Criminal Justice

Corrections

Certificate

The 16-credits Corrections certificate program prepares you for entry-level positions in a state or local corrections system. This one-year program provides you with theoretical and practical knowledge along with a well-rounded basis for interacting with corrections clients in a variety of correctional settings.

Note: If you have been arrested, charged, or convicted of any criminal offense, you should investigate the impact that the arrest, charge, or conviction may have on your chances of employment in the field you intend to study or on your chances to obtain federal, state, and other higher education financial aid.

2023-2024 Required Courses

Corrections Curriculum

Course # Course Name Credit(s)
  CJS 1156
American Corrections
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Describes the history, theories, legal issues, and practices of corrections, which will be applied to the Minnesota correctional system. This course will also explore sentencing and effects of various sentencing options. This course promotes five (5) core values: Accountability, Compassion/Empathy, Integrity, Cultural Responsiveness, and Interpersonal Communication. These core values serve as the foundation to prepare future public servant leaders.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Fall 2023
  • Fall 2024

  CJS 1162
Special Populations in CJ
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Explains the current trends in criminal justice, which recognizes the diversity of offenders that populates the criminal justice system. Taken from criminological, anthropological, and sociological perspectives, this course will analyze the issues which prompted a specialized approach to various offender groups. Topics will include elderly offenders, mentally ill and emotionally disturbed offenders, sexual deviants, gang classified offenders, drug/alcohol abusers, various minority groups, and juvenile offenders. Historical development, societal issues, crime and punishment, discrimination, employment, and other serious problems are considered throughout.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

  CJS 2112
Community Corrections
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Introduces alternatives to traditional incarceration for convicted criminals and people on probation and parole. Topics include the history of community corrections, the legal framework for community corrections, the growth potential of the field, and the role of the corrections professional. Emphasis is upon sentencing, probation, parole, pre-trial release programs, intermediate sanctions, and halfway houses. Prerequisites: CJS 1156 with a grade of C or higher.

Prerequisites:

  • CJS 1156 American Corrections

Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

  CJS 2114
Legal Issues and Corrections
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Studies the legal rights and obligations of probationers, inmates, and parolees. Constitutional issues such as privacy, search and seizure, correspondence, medical treatment and religious practice will be studied. Topics will also include the legal rights of incarcerated individuals confined in public and private facilities, along with the rights, obligations, and responsibilities of corrections agencies and personnel. Juvenile corrections included. Prerequisites: CJS 1156 with a grade of C or higher.

Prerequisites:

  • CJS 1156 American Corrections

Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

  CJS 2116
Report Writing in Corrections
1

Course Outline
Credits: 1
Provides the technical understanding and practical application in basic report writing, note taking and standardized report forms commonly used by corrections personnel. Topics include proper note-taking, report writing mechanics, style, and editing, and data privacy rules and regulations. Emphasis is placed on developing a clear, concise style in expressing factual, relevant information. Job search skills are covered; including resume/cover letter writing, and background/interview preparation. Prerequisites: CJS 1156 with a grade of C or higher and ENG 1108 with a grade of C or higher.

Prerequisites:

  • CJS 1156 American Corrections
  • ENG 1108 Writing And Research Skills

Corequisites: None
Future Offering: None

  HLTH 1130
Drug Use and Abuse
3

Course Outline
Credits: 3
Provides an overview of the fundamental concepts in drug use and abuse. The course will focus on the drugs of abuse that are most commonly used in the United States and will emphasize the physiological, social, psychological, legal, and health aspects of drug use and abuse. Special attention will be focused on the motivations of drug use/abuse for college students. Critical thinking and communication skills will be emphasized to explain and reinforce personal health choices. This course is open to all students and meets the Minnesota Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) 8710.3200, Subp. 3, Standard K2 8710.2000, Subp. 11, Standard 10E.

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Future Offering:

  • Summer 2023
  • Fall 2023
  • Spring 2024
  • Summer 2024
  • Fall 2024
  • Spring 2025

Total Credits in Corrections Curriculum 16