Curriculum: Certificate in Analysis of Criminal Behavior

This course provides an introduction to and critical analysis of major criminological theories, including theories from the bio-social, life course, strain, control, learning, labelling,rational choice, routine activities, feminist, andcritical theory perspectives. The emphasis is on understanding the logical structure of these theories as well as their respective strengths andweaknesses. Special attention is devoted to the life course and bio-social perspectives.

This course provides an introduction to the biosocial perspective on criminal offending. The primary goal is to introduce students to the current state of knowledge on biosocial factors that affect human behavior, especially serious, repeated criminal behavior. The course will explain the structures of the brain and their functioning. The literature on behavioral and molecular genetics as it relates to criminal offending and antisocial behavior will be reviewed. The characteristics of psychopathology and the biological and social factors that lead tothis condition will be explored in depth.

This course is designed to provide master’s level students with a broad introduction to the various types of criminal conduct associated with computers and the Internet. As a student in this class you will be exposed to techniques associated with digital forensics and will assess criminology theories of crime as they relate to digital crime and terrorism. Additionally, you will examine a number of the national and international laws and policies related to cyber crime including the diverse steps that have been taken to increase digital security around the globe. Familiarity with computers and the Internet will help you progress through the course, but expertise is not required nor expected.

This course provides an overview of the various components related to an empirical understanding of terrorism. The course will also review the development of homeland security in America as it relates to terrorism and situate this development within various perspectives. Emphasis in this course will be placed on critical assessment of ideologically-based viewpoints of terrorism and homeland security. Scientific empiricism will guide the student’s journey of the variety of topics that will be covered in this course.

This course provides a detailed examination of white-collar crime. The primary goals are to provide an introduction to the field of white-collar crime and identify the main research issues and directions that currently dominate this area of study. The course reviews the history of the field and its relevance to mainstream criminology. It identifies the distinguishing characteristics of white-collar crime. Selected forms of white-collar crime are investigated. Methods of controlling white-collar crime, including civil, administrative, criminal justice and situational crime prevention techniques, are explored.

This course covers the juvenile justice system from arrest to corrections. Related issues on diversion and programmatic treatment will be covered. Contemporary issues in juvenile justice are considered.