CJBA 410 Senior Thesis I

3 credits 

This first Senior Thesis course will provide structured guidance to thesis-track senior students in the Criminal Justice BA program in the craft of proposing a research study. Students will select a topic and develop a research proposal under a faculty mentor. They will review scientific literature, formulate relevant hypothesis, plan analytical strategies, and report to the faculty mentor in regular meetings. Ethical issues in research involving human subjects and vulnerable populations, including the role of IRB oversight, will be examined. Pilot testing of instruments and collection of preliminary data may also be required. Students will produce a formal research proposal at the end of the semester.