Some graduate students specialize in juvenile-justice issues. An introduction to juvenile justice covers the basics of the system, including police and law enforcement, courts, corrections and literature and research. A class on gangs looks at street-gang history in the United States, theories and rationales behind gangs, gang and member behavior and characteristics, gang types and international gang context. A class on the legal rights of children examines status offenders, procedural issues, schools and the rights of children, and personal and family contexts.
The field of corrections includes probation, jail, parole and prison subjects. Intervention strategy examines these areas more closely, with a focus on prevention, diversion and rehabilitation. The application of correctional philosophy looks at career paths of criminal justice and social work as they relate to treatment. Correctional administration and programming examines institutions, probation, community corrections and parole. A course in jails looks at the history and present role of jails in society.
Specialized classes examine specific areas related to criminal-justice graduate studies. For example, a class on race, crime and criminal justice examines legal issues as they impact different races. Women and crime looks at how women interact in the criminal-justice system, including employees, offenders and victims. Additional topics include applications of police, the courts and corrections, along with women's rights and historical perspectives. Domestic violence addresses not only partner abuse but other family and caretaker abuse. The class will examine why victims stay, reasons for abuse and intervention issues. Homeland Security looks at the role of the agency, legal issues, restructuring and agency divisions. The U.S. Supreme Court reviews history, personnel, impact and court decision-making processes. Firearms and violence looks at Second Amendment rights, firearms and suicide, gun control and related issues.
Classes in law enforcement offer a specific interest to those seeking upper-management positions in police or sheriff's departments. Police administration classes apply management principles to the police department. Police and the multicultural community reviews minority issues, female police officers and overall community relations. A practice and policy class addresses legal, social and operational perspectives.