education Requirements - see General Education Program and Requirements section of catalog
- Major Requirements (36 hours)
- Minor Required (or second major)
- General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements - see General Baccalaureate Degree Requirements section of catalog
Minors
Criminology
(Non-Certifiable)
Criminology Courses
CRM 210 Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System
An overview of the American criminal justice system, its functions, problems and potential solutions. 3(3-0) F,S
CRM 215 Career Preparation in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Acquaint students with the types of job opportunities available in the field of criminology and criminal justice including required credentials, career preparation, and the job search process. Opportunities for graduate study, along with the process of applying for more advanced education, also are discussed. 1(1-0) D
CRM 300 Service Learning in Criminology
Prerequisite: 30 hours and concurrent registration in a Criminology course designated as service learning offering. An integrative learning experience which addresses the practice of citizenship and promotes an awareness of and participation in public affairs by incorporating community service with classroom instruction. Includes 40 hours on-task service to a community organization, agency or public service provider. The community service placement agency and service assignment will vary, dependent on the disciplinary course topic and learning objectives. May be repeated. 1 D
CRM 301 Crime and the Media
A sociologically-based exploration of the relationship between various forms of mass media as they impact public attitudes and social policies regarding crime and the justice system. Solutions to problems created by the media are also discussed. 1(1-0) D
CRM 302 Reforming America's Prisons
This course explores the nature of confinement used by the American criminal justice system and includes a study of prisons and jails. Both the humanitarian and rehabilitative conditions of these facilities are reviewed in a critical context with attention paid to ways in which existing problems may be corrected. Prison reform is studied from a system-wide perspective recognizing the role of legislatures, courts, and the public in bringing about effective reform. 1(1-0) D
CRM 303 Capital Punishment
Students explore the history of the death penalty as well as its current use in the United States. Methods of execution and their impact upon executioners, death penalty jurors, and the families of both the executed and their victim's family members are analyzed. 1(1-0) D
CRM 304 Sex Crimes
This course highlights sex offenses, sex offenders, victims of sex offenses and a variety of responses to sexual offending patterns. Definition of different sex crimes will be discussed, along with an examination of the violence involved and policies geared towards these types of offenses. Methods of working with sex offenders in rehabilitative efforts are also discussed. 1(1-0) D
CRM 305 Serial Killers
This course provides education and knowledge about serial killers, highlighting a few of the most notorious serial killers in the United States. Definitions of serial killing, an examination of serial killing typologies, root causes of serial killing, and the patterns of serial killers are examined. 1(1-0), D
CRM 320 The Causes of Delinquency and Crime
Prerequisite: CRM 210. Examines the nature and dimensions of juvenile delinquency and adult criminality. Historical and contemporary theories of crime and delinquency are reviewed as are possible solutions to the forces which may generate delinquent and criminal behavior. 3(3-0) F,S
CRM 330 Delinquency and the Juvenile Justice System
Prerequisite: CRM 210. This course introduces students to the topic of juvenile delinquency. It reviews the history, extent, and significance of delinquency and traces the emergence and effectiveness of the juvenile justice system as a societal response to juvenile offenders. Identical with SOC 331. Cannot receive credit for both CRM 330 and SOC 331. 3(3-0) S
CRM 335 Criminal Typologies
Prerequisite: CRM 210. This course is designed to examine the nature and extent of criminal behavior. Students will explore patterns of offender behavior including crimes against the person, interpersonal violence, property crimes, white collar and organized crime, public order crimes and political crimes. 3(3-0) D
CRM 340 Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Prerequisite: CRM 210 and CRM 320. An overview of research design and data interpretation as applied to research on crime and justice. Topics include hypothesis formulation, sampling techniques, survey construction, field observation, and evaluation research. 3(3-0) F,S
CRM 350 The Police in American Society
Prerequisite: CRM 210. In this course students learn about the history, structure and function of law enforcement as a means of addressing behavior which violates the law. Problems faced by law enforcement and solutions to those problems are also discussed. 3(3-0) F,S
CRM 360 Criminal Law and the Courts
Prerequisite: CRM 210. This course examines the nature and development of criminal law along with the principles, processes, and structures found in adult criminal courts. Studies of courtroom personnel as well as contemporary criminological issues involving the courts are also examined as are their possible solution. 3(3-0) F, S
CRM 370 Institutional and Community-Based Corrections
