Police Studies (APB)
The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Plymouth State University aims to serve students interested in a variety of careers spanning law enforcement, investigations, court administration, corrections, juvenile services, loss prevention, as well as graduate or law school. Consistent with the general mission of Plymouth State University, the department seeks to produce well-rounded graduates who are equipped to both continue their education and enter the work force. In addition, the department serves the surrounding community, not only by producing high quality graduates well prepared to enter their field, but also by partnering with local and regional agencies to provide academic and research support.
The Applied Bachelor’s Degree in Police Studies is aimed specifically at students who come into college knowing that they want to pursue a career in law enforcement. This degree will benefit prospective students by saving them a year of tuition while providing them with a well-rounded general education experience coupled with a targeted major experience. The Police Studies curriculum includes a heavy emphasis on understanding the law, understanding the role of police in a democratic society, and developing a variety of skills necessary for a law enforcement career. The skills emphasized include problem solving techniques, critical thinking and analytic skills, verbal and written communication skills, data analysis skills, and physical fitness, along with an appreciation for ethical and professional behavior in the field. Upon completion of the program, students will be well prepared for a career in law enforcement. Students will develop an independent sense of self and leadership skills, with a tolerance toward others and the ability to work with diverse groups of people.
| Course | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CJ 1020 | Criminal Justice in Action | 4 |
| CJ 2025 | Police and society | 4 |
| CJ 2045 | Criminal Procedure | 4 |
| CJ 2080 | Crime and Criminals | 4 |
| CJ 2090 | Criminal Law | 4 |
| CJ 3005 | Criminal Investigation | 4 |
| CJ/PY 3157 | Society, Ethics, and the Law (DICO) | 4 |
| CJ 3370 | Wellness for Criminal Justice (WECO) | 4 |
| CJ 3450 | Technology in criminal justice (TECO,WRCO) | 4 |
| CJ 3475 | Communication for Law Enforcement | 4 |
| CJ 3800 | Career Prep for Criminal Justice | 2 |
| CJ 3810 | Physical Fitness for Law Enforcement | 2 |
| CJ 4580 | Internship in Criminal Justice | 1-15 |
| GE 2050 | GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (QRCO,TECO) | 4 |
| General Education | ||
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| MA | Mathematics Foundations | 3-4 |
| CTDI | Creative Thought Direction | 3-4 |
| PPDI | Past and Present Direction | 3-4 |
| SIDI | Scientific Inquiry Direction | 3-4 |
| SSDI | Self and Society Direction | 3-4 |
| INCP | Integrated Capstone | 3-4 |
| Electives | 10-16 | |
| Total Credits | 96 | |
| Year One | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| EN 1400 | Composition | 4 |
| IS 1115 | Tackling a Wicked Problem | 4 |
| MA | Mathematics Foundations | 3-4 |
| CJ 1020 | Criminal Justice in Action | 4 |
| CJ 2080 | Crime and Criminals | 4 |
| CTDI | Creative Thought Direction | 3-4 |
| PPDI | Past and Present Direction | 3-4 |
| SSDI | Self and Society Direction | 3-4 |
| Electives | 0-4 | |
| Credits | 28-36 | |
| Year Two | ||
| SIDI | Scientific Inquiry Direction | 3-4 |
| CJ 2025 | Police and society | 4 |
| CJ 2090 | Criminal Law | 4 |
| GE 2050 | GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (QRCO,TECO) | 4 |
| INCP | Integrated Capstone | 3-4 |
| CJ 2045 | Criminal Procedure | 4 |
| CJ 3450 | Technology in criminal justice (TECO,WRCO) | 4 |
| CJ 3157 | Society, Ethics, and the Law (DICO) | 4 |
| Electives | 0-4 | |
| Credits | 30-36 | |
| Year Three | ||
| CJ 3005 | Criminal Investigation | 4 |
| CJ 3475 | Communication for Law Enforcement | 4 |
| CJ 3800 | Career Prep for Criminal Justice | 2 |
| CJ 3810 | Physical Fitness for Law Enforcement | 2 |
| CJ 3370 | Wellness for Criminal Justice (WECO) | 4 |
| Electives | 10-16 | |
| Credits | 26-32 | |
| Total Credits | 96 | |
• Explain the role and function of the police within the criminal justice system, within the context of a diverse democratic society;
• Evaluate police policies and practices, including policies and practices regarding the use of technology, based on evidence;
• Analyze and evaluate the role of both criminal law and procedural law within the criminal justice system;
• Communicate in writing and in speech in a clear, professional manner;
• Understand and articulate the moral and ethical obligations of a police officer in a diverse democratic society.