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B.A. Criminal Justice

Criminalistics Specialization

The School of Education & Social Services offers a criminalistics specialization in our online criminal justice B.A. for students interested in using forensic science to analyze and interpret evidence in the law enforcement field.

In addition to increasing your understanding of business and criminal justice administration principles, your courses will explore:

• Crime scene investigation
• Forensic science
• Criminal identification
• Evidence collection and preservation
• Scientific writing and courtroom testimony

This online program enhances the effectiveness of working professionals, provides a foundation for advancement to administrative levels, and prepares students for graduate study in criminal justice administration and related fields.

Field placements are available to all students without prior criminal justice-related professional experience. Placements and possible future employment opportunities are offered with agencies such as the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Customs, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. District Court, and Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

One of the leading military colleges in the United States, Saint Leo University has been educating criminal justice professionals for more than three decades. In the Catholic spirit, we base our criminal justice model on a steadfast moral consciousness that recognizes the dignity, value, and gifts of all people.

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Degree Requirements

Students take six criminalistics specialization courses in place of or along with the general criminal justice concentration courses and electives.

General Education Core (48 credits)

• MAT 141 Finite Mathematics 3

  Topics in mathematics that are especially applicable to business such as linear models, mathematics of finance, counting methods, probability, and statistics.

  Prerequisites: MAT 003 or a satisfactory grade on the mathematics placement test.

• ENG 121 Academic Writing I 3

  The techniques of effective writing, logical thinking and intelligent reading, with special emphasis on expository writing.

  Prerequisites: Passing grade in ENG 002 or satisfactory score on the English Placement Test

• ENG 122 Academic Writing II 3

  A continuation of ENG 121. Expository writing based on analytical study of literary genres.

  Prerequisites: ENG 121

• COM 140 Business Computer Skills 3

  Required for all business majors. Students will use commercial software packages in the microcomputer laboratory to gain an advanced understanding of business functions of computers and to develop personal competency in practical applications of microcomputers for business. Provides business students with the specific knowledge and capabilities in various computer skills necessary to be effective in both business classes and the business world. Course fee may apply.

• FAS 101 The Integrated Arts 3

  This is an interdisciplinary course that introduces students to visual, written, and musical works of art designed to increase the student's understanding and aesthetic pleasure as well as to develop acquaintance with techniques and terminology in the arts. Regular classroom lectures/discussions may be complemented by live or virtual performances and exhibits as appropriate to the course format to enhance the student's experience of the arts.

• ART 123 Art Appreciation 3

  Basic terms, theories and techniques of the artist; major art movements; media in the visual arts.

  Prerequisites: FAS 101

• Core English Options : (3 Credits)3

  • ENG 226 Survey of World Literature II

    Designed to introduce non-English majors to the world literature in translation from the 18th century through the 20th century. Continued emphasis on literary devices writers use and on expository writing based on analytical study of the literature of the course.

    Prerequisites: ENG 122

  • ENG 311 Survey of Major Writers of the 20th Century

    A study for non-English majors of the most significant and influential movements of the twentieth century as those movements have shaped the course of human experience. Provides an opportunity for students to discuss and analyze a broad range of writers from several countries, drawing on cultural and ethnic issues particularly relevant to those writers.

    Prerequisites: ENG 122

• SSC 102 The Global Perspective 3

  A survey of various global issues arising in the world since World War II. The course combines the disciplines of history, political science, and economics. Emphasis will be placed on the interaction of the superpowers during the Cold War, the post-colonial emergence of the Third World, the ascendancy of regional and international economic and political institutions, the ambiguous blessing of technological innovation, and the reshaping of contemporary Europe.

• ECO 201 Principles of Macroeconomics 3

  An introduction to the study of the determination of income, output, employment and prices in the U.S. economy. Emphasis on fundamental economic concepts, gross domestic product and its components, monetary and fiscal policy, and contemporary macroeconomic issues.

  Prerequisites: SSC 102

• SSC 101 The Human Behavior Perspective 3

  An interdisciplinary course designed to provide students with the opportunity to consider the many ways in which human beings function as individuals, as members of larger groups and demographic segments, and as members of a particular culture. This course explores the disciplines of sociology, psychology, and anthropology within the framework of the scientific method, social constructivism, ethics, and values. Value systems, including the core values of Saint Leo University, and the ways in which they affect social structure are also explored.

• PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology 3

  A survey of the major areas in psychology. Principal topics covered are: physiological bases of behavior, personality, mental disorders and treatment, social influences and other basic issues. The course introduces students to the broad spectrum of theories used in understanding human behavior.

