Department of Criminal Justice
Professors Conser and Pierce; Associate Professor King (Chair); Assistant
Professors Frissora, Greaves, Hazy, Onwudiwe, See, and Serowik. The
Criminal Justice Department at Youngstown State University offers
the following degrees and programs:
In addition, we host a cooperative interactive distance learning program
with Cleveland State University for the Master of Public Administration
(MPA) degree. The degree is awarded by CSU; however, students from
this area are able to take all course work here at YSU.
Our full-time faculty all possess terminal degrees in their respective
areas of expertise. Faculty interests include juvenile violence, police
management, correctional counseling, judicial processes, legal research,
criminal law and procedure, crime prevention, victimology, research
methods, statistics, and computer applications in criminal justice.
Admission and Retention Policy
New Freshman will be accepted directly into the Criminal Justice Department.
Former and transfer students must have a cumulative GPA of at least
2.0 for admission.
The Department of Criminal Justice expects its majors and students
enrolled in its courses to engage in legal, ethical, professional,
and civil behavior which respects the rights of all persons. Disruptive
and inappropriate behavior (as defined in department, college, or
University policy) may lead to removal from, or non-acceptance into,
the department as a major or as an enrolled student in one of its
courses. YSU requires a 2.0 overall GPA in order to graduate.
Certificate Program - Basic Police Officer Training
The certificate program in basic police officer training is considered
appropriate for persons who are beginning a career in law enforcement.
This certificate is considered a starting point in the new officer's
education. The certificate serves as an incentive to continue towards
an associate or baccalaureate degree. All of the courses needed for
the certificate are applicable for advanced degrees. Those courses
outside the criminal justice department are introductory courses and
require no prerequisites. Again, all courses count towards an advanced
degree. Students must complete police academy training (OPOT), introduction
to criminal justice, policing, and writing I. Students then must complete
one of the following courses: introduction to sociology, introduction
to philosophy, applied pathophysiology, or criminal courts.
Associate in Applied Science Degree
The associate degree in criminal justice is considered appropriate
for persons preparing for employment in many municipal, state and
private police agencies as well as persons considering employment
in local, state, federal, and private correctional facilities. The
associate degree also is a stepping stone for those students who plan
to go on for a bachelor's degree. The associate degree in criminal
justice has three tracks: a police track, a corrections track, and
a loss prevention / assets protection track. The program requires
64 semester hours, with 34 hours in general degree requirements, 18
hours in criminal justice core courses, 12 hours in the selected track.
The Associate in Applied Science degree can be completed in four semesters
if students average 16 hours per semester. There are 18 hours of course
work in GERs: ENGL 1550, ENGL 1551, COMST 1545, SOCIO 1500, PSYCH
1560, and an ART/Lit. course. There are 14 hours of required basic
related studies: CRJUS 1500, PHIL 2625, AHLTH 1502, and A&S 2600.
Transfer students must take at least 16 semester hours of criminal
justice course work at Youngstown State University.
The associate degree is built upon core / track concept with emphasis
(track) areas in police, corrections, and loss prevention / assets
protection. Core courses for an associate degree include CRJUS 2601,
2602, 2603, 3735, and 3719. Emphasis area in police requires 12 credit
hours. Emphasis area in corrections requires 12 credit hours, and
12 hours is required in loss prevention / assets protection. See department
for course options.
AAS Curriculum Sheet
Peace Officer Training Academy
YSU's criminal justice department now offers a full-service police
academy, Basic Peace Officer Training Academy. Admission to the academy
is open to all qualified applicants who meet admission standards of
YSU and the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission. All instructors
in the Academy are certified by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission
and meet all of the requirements to teach in the Basic Police Academy.
Students will receive 12 semester hours of credit and a letter from
the Ohio Peace Officers Training Commission that will qualify them
for certification upon being commissioned. The new curriculum consists
of a minimum 558 hours of training. Application packets can be picked
up at the Academy Office, Cushwa Hall Room 2033.
Internship Program
YSU's criminal justice department offers an internship experience
that provide students with an opportunity to integrate academic studies
with the daily operation of a Criminal Justice agency. Internships
also foster the development of networking relationships with practitioners
who can assist in procuring future employment. Student interns register
for 3 to 12 semester credit hours. Each credit hour requires approximately
45 on-site hours. This program is for seniors. Students completing
the Peace Officer Training Academy are not eligible for an internship.
Internship Manual (PDF)
Internship Manual (DOC)
Bachelor of Science in Applied Science
Degree
A Bachelor of Science in Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice
requires a minimum of 124 semester hours. All Bachelor of Science
in Applied Science students must complete a minimum of 45 semester
hours of criminal justice courses of which 36 semester hours or more
must be taken from upper-division courses. This degree can be earned
in eight semesters if students average 16 hours per semester.
Transfer students must complete a minimum of 18 hours in criminal
justice courses at YSU. All majors must complete the core requirements:
CRJUS 3735, 2601, 2602, 2603, 3710, 3712, 3715, 3719, and select 12
hours not in their track area. Each major must also complete the courses
required in the emphasis area selected.
BSAS Curriculum Sheet
(PDF)
The purpose of each emphasis area is as follows:
- The program in law enforcement is designed for persons
preparing for employment in municipal, state, and private agencies;
federal law enforcement agencies; administrative positions in
municipal or state agencies; or as instructors in police education
programs. Courses required: CRJUS 3714, 3714L, 3740, 5825, and
4870.
- The program in corrections is offered for students preparing
for a career in probation, parole, or institutional services with
either adults or juveniles. Courses required: CRJUS 3702, 3702L,
5802, and 4803.
- The program in legal processes in criminal justice is designed
for students preparing for law school, court administration, paralegal
work or legal research positions. Courses required: CRJUS 3720,
3721, 5825, and 4890.
- The program in loss prevention / assets protection is offered
to students preparing for a career in private security or the
protection of assets in corporate, retail, or industrial settings.
Courses required: CRJUS 3700, 3740, 3751, and 4848.
- A generalist track is available for transfer students and students
seeking a nontraditional area of study such as victim's rights
and juvenile justice. This emphasis area requires advisement approval
and 15 hours of upper-division course work.
- A grade of C or better must be received in each required criminal
justice course in order to satisfy the departmental requirements
for the degree.
Where can I get more information about the Department of Criminal
Justice?
Chairperson
Dr. Tammy A. King, Chair
taking@ysu.edu
330-941-3279
Graduate Coordinator
Dr. John Hazy
jmhazy@ysu.edu
330-941-3279
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