All Individual Public Service Courses

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Expand your public service expertise and knowledge with Capella individual courses.

Undergraduate courses²
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CJ1000
Introduction to Criminal Justice

In this course, learners examine the characteristics of the United States criminal justice system and its evolution in response to the continually changing forces that influence crime control. Learners gain an understanding of criminal justice theory and its relation to criminality, the criminal justice system, and the principles of the adjudication process.

6 quarter credits
CJ1100
Introduction to Emergency Management

This course provides an introduction to the growing field of emergency management. Learners assess various hazards and threats, and examine strategies to determine and reduce vulnerability. Learners also analyze disaster response and recovery behaviors and activities. In addition, learners develop an understanding of local, state, and federal emergency management organizations and the impact various stakeholders, including non-governmental organizations, have on the emergency management process.

6 quarter credits
CJ2120
Ethics of Criminal Justice

Learners in this course analyze the ethical dimension of law enforcement practice and acquire the critical knowledge and skills that support ethical, on-the-job decision making. Using material from commissions of inquiry, internal affairs investigations, published literature, human rights documentation, and observed police/community relations, learners examine major ethical problems such as discrimination, corruption, deception, racial profiling, and excessive force. Learners also explore the basis for developing personal and professional ethics, guided by professional codes of practice and human rights standards.

6 quarter credits
CJ3200
Constitutional Law

This course tracks the historical foundation of the U.S. Constitution, with particular emphasis on allocation of power between the branches of government and the role of each branch under separation of powers. Learners examine the Bill of Rights in the context of due process, state application, and procedural protections; develop knowledge of law making and law interpretation in a criminal justice substantive and procedural context; and explore philosophical underpinnings and public policy influences in conjunction with U.S. Supreme Court decisions.

6 quarter credits
CJ3220
Criminal Law

Learners in this course examine the historical development of criminal law and the rules of criminal procedure that govern its application. Learners distinguish between the social and legal definitions of crime and dissect the various elements of crime. 

6 quarter credits
CJ3250
Corrections, Probation, and Parole

This course introduces learners to the fields of penology and corrections. Learners analyze the evolution of corrections, probation, and parole processes and evaluate the effects associated with corrections and reform movements. Learners also examine criminal behavior assessments that help determine offender placement and incarceration alternatives.

6 quarter credits
CJ3260
Correctional Counseling

Learners in this course build the skillsets required to enhance the safe operation and environment in corrections and gain an understanding of the challenges involved. Learners use intervention techniques and communication skills to impact the offender community and assess the role and techniques of casework and counseling in corrections and community-based programs.

6 quarter credits
CJ3270
Corrections Administration and Leadership

In this course, learners apply correctional administrative concepts; communication principles; and decision-making, leadership, and human resource management skills used in contemporary correctional environments. Learners also analyze individual and group behaviors and ethics within correctional organizations.

6 quarter credits
CJ3500
Police Administration and Leadership

In this course, learners evaluate police administration concepts. Learners examine communication principles and decision-making, leadership, and human resource management skills used in contemporary law enforcement environments. Learners also analyze individual and group behavior and ethics within police organizations.

6 quarter credits
CJ3520
Police-Community Relations

Learners in this course scrutinize the philosophies, responsibilities, and limitations of police forces. Learners analyze formal social control processes in the U.S. and examine the effects police training, education, and career development have on community relations.

6 quarter credits
CJ3540
Criminal Procedure and Evidence

Learners in this course identify ways to obtain, qualify, and admit evidence for criminal investigation and prosecution. Learners examine the rules and procedures of the criminal justice system pertinent to the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments; evaluate criminal procedure and evidence as they pertain to law enforcement principles; and analyze the foundation and evolution of federal and state court systems. Learners also synthesize constitutional issues, criminal procedure concepts, and their real-world application. 

6 quarter credits
CJ3560
Multiagency Investigations

In this course, learners examine the intricacies of conducting successful multijurisdictional investigations. Learners identify considerations, laws, and protocols used in multiagency investigations, including emergency and terrorism response and border security, to overcome differences in approach and role. Learners assess cross-collaboration related to crime scene evaluation and preservation practices, crimespecific investigation strategies, and the different investigation standards of various federal agencies.

6 quarter credits
CJ3600
Emergency Planning

Learners in this course apply the strategies and skills required for successful emergency planning, and identify the components of an effective emergency plan as well as the principles and resources that guide the planning process. Learners examine federal requirements governing emergency management and emergency planning structures, including Emergency Operations Centers (EOCs), the National Incident Management System (NIMS), the Incident Command System (ICS), and Mutual Aid Agreements. Learners also analyze the effects disasters have on physical and psychological health.