Prerequisite: CRM 210. A course designed to critically examine the various social control responses to delinquent and criminal behavior. Includes the history, philosophies, and practices of American corrections and an evaluation of the advantages and disadvantages of each societal/correctional response. Problems in the field of corrections and related solutions are also examined. 3(3-0) F,S
CRM 396 Directed Readings in Criminology
Prerequisite: CRM 210 and permission of instructor. Readings designed to introduce students to new material or to supplement material introduced in previous departmental courses. May be repeated to total of 6 hours if topic changes. 1-3 D
CRM 397 Special Topics in Criminology
A variable topic course offering an overview of one or more issues related to criminology. May be repeated when topic changes. 1-3 D
CRM 410 Crime, Justice, and Gender
Prerequisite: CRM 210 and CRM 320. A sociological examination of the impact of gender on crime and justice issues. The course format relates the impact of gender to the differential treatment of women and men as offenders, victims, and professionals in the system. Possible solutions to the problems identified in the course are also explored. 3(3-0) F
CRM 415 Crime, Class, Race, and Justice
Prerequisite: CRM 210 and CRM 320. A sociological examination of race and class issues in crime, victimization, the origins of law, and the operation of the American criminal justice system. Implications for social policy are explored. 3(3-0) S
CRM 420 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
Prerequisite: CRM 210 and CRM 320. A comparative and historical study of the origins of law, crime rates, and the structure and operation of the criminal justice system in the United States as compared to other western and eastern nations. Included is the study of criminal and juvenile law, police, courts and the corrections system. 3(3-0) D
CRM 430 Victimless Crime
Prerequisite: CRM 210 and CRM 320. A sociological examination of attempts to legally control private behavior covering both historical and contemporary examples such as prostitution, drug use, homosexuality, and abortion. 3(3-0) F,S
CRM 440 Foundations of Homeland Defense and Security
This course provides an overview of homeland security and defense undertaken in the United States since September 11, 2001. The course provides students with the generally accepted knowledge required of homeland security professionals. 3(3-0) D
CRM 480 The Gang Phenomenon
Prerequisite: CRM 210 and CRM 320. In this course students explore the history of the gang phenomenon, the variety and types of gangs, reasons why gangs form, their structure, the functions they serve for their members and the social policies which have been developed to deal with gangs. Solutions to the gang phenomenon are also investigated. 3(3-0) F
CRM 485 Drugs in Society
Prerequisite: CRM 210 and CRM 320. An important social problem facing our society today is that of drug use/abuse. This problem cuts across all cultures, as well as across social class, sex, and racial groups. It affects the economy of the country as well as the image we, as a nation, project to other peoples. It is a political issue of not just national, but also international proportions. In order to understand this problem better, this course attempts to place "drugs" in a sociological perspective and through using the sociological imagination. Solutions to the drug problem are also considered. 3(3-0) D
CRM 490 Internship in Criminology
Prerequisite: Criminology major, completion of 18 hours in the CRM major program, and permission of instructor. Faculty supervised experience in an agency related to issues of crime and justice. Students are expected to work 50 hours in the agency for each credit hour. Students must submit applications for CRM 490 no later than April 15 for subsequent summer (when offered) and fall enrollment, and November 1 for subsequent spring enrollment. 3 F,S
CRM 497 Special Issues in Criminology
Prerequisite: CRM 210 and permission of instructor. A variable topic course offering an in-depth analysis of one or more issues related to Criminology. May be repeated to a total of 6 hours when topic changes. 1-3 D
CRM 597 Special Topics and Issues in Criminal Justice
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. A variable topic course examining issues of crime, its causes, as well as social and political responses to crime by various institutions including government, media, law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. May be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours if the topic changes. May be taught concurrently with CRM 697. Cannot receive credit for both CRM 697 and CRM 597. 1-3 D
CRM 598 Senior Seminar in Criminology
Prerequisite: Criminology major; and senior standing. Examination of contemporary issues involving crime and justice in society. The seminar integrates coursework taken for the Criminology major. Preparation for both academic and non-academic careers in criminology-related fields is covered. 3(3-0) F,S
CRM 697 Special Topics and Issues in Criminal Justice
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. A variable topic course examining issues of crime, its causes, as well as social and political responses to crime by various institutions including government, media, law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. May be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours if the topic changes. May be taught concurrently with CRM 597. Cannot receive credit for both CRM 597 and CRM 697 unless topic changes. 1-3 D
