Criminal Behavior & Justice Certificate
APPROVAL PENDING: The CCJ Department is awaiting final approval from the Portland State Faculty Senate to launch an undergraduate certificate in Criminal Behavior & Justice. Following the anticipated Faculty Senate approval (in June 2024), the certificate program will begin accepting students Fall 2024.
The Criminal Behavior and Justice certificate explores the complex nature of crime and factors that contribute to criminal behavior in general, and within specific populations and contexts. The curriculum focuses on the major criminology theories that explain the causes of crime, including the social, cultural, psychological, and economic factors. It also focuses on the major risk and protective factors related to individual criminality and crime patterns.
The coursework explores how criminal justice agencies (e.g. police, courts, corrections) can se criminal behavior theory and evidence based assessments to impact equitable and effective outcomes. Students learn to use the policy implications of criminology theories as tools to critically assess common criminal justice system efforts to control criminal behavior. Ultimately, students are prepared to employ both research and theory to make meaningful contributions in their chosen careers.
Criminal Behavior Certificate Curriculum
The Criminal Behavior & Justice Certificate is made up of six courses (24 credits), consisting of three required courses (12 credits) and three elective courses (12 credits). Through their choice of electives, students also have the opportunity to tailor their focus on specific criminal behavior and justice topic areas. Full course descprions are provided in the PSU Bulletin.
Complete Three Required Courses (12 credits):
- CCJ 240 Punishment and Corrections (4 credits)
- CCJ 312 Criminal Behavior (4 credits)
- CCJ 320U Theories of Crime and Justice (4 credits)
Complete Three Elective Courses (12 credits)
- CCJ 210 Intro to Juvenile Justice (4 credits)
- CCJ 305 Juvenile Justice Reform (4 credits)
- CCJ 315 Crime Myths (4 credits)
- CCJ 355U Perspectives on Terrorism (4 credits)
- CCJ 370U Women, Crime, and Justice (4 credits)
- CCJ 390U Crimes of the Powerful (4 credits)
Up to 4 transfer credits (one course) from a regionally accredited institution may be applied towards the course requirements of the Criminal Behavior and Justice Certificate. Transfer courses must have been taken for a letter grade, and the grade received must have been a “C-” or higher. Be sure to check the list of pre‐approved substitution courses that transfer from your Oregon or Washington community college.