6 quarter credits
CJ3620
Disaster Response Operations and Management

This course provides learners with a broad overview of the emergency management system, including incident management teams and operations, threat detection to post-incident analysis, and interagency collaboration in disaster response. Learners apply response and management elements of an Emergency Operations Plan to case studies and real-world scenarios.

6 quarter credits
CJ4280
Research Applications in Criminal Justice

This course introduces learners to the uses of criminal justice data collected by major federal criminal justice agencies and private entities. Learners explore the social and economic impact this data has on the U.S. and its citizens. Learners also gain skills needed to communicate findings based on criminal justice research and commonly used data sources.

6 quarter credits
Master's-level courses²
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EMG7011
Critical Infrastructure National Strategies and Policies

In this course, learners assess the current critical infrastructure and key resources (CIKR) national strategies, National Infrastructure Protection Plan (NIPP), authorities, and policies. Learners also identify the requirements and responsibilities for management of the national system and analyze various theories and policies that would protect sustainable, resilient critical infrastructure systems.

4 quarter credits
EMG7012
Foundations of Continuity Management Programs

In this course, learners investigate the components of business continuity management within the private and nonprofit sectors as well as the components of operations continuity within the public sector. Learners analyze the integrative requirements of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1600, Federal Continuity Directive (FCD) 1, and Continuity Guidance (CG) 1 and the theories that support continuity management. Learners examine theories of risk, risk perception, theories of systems, and systems thinking. Learners also strengthen their understanding of the need for continuity of operations and demonstrate their knowledge by developing an outline for a continuity management plan.

4 quarter credits
EMG7022
Risk Assessment for Continuity Programs

This course is an introduction to risk assessment and risk management. Learners examine the relationship of risk assessment to an integrated emergency management and continuity program. Learners assess the meaning of business in the context of continuity planning and programming and identify the management need for an integrated plan, based on National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1600. In addition, learners gain and apply knowledge of Federal Continuity Directives (FCD) 1 and 2 and Continuity Guidance Circulars (CGC) 1 and 2.

4 quarter credits
EMG7042
Business Continuity Planning

Learners in this course apply advanced knowledge and skills in continuity management and use risk assessment and impact strategies in the development of an annotated outline for a business continuity plan. Learners demonstrate knowledge of the metrics needed to assess performance. Learners also investigate the critical importance of effective continuity on organizational resilience.

4 quarter credits
CRJ7032
Life-Course and Biosocial Criminology

In this course, learners articulate life-course and biosocial theories of crime, including the history, trends, and empirical status of various life-course and biosocial theories used to understand crime. Learners also examine the various fields of study from which the theories developed, such as developmental psychology, sociology, biology, and genetics; and analyze the key findings that emerge from these perspectives as well as the controversies experts are currently debating.

4 quarter credits
CRJ7035 *
Criminal Justice Policy and Administration

Learners investigate the organizational challenges that criminal justice leadership typically encounters in contemporary society. Learners critically evaluate the intended and unintended effects of political, social, and legal policies and pressures on how criminal justice organizations function. Learners assess organizational and administrative theories, strategic models, and best practices for leadership and administration in criminal justice. Learners analyze innovative policies and change initiatives to achieve specific ethical and functional objectives. Prerequisite(s): CRJ7015, PUAD6030.

4 quarter credits
CRJ7045 *
Crime Intelligence Analysis

In this course, learners assess the role and significance of community relationships in criminal investigations. Learners investigate current criminal justice information systems and computer applications in analysis and projection of crime patterns. Learners evaluate and apply approaches to resolve community crime problems through partnerships. Learners also analyze the effectiveness of a community-based program related to criminal justice intelligence operations. Prerequisite(s): CRJ7015, PUAD6030.

4 quarter credits

²See the Capella University Catalogue for the full course description for your course.

Make the most of your credits

If you plan to take more than three courses, consider pursuing your public service degree in a bachelor'smaster's, or doctoral program. 3

Your graduate certificate can stand alone to demonstrate your specialized knowledge, but because each certificate program is comprised of master’s- doctoral-, or bachelor’s-level courses, you can apply the credits you earn to a degree program in the same area.3

³A maximum of three courses taken as a Capella nondegree student can be applied to a subsequent Capella degree program.

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