  Prerequisites: SSC 101

• PHI 101 The Quest for Wisdom 3

  The course examines human beings as present to themselves, as having a narrative self-understanding, and as being on a quest for meaning and orientation in life. Some of the topics are: the mystery of existence; thinking and prejudice; the good, conscience, and the power of choice; the state and the dignity of the person; the problem of materialism and scientism; and the place of imagination in articulating life's meaning.

• Core Religion Options : (3 Credits)3

  • REL 123 Foundations of Christian Faith

    This course involves an introduction to the field of theology as an academic discipline with a body of writing, methods, and interpretations. It is concerned with how to successfully study theology, including basic library research methodology and critical thinking. Students will build a basic understanding of the whole of theology through an introduction of its parts: Old Testament and New Testament Literature, Who Is Jesus?, What Is the Church?, Grace and the Sacraments, Christian Morality, Social Justice, Judaism and the Church, the Islamic Religion and the Church, and Catholic Theology in a Global Context.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

  • REL 124 Introduction to the Old Testament

    A basic introduction to the literature and theology of the Jewish Scriptures.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

  • REL 201 Introduction to the New Testament

    A basic introduction to the literature and theology of the New Testament, including exposure to critical methods such as form and redaction criticisms.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

  • REL 223 Religions of the World I: Western Religions

    A study of Western religions, including religions of non-literate societies and ancient religions, Judaism, Christianity and Islam.

    Prerequisites: PHI 101

• Any 300 or 400 level Religion course (3 credits)

• SCI 101 Integrated Physical Science 3

  This course is designed to provide integrated knowledge and basic understanding of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings of the physical sciences, including physics, chemistry, astronomy, geology, oceanography, atmospheric sciences, and earth sciences. Major integrated themes include the nature and history of the universe, the solar system, and the Earth; the four forces; the ultimate structure and development of matter; types and nature of chemical bonding; plate tectonics; the rock cycle; biogeochemical cycles; oceanic and atmospheric circulation; global climate change; the unified nature of the laws and forces of the universe; the scientific world view; the scientific method; and the major differences between the scientific way of knowing and other ways of knowing. Emphasis is placed on oral and written scientific literacy through effective interpretation and communication of written, quantitative, graphic, and tabular scientific information.

• SCI 102 Integrated Life Science 3

  This course is designed to introduce non-science majors to the concepts and practical applications of the life sciences so that students will be informed citizens in an increasingly science and technology based society. Specific themes focused on will include cell structure and function, cell reproduction, DNA, genetic engineering, evolution, the origins of life, and the environment. Ethical and moral considerations will be discussed where appropriate. There will be several demonstrations and/or student experiments during the semester. This is the second of two integrated science courses required of all non-science majors. This course requires substantial writing and reading.

  Prerequisites: Recommended Prerequisites: SCI 101 strongly recommended

Criminal Justice Core (24 credits)

• POL 123 Introduction to Law and the Legal System 3

  This course is an introductory survey of the history, structures, and processes of the American legal system. It is designed to be taken as a first University-level course in law, and should precede more specialized courses such as criminal, business, or constitutional law. Covered are basic legal concepts such as due process; the structure of the U.S. court system; and the major subdivisions of law such as civil procedure, criminal procedure, or the law of torts. Understanding the role of law in society, the analysis of judicial reasoning, and the application of legal concepts to factual situations are stressed.

• CRM 220 Survey of the Criminal Justice System 3

  An introductory overview of the American criminal justice system examines crime and victimization trends, crime prevention programs, law enforcement, prosecution, defense, adjudication, sentencing, corrections, and criminal justice policy making.

• CRM 321 Substantive Criminal Law 3

  This course covers the creation and application of substantive criminal law. Topics covered include the nature and origins of criminal law, substantive due process, elements of criminal liability, the doctrine of complicity, uncompleted crimes, defenses to criminal liability, and the elements of crimes against: persons, habitation, property, the public order and morals.

  Prerequisites: POL 123

• CRM 322 Law of Criminal Procedure 3

  This course concerns the laws governing procedural due process for criminal defendants. Case analyses and the interpretation of appellate court opinions are used to learn the fundamental relationships between the U.S. Constitution, courts and criminal procedure. Topics covered include remedies for state law-breaking, initial police-citizen contacts, seizures of persons, search and seizure of property, interrogations and confessions, identification procedures, decisions to charge and the first appearance, pretrial proceedings, conviction by trial and by guilty plea, and post-sentencing considerations.

  Prerequisites: POL 123

• CRM 350 Criminal Justice Ethics 3

  This course is designed to be a comprehensive overview of ethics in the field of criminal justice. This course will address ethical issues that may arise in the criminal justice profession. Through lecture, class discussion and exercises, the student will develop a better understanding of the moral and ethical dilemmas confronting criminal justice practitioners and how these dilemmas may be successfully resolved.

