More Information on the CJL Curriculum

            Finding your way through the layers of requirements for any degree can seem daunting to any student. Hopefully, many of your questions can be answered here. For any major, students will have University Core Requirements, requirements added by their specific college or school, and course work required in a major program. With any luck you will not only be able to take a few electives but also have choices in many of those requirements. For the criminal justice degree there are three programs each with somewhat different requirements. Here, some additional information on the CJL requirements and options is provided to assist Criminal Justice law option majors in planning the selection and sequence of their courses. University and departmental requirements are provided in the online catalog and at the departmental website.

            The Bachelors of Arts in Criminal Justice, Pre-law Option, requires 128 credits (generally 160 credits are required for a dual degree; you cannot have a dual major with CJL because the Bachelors is a named professional degree). 

            In the first two years in any undergraduate program, students will focus on completing their required lower division courses (course prefix numbers 100-200). Note, that there is a reason for courses to be numbered 100 level, and so forth. You should complete the 100 level courses first. Often these courses are prerequisites for 200 level or higher courses. In addition, CJL students should generally complete their Core Humanities before taking upper division courses. You should at least complete CH 201 and CH 202 during your second year of study.            

            BEFORE REGISTERING FOR ANY COURSE, STUDENTS SHOULD ALWAYS CHECK THE COURSE DESCRIPTION IN THE CATALOG FOR ANY PREREQUISITES. Simply, make it a habit. In some cases, the on-line registration system will not permit you to register without showing completion of the prerequisite. While it may not block registration in other cases, a student should generally not take a course without completing the prerequisites. If you have any questions about prerequisites, consult the department offering the course or the course instructor. Become familiar with the online University Catalog

UNIVERSITY CORE REQUIREMENTS

            University Core Courses and their requirements are listed and described in detail at the on-line catalog. If the Catalog or semester schedule does not answer your questions, contact your advisor and/or the applicable department. By following the catalog closely, students will avoid errors in course selection. For questions, contact the Program Coordinator and Advisor.

ADDITIONAL COLLEGE REQUIREMENTS

            There is a community service requirement which is covered by course work in the major.

CJL MAJOR REQUIREMENTS

            First it must be noted that a minor is not required for the CJL major; however, minors often provide a particular focus or address particular skills and, thus, will broaden a student’s options and knowledge.            

            Major course requirements are also listed on the departmental web page and UNR’s online catalog.  The following description of requirements is a guide with suggestions and comments. Again, it is emphasized that students should generally take the courses in the order of the course numbering, for example, lower division before upper division courses. For the CJL program, there are required courses in both the Criminal Justice and the Philosophy Departments. Note, while all of these course requirements are offered regularly, some can only be offered once a year. If you have any questions regarding when they are offered, contact the CJL Coordinator.

            Core Departmental Requirements

                                    CRJ 101 and CRJ 102 -  Introduction to Criminal Justice I & II. These courses are generally taken during a student’s first year, or as soon thereafter as possible. They are specific prerequisites for many courses and are taught in sequence each year, 101 in the Fall and 102 in the Spring.

                                    PHIL 102 - Critical Thinking. This is a valuable course for many majors. It is offered each semester.

CRJ 125 - Law and Law Schools. This is a one credit course which should be taken during the first two years of study or as soon a student determines that they are interested in pursuing law.

It is often taught prior to the commencement of the spring semester and also on a weekend. Since it is not taken for an entire semester, details for the class are generally provided as a footnote to the semester registration schedule for Criminal Justice (this is also the case for CRJ 126 and 127).

                                    CRJ 126 and 127 - Legal Research and Method & Legal Writing. Each of these courses is also one credit. They are normally taught sequentially during a semester. Students are strongly urged to take these courses before their junior year as the skills introduced are valuable for undergraduate, upper division courses. 

                                    APST 207 - Practical Statistics. Note, this course is taught outside the Criminal Justice Department but is still a major requirement for all Criminal Justice students. For alternative courses students should consult the main departmental web page or contact the CJL Program Coordinator.

            CRJ 222 - Criminal Law and Procedure. Note the prerequisites. It is offered each semester.

                                    CRJ 289 - Law and Justice. This is a foundation course for the option and students are advised to take the course their second year or as soon as possible thereafter. It is generally offered in the spring semester.

            CRJ 301 - Research Methods in Criminal Justice. This is an upper division course with APST 207

                        or an alternative statistics class as a pre- or co-requisite. It is offered every semester.

                                    CRJ 320 - The Courts.  This course is valuable for any student wishing a greater understanding of the court system, the functions of attorneys, and judicial process and decision making. It is currently offered in the spring semester. 

                                    PHIL 320 - Philosophy of Law. This is a popular course for students interested in law. Note, that it has a prerequisite of 3 credits in Philosophy. For this requirement, it is recommended that students take a lower division, substantive course in addition to Critical Thinking. Pick a period or topic that interests you.   

            CRJ 420/620 - Jurisprudence. See the course description. It is also a general capstone.

CRJ 449 - Community Based Service. This is a one credit college requirement taken during a student’s last semester. Students fulfilling GPA requirements may take an internship as an alternative (Internships are generally 2-3 credits. For information on legal internships contact the Program Coordinator).

            CRJ 450  - Senior Seminar. Taken during a student’s last semester.

                                    CRJ 460/660 - Criminal Justice Policy. Students may select an alternative upper division CRJ course with the approval of the Program Coordinator. Contact the Coordinator for substitutions.

                                    CRJ 479/679 - Feminist Jurisprudence. This course addresses different feminist perspectives on law and legal change. It is a general capstone and diversity course.

Additional requirements are listed on the departmental website and UNR’s on-line catalog.  Note, that CJL students are required to take three legal/law option related subjects.