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Department Chair: Chen
Professors: Chen, Chu, Coleman
Associate Professor: Bullock, Johnston, Najar
Assistant Professor: Baca, Gorman, Swackhamer

Bachelor Degrees: Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Associate of Science: Criminal Justice
Minors: Criminal Justice, Criminal Psychology, Pre-Law, Psychology
Certificate Programs: Law Enforcement Training

Graduate Certificate Programs: Border Security, Criminal Justice, Digital Forensics, Psychology

Criminal Justice

Overview

The mission of the Criminal Justice Program at Western New Mexico University is to assist law enforcement and corrections agencies by providing quality candidates for employment and by assisting agencies to become more efficient and effective in their role of administering criminal justice, maintaining order, and controlling crime in society. The Criminal Justice Program strives to fulfill this mission by offering a comprehensive program of education, two and four year academic degrees in Criminal Justice, and continuing education offerings designed to provide practitioners with opportunities to develop professionally.

Criminal Justice Degree Programs

The Criminal Justice Program offers a five month certificate program as well as associate and bachelor degrees. The two and four year degree programs provide students with a solid foundation in a liberal arts education. This foundation is strengthened through Criminal Justice courses which provide the professional orientation needed for employment in local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies. Students seeking a B.S. degree choose either a Corrections or Policing concentration depending on their career goals. Minors are not required but are recommended in fields such as Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Chemical Dependency Counseling, Computer Science, Accounting or Public Administration.

Psychology Program

The WNMU Psychology program is a generalist program, covering the wide range of topics in psychology including courses in the major sub-fields and many specialized areas. We emphasize the scientific nature of psychology. Our courses highlight scholarly research, theories, and applications while fostering critical thinking. The curriculum prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to be educated consumers of psychological research and to communicate effectively.

The baccalaureate degree provides students with a solid foundation in a liberal arts education, as well as breadth and depth within the field of psychology. The psychology major prepares students for advanced academic study, professional training, and employment in health and human services, research, and law. Students are required to complete a “capstone” experience in psychology which can provide a bridge to their professional life after WNMU. Options for capstone experiences include elective coursework, internships, or sponsored research with a faculty member. A minor is required of all psychology majors. Common choices include Criminal Justice, Sociology, Chemical Dependency Counseling, Coaching, Computer Science, and Political Science.

The psychology minor is a great supplement to other majors in that it enhances understanding of human relationships, interactions, and behavior. Both the major and the minor are flexible, allowing students to customize the degree to meet their individual educational goals.

Programs

• Law Enforcement Training Certificate

• Criminal Justice, A.S.

• Psychology, B.A.

• Criminal Justice, B.S.
• Psychology, B.S.

• Border Security Graduate Certificate
• Digital Forensics Graduate Certificate

• Criminal Justice Minor
• Criminal Psychology Minor
• Digital Forensics Minor
• Pre-Law Minor
• Psychology Minor

Return to: College of Professional Studies