Criminal Justice: The Unethical Cash Cow

[TMW2010]

CJ is an applied social science. It attempts to apply social science theories to solve real world problems of crime, but this is mostly policy stuff.

As a Psych/Education major, this is the exact reason why I enjoyed the CJ classes I took, and wished I could have wedged a few more in there. I have no desire to go into law enforcement, except possibly as a consultant, but I find the classes in CJ fascinating. And I do believe that todays LEOs should have a background and an understanding of the underlying theories concerning criminology, victimology, and other areas. But yeah, from what I've seen, these fly-by-night AAS programs only cover the theory portion, not actual protocols or other practical portions. But isn't that what the academy is for?

I had great fun in my Criminology course, which as you said was a straight out examination of social theories. If things go as planned in the next month, I might be able to take 'Forensic Psychology' graduate classes at one of the big For-Profits for free since none of their other offerings appeal to me. Psychology of Criminal Behavior, Maladaptive Behavior and Psychopathology, Interrogation & Interviewing, Police Psychology and Correctional Psychology all are fascinating to me. Would I do anything with an actual degree in Forensic Psych? Probably not, but as I tell my own students, take the 'fun' courses when you can.