Objectives and Outcomes

MISSION STATEMENT:

The Criminal Justice program at Penn State Altoona offers broad based education in the liberal arts tradition. In addition to breadth and depth of knowledge about criminal justice, the program cultivates skills in critical thinking, oral and written communication, issue analysis and problem solving. Students who graduate from this program should be adaptable and flexible, participate in the civic and intellectual life of their community, appreciate cultural diversity and practice ethical behavior.

GOAL 1: Master a Broad-Based Education in the Liberal Arts Tradition

• Objective 1: develop an appreciation of the liberal arts tradition in education+
• Objective 2: acquire specific knowledge in a variety of disciplines^
• Objective 3: embark on the adventure of lifelong learning+
• Objective 4: explain the interconnectedness of disciplines in the liberal arts tradition*
• Objective 5: expand social, geographical, and cultural horizons+
• Objective 6: live an enlightened and self-reflective life+

GOAL 2: Develop Breadth and Depth of Knowledge about Criminal Justice

• Objective 1: develop and apply a systems perspective toward criminal justice system components: law enforcement, courts, corrections and juvenile justice+
• Objective 2: explain the structure and role of law in criminal justice+
• Objective 3: apply theories of criminal behavior, crime causation, and crime control to criminal justice policy and practice*
• Objective 4: explore the relationship and conflicts between law and culture*
• Objective 5: differentiate between social justice and criminal justice, and alternative methods and means of attaining justice in society*

GOAL 3: Cultivate Critical Thinking Skills

• Objective 1: move from concrete to abstract conceptualization+
• Objective 2: assess the quality of research and theory+
• Objective 3: explain the epistemological bases of empirical approaches and apply the scientific method to criminal justice research*
• Objective 4: integrate information and ideas from a variety of sources^
• Objective 5: synthesize theoretical perspectives*

GOAL 4: Promote Skills in Speaking, Writing and Listening

• Objective 1: analyze the importance of nonverbal communication+
• Objective 2: develop active listening skills^
• Objective 3: write clear, grammatical and readable prose^
• Objective 4: present coherent reports and opinions to diverse groups^
• Objective 5: apply different methods of written and oral communication appropriate to specific areas of criminal justice*
• Objective 6: translate what is observed and heard into writing+

GOAL 5: Develop Issues Analysis and Problem Solving Skills

• Objective 1: apply quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysis to criminal justice+
• Objective 2: apply policy analysis techniques to criminal justice*
• Objective 3: utilize research findings in decision making^
• Objective 4: design and implement a program evaluation^
• Objective 5: apply information and ideas from multiple sources to a problem^

GOAL 6: Encourage Participation in the Civic and Intellectual Life of the Community

• Objective 1: practice professionalism+
• Objective 2: develop leadership and administrative skills^
• Objective 3: participate in community service, internships, disciplinary conferences, and professional organizations^

GOAL 7: Appreciate Cultural Diversity and Actively Promote Tolerance

• Objective 1: develop awareness of diverse groups based on gender, class and race+
• Objective 2: analyze the impact of criminal justice practices on minority and other groups in society+
• Objective 3: develop a global and comparative perspective of criminal justice+

GOAL 8: Live an Ethical Life

• Objective 1: define the importance of ethics in criminal justice and all of life+
• Objective 2: explain ethical theories and their application*
• Objective 3: internalize the precepts of ethics^
• Objective 4: develop self-evaluation and monitoring skills^

N.B. There are three categories of objectives:

• + foundational
• * theoretical
• ^ practical/applied