CRM 706 Advanced Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Prerequisite: admission to the MS in Criminology or the MS in Administrative Studies with the Criminal Justice Option. This course is an in-depth examination of issues and methods involved with gathering data for research in crime and justice. Topics include research design, measurement, sampling, and analysis techniques. 3(3-0) F
CRM 707 Quantitative Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Prerequisite: CRM 706; and admission to the MS in Criminology or the MS in Administrative Studies with the Criminal Justice option. This course provides an introduction to statistical analysis and examines the many applications of statistics to research on crime and justice. Special attention is given to organizing and interpreting data through appropriate statistical software. 3(3-0) S
CRM 710 Justice Administration
This course analyzes the criminal justice system in the United States emphasizing the role of criminal law, police, courts, and corrections as parts of the societal response to crime. Significant attention is given to contemporary issues facing each component of the system and implications for agency administration. 3(3-0) SO
CRM 720 Crime Theory and Policy
Prerequisite: admission to the MS in Criminology or MS in Administrative Studies with the Criminal Justice option. The course surveys various classical and contemporary theories of lawbreaking from a community-level sociological perspective. The relationship between criminological theory and justice system policy is emphasized. 3(3-0) F
CRM 725 Evaluating Criminal Justice Policy and Practice
Prerequisite: CRM 706. Covers methodological and technical approaches used to evaluate programs in criminal justice. Included are ethnographic techniques, unobtrusive research, secondary data sources, survey methods, and field experiments. Students acquire proficiency in understanding questions being posed about programs and developing appropriate research designs and strategies for providing answers to these questions. Emphasis is placed on graphic, text and oral presentation of reports. 3(3-0) D
CRM 735 Historical and Cross-Cultural Comparative Criminology
Provides an overview of crime and punishment with emphasis on the origin and evaluation of basic theories of crime-causation and community response as they arose in the 19th and 20th centuries. Coupled with this emphasis is a cross-cultural comparative view involving the systematic study of crime, law, and social control outside the United States. 3(3-0) D
CRM 740 Foundations of Homeland Defense and Security
This course provides an overview of homeland security and defense undertaken in the United States since September 11, 2001. The course provides students with the generally accepted knowledge required of homeland security professionals. 3(3-0) D
CRM 745 Topics in Homeland Defense and Security
Prerequisite: CRM 740. A comprehensive and integrated homeland security and defense strategy must also include the full range of elected officials, first responders, the human, animal and plant health communities, business and our citizens. In this course we will examine the application, progress and problems of the development and implementation of a homeland security/defense strategy. 3(3-0) D
CRM 750 Law Enforcement and Community
Using a sociological perspective, this course addresses concerns and issues facing law enforcement agencies within a community context. Administrative implications of these subjects also will be addressed. 3(3-0) FO
CRM 770 Correctional Theory and Practice
This course examines social control responses to lawbreakers including the exploration of classical and contemporary theories and philosophies that have guided American correctional policy, both institutional and community based. Management implications related to policy are addressed. 3(3-0) FO
CRM 785 U.S. Drug Control Policy
This course provides a historical overview of the formulation, implementation and evaluation of U.S. drug control policy. The focus is on critically reviewing the cultural, social and political forces that have shaped our nation's drug control policies and assessing the research that has been conducted to evaluate the effects of such policies. Topics to be examined include prohibition, interdiction, eradication, legalization, law enforcement and military responses, effects on the criminal justice system, treatment, education and prevention. 3(3-0) D
CRM 790 Graduate Practicum in Criminology
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Faculty supervised experience in a criminology-related agency. Students are expected to work 45 hours in the agency for each credit hour. The practicum includes academic reflection on work experience at the agency. May be repeated for up to 6 hours. 1-6 D
CRM 796 Directed Readings in Criminology
Prerequisite: admission to the MS in Criminology or the MS in Administrative Studies with the Criminal Justice option; and permission of instructor. Faculty supervised arranged program of readings for the individual student directed by a member of the department graduate faculty. May be repeated to a maximum of six hours when the topic varies. 1-6 D
CRM 799 Thesis
Prerequisite: permission of instructor. Independent research and study connected with preparation of a thesis. May be repeated to a maximum of 6 hours. 1-6 D