• CRM 419 Police Organization and Administration 3

  This course is designed to be a comprehensive overview of Police Organization and Administration in the United States. The history of police administration and the evolution of policing as a profession will be thoroughly explored. Current and future trends in law enforcement will be discussed in detail. Emphasis will be placed on police personnel issues and the leadership skills required to manage a professional police organization. The student will be exposed to the past, the present, and the future of police administration in this country.

  Prerequisites: POL 123 and CRM 220

• CRM 426 Theories of Criminal Behavior 3

  This course is an interdisciplinary examination of the causes of criminal behavior. Case studies are used to illustrate the biological, psychological, social and economic correlations of crime. The focus is on understanding the major theories and applying these theoretical models to improve our understanding of criminal motivations.

  Prerequisites: SOC 121 or PSY 121

• CRM 496 Comprehensive Exam in Criminology (Capstone Course) 0

  Final comprehensive written examination of all criminology foundation and core courses. Examination is administered in the CRM 499 Senior Seminar in Criminology course. Test fee.

  Prerequisites: CRM 499

• CRM 499 Senior Seminar in Criminology (Capstone Course) 3

  This capstone course is designed to synthesize the information and insights from the other courses in the criminology curriculum. It includes computer based research in crime trends and causes, a research project that evaluates criminal justice policy-making, an assessment of each senior criminology major's knowledge level through the administration of a nationally based criminology achievement examination, and exposure to components of the criminal justice system through volunteer experience at local agencies.

  Prerequisites: Senior standing in Criminal Justice

Criminalistics Specialization (18 credits)

• CRM 230 Introduction to Crime Scene Investigation 3

  This course covers the various methods associated with investigating a crime scene. Special emphasis is placed on sequential processing of the crime scene to avoid the loss and/or the contamination of evidence. Students successfully completing this course will be aware of the critical concerns of crime scene processing and the methods that are employed to eliminate those concerns, proper crime scene search patterns, and the appropriate methods to plot the location of evidence when it is discovered.

• CRM 231 Forensic Science and Criminal Justice 3

  This course is a comprehensive overview of those areas of practice that are useful for determining the evidential value of a crime scene and other crime-related circumstances. The major contributions to the development of the use of the forensic sciences in criminal prosecution will be presented. The student who successfully completes this course will have obtained a working knowledge in this field and will understand the principles and techniques needed to identify or compare physical evidence in a criminal investigation.

• CRM 341 History and Science of Criminal Identification 3

  The focus of this course is the science and history of fingerprint analysis to aid in the detection and prosecution of criminal offenders. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will understand the biology of human epidermal and dermal skin layers to include the formation of pores and the organic and inorganic materials that are commonly found in fingerprint residues; the proper recording and comparison of prints; the many basic and advanced scientific methods currently being employed to develop fingerprints; the development of the print through chemical reaction, chemical absorption, luminescence, or physical attraction; the physics of light energy and its use as a print development method; and the many chemical reactions that produce the developed print.

• CRM 342 Evidence Collection and Preservation 3

  This course covers the methods associated with evidence collection and preservation of evidence. Upon successful completion, the student will be competent in the recording of the crime scene through photography and videotaping as one of the many methods of preserving evidence; the use of the many evidence development and recovery kits; the use of light energy to locate invisible trace materials; crime scene safety; the presentation of scientifically sound information in the courtroom; and the correct methods to collect questioned, known, and control samples related to hair standards, DNA, soil, fire debris, accelerants, and biological fluids.

• CRM 343 Bodily Fluids as Evidence 3

  This course covers the value of body fluids found at the crime scene, the interpretation of their patterns, and methods used to locate them. The successful student will understand the science of blood stain interpretation; presumptive testing of seminal fluid and blood; the various flight characteristics of blood and the use of trigonometry to determine angles of impact and the origin of stain patterns; the chemicals associated with the location of visible and invisible stain patterns produced from body fluids; the chemical reactions associated with these and other chemicals used in connection with body fluid processing; the scientific limitations relevant to courtroom testimony on such topics as blood stain interpretation, antigen-antibody reactions, and presumptive blood and presumptive seminal fluid testing; and the history of DNA analysis and its modern-day evidentiary value.

• CRM 344 Scientific Writing and Courtroom Testimony 3

  This course is designed to cover the effective writing and courtroom presentation of scientific reports. Students will be involved in the actual processing of a crime scene, the development and collection of evidence, the writing of the crime scene investigation report, and the subsequent testimony in moot court. The successful student will be skilled in the techniques associated with scientific report writing and oral delivery and be made aware of Frye hearings, the Daubert rules, and Rule 702, and the reality that the forensic sciences have their limitations.

Electives (30 Credits)

Total Semester Credits 120