NCJ Number
95516
Date Published
1984
Length
225 pages
Annotation
Results are presented from a 5-year study undertaken to determine minimum standards for higher education in criminology and criminal justice.
Abstract
The historical development of criminology and criminal justice is traced, and issues in criminal justice education are explored. Methods of implementing minimum standards, including specialized accreditation, voluntary peer review, standards for program development, and professionalization are addressed. The authors emphasize the role of the academic administrator and the importance of financial resources in laying the foundation for a good program. Curricula from various institutions are described and eight core courses are identified: introduction to criminal justice, criminology, criminal law, criminal procedure, juvenile delinquency, elementary statistics, the judicial process, and the correctional process. Departments used to seek faculty members who are committed to teaching; criminal justice should put more emphasis on research. Demographic and educational characteristics of criminal justice majors are explored, emphasizing the importance of attracting the best and the brightest students. Recommendations are provided for administrators, faculty, students, and for curriculum development. Approximately 200 references, 60 tables, and 5 illustrations are included.