Type: Individual Project

Unit: Default

Deliverable Length: 10-pages

Senior Project

Each student will be required to complete a senior project. The purpose of this project is to provide the student with an opportunity to demonstrate what she/he has learned and developed throughout her/his course of study in the major (practical knowledge, theoretical understanding, critical thinking skills, and intellectual curiosity) and apply it to a real world problem of crime and justice, which is of immense interest to the student. Students are encouraged to propose their own topic. Students are required to submit their proposed projects with clearly delineated outlines and five references.

Project Guidelines:

I. Discuss why you chose the topic and issue a statement of the problem. Where possible, make reference to a specific news story, agency, jurisdiction, legislative act, court ruling, and etc.

II. Provide a thorough/exhaustive review (research studies, pros and cons, in-depth analysis, etc., if appropriate) of the existing literature relative to the issue you are addressing.

III. Apply relevant theoretical explanation to the unique issue in question.

IV. Devise strategies (strategic plan, research-based programs, new and innovative initiatives, etc.) to deal with the problem: you must justify the relevancy of the programs you recommend.

V. Propose evaluation methods: How will the effectiveness of the plan be measured? (What are the goals and objectives of your plan? What are your outcome measures? What are your success indicators?)

The final version of the paper must be at least 10 pages in length (excluding cover page, maps, diagrams, attachments, and references), double-spaced, type written, with 1-inch margins, and include at least 5 scholarly references. Failure to have the mandatory 10 pages and references will result in a deduction. All references should be made in conformity with the American Psychological Association (APA) writing style. All scholarly sources must be cited within the body of the work. All sources must be referenced in the APA format.