This track is aimed at understanding youth crime and behavior within the context of child and adolescent development and in interaction with societal structures such as families, schools, neighborhoods, social services, police, law, and juvenile/adult justice systems. Dynamics of ethnicity, class, race and gender are examined. Students will learn how youth policies and programs promote or hinder healthy youth development and focus on assessing local, state, national and international strategies for prevention, intervention, crime control, and positive youth development.

Students who elect to pursue the following CJS program concentration must use their electives for the stipulated courses.

Youth, Crime and Justice Concentration (12 Credits)

Choose 4 courses (12 credits)

CJ 686    Seminar in Juvenile Justice
CJ 688    Restorative Justice
CJ 691    Intimate Violence and Sexual Assault
CJ 694    Critical Victimology
CJ 731    What Works For Youth
CJ 732    Adolescent Risk and Resilience CJ 733: Bad Girls
CJ 734    Youth Gangs
CJ 783/786    Practicum or Internship in the Youth, Crime and Justice Field