Department of Criminal Justice
https://www.hsutx.edu/academics/undergraduate-majors-minors/criminal-justice-degrees/
Head of Department
Dr. Karin Brown
325-670-5819
HSU Box 16024
kbrown@hsutx.edu
Faculty
Karin Brown, Ph.D., Associate Professor
Objectives
The field of criminal justice is dynamic and local, state, and federal agencies are recruiting men and women of integrity, dedication, and a strong desire to serve their communities. The faculty in the Criminal Justice Department are invested in the education and development of students toward achieving their personal and professional goals and are committed to preparing them to ethically demonstrate those qualities sought by agencies at all levels of this system.
Students must complete the HSU core curriculum as described in this catalog; have a minimum of 42 upper level credits and a minimum of 124 semester credits. A minimum 2.0 overall GPA and a minimum 2.0 GPA in the major and minor field of study are required for graduation. Students who do not earn t a “C” or higher in CRIJ 1301, Introduction to the Justice System, must receive permission from the Head of the Department to enroll in any other criminal justice courses until the student passes with a “C” or higher. Transfer students may not petition to transfer a “D” in a criminal justice course from another institution.
Forensic Studies Minor
This course of study provides students with the skills requisite to the investigation of criminal offenses and the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of criminal offenders. This curriculum integrates various disciplines pertaining to deviant and criminal behavior with the practice of identification, procurement, and presentation of evidence resulting from criminal activity. The curriculum blends crime scene analysis, laboratory analysis, behavior analysis, and criminal law. The program’s objective is to develop a sound educational foundation for graduate work or professional practice at the bachelor’s level.
Legal Studies Minor
The HSU Legal Studies Program includes a unique undergraduate multidisciplinary minor consisting of 18 credits of law and law-related courses. Knowledge of the law and legal systems is important for students interested in pursuing a wide array of degrees and career paths. Future lawyers, business professionals, social workers, educators, lobbyists, personnel administrators, politicians, law enforcement and corrections officers, are just a few examples of careers which frequently encounter legal issues. The Legal Studies minor provides undergraduate students with an opportunity to become familiar with legal ideas, legal institutions, and the legal process. It is designed to provide tools for the reasoned appraisal of how the law works and of the policies that underlie it.
All legal studies and pre-law students must contact the Legal Studies/Pre-law Director every semester in order to receive the most current information on course offerings, scheduling, and scholarships.
Admission Requirements
All prospective students should research agency requirements and standards to determine whether they qualify for employment. Policies vary among agencies and often include age, eyesight, weight, and other health and personal restrictions. Additionally, criminal justice agencies conduct thorough background investigations of applicants and those with issues related to criminal records and/or poor driving records may be disqualified. Admission into and continuation in the Criminal Justice program include the potential for employability in criminal justice or related fields and academic performance and conduct. Students who develop academic, attendance or conduct issues after admission may be dismissed from the program. The Criminal Justice Department faculty are dedicated to the academic and pre-professional development of students seeking a career or advanced study in this challenging and highly rewarding field.