COURSE CURRICULUM

Students pursuing the Criminal Justice undergraduate program at the University of New Haven receive a comprehensive education in the criminal justice system and the study of crime, preparing them for careers in law enforcement, courts, corrections, public service, and social service organizations, as well as for graduate study in related fields. The program is structured to ensure students can apply theory, methods, and empirical findings to issues involving policing, corrections, and the courts, while also developing the ability to analyze a substantial body of criminal justice literature. Strong emphasis is placed on integrating criminal justice concepts through both written and oral communication, as well as evaluating ethical and moral issues within professional practice. Students complete the University Core Curriculum and required criminal justice foundation courses before progressing into specialized study. In this concentration focused on youth justice, students take courses such as Juvenile Justice System (CJST 2221) and Working with Criminal Justice System Clients (CJST 3320), which build foundational understanding of how the justice system interacts with young people and vulnerable populations. The curriculum then allows deeper exploration through advanced electives, including Child and Family Intervention Strategies (CJST 4408), Exploring Delinquency (CJST 4430), or Youth Injustice and the Kalief Browder Story (CJST 4407), along with a Seminar in Youth Justice (CJST 4460). These courses emphasize understanding the causes of juvenile delinquency, the impact of social and family systems, and evidence-based approaches to intervention and rehabilitation. Students are trained to evaluate juvenile justice policies, analyze case-based scenarios, and apply research-driven strategies to real-world problems affecting youth within the justice system. Overall, the program equips graduates with analytical, ethical, and communication skills necessary to address complex issues in juvenile justice and to contribute effectively to reforms and services that support youth, families, and communities.