Academic Courses
CJ 191
Introduction to Criminal Justice (Wichita State)
Course Description: Introduces crime and the criminal justice system by discussing the nature of crime and by identifying multiple facets of the justice system, including the police, the courts, and correctional agencies. Studies the role of the criminal justice system as it relates to the individual and to society. Students become acquainted with criminal justice careers.
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Spring 2023 (Hybrid)
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Fall 2022 (In-Person)
CJ 2310
Police System & Practices (Texas State)
Course Description: Police profession: organization of law enforcement systems, the police role, police discretion, ethics, police-community interaction, and current and future issues.
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Spring 2026 (In-Person)
CJ 4331
Serial Murder (Texas State)
Course Description: This course covers the phenomenon of serial murder and the police investigative response. Theories, concepts, and law enforcement analytic methods are covered in detail. Emphasis is placed on understanding the reality versus the myth of serial murder, serial killers, and criminal profiling.
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Spring 2026 (In-Person)
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Summer 2025 (Online)
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Fall 2024 (In-Person)
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Spring 2024 (In-Person)
CJ 1310
Introduction to Criminal Justice (Texas State)
Course Description: History and philosophy of criminal justice: ethical considerations, crime defined, overview of the criminal justice system, law enforcement, the court system, prosecution and defense, trial process, and corrections.
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Summer 2024 (Online)​
CJ 3446
Research in Criminal Justice (Texas State)
Course Description: This course covers the analysis of criminal justice research, survey methods, and the utilization of research in criminal justice. It provides an overview of research methods and techniques in criminal justice and criminology, to include research design, ethical issues in research, and relationships between theory, research, and practice. Topics include the nature of conceptualization, hypothesis testing, measurement, operationalization, and sampling populations to provide students with conceptual and practical foundations to develop research and program evaluation skills. This is a writing-intensive course.
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Fall 2025 (In-Person)
What Students are Saying....
“He did exceptionally well in making an already intimidating course that inevitably has lots of outside work seem manageable and less intimidating. He also was super helpful when I went to office hours and was a bit lost on a part of the project. We brainstormed together and I was able to continue working on it with no issues! He also was accommodating within reason which I appreciate. He understands that it's likely college students aren't just thinking, reading or doing things for classes 24/7. He gave grace with deadlines and in this course which required lots of outside work, it contributed to my success 100%. I was already not happy having to take a research course and had braced myself, but with Josh it was easier!” – Research Methods, Fall 2025
"Josh is one of my favorite professors here at Texas State. He was outgoing, talkative, listened intently to each question. He presented the material very well, it was easy to catch on....Thank you, Josh, for making my last semester at Texas State one to remember." – Serial Murder, Fall 2024
"Mr. Davis's expertise and passion for the subject have truly made this course a standout. His ability to break down investigation techniques and understandings were incredible helpful in grasping the material. He brought a vast depth of knowledge to each lecture, use of real-world case studies has provided us with valuable insights into the mind of a serial killer, and the methods used to track and apprehend them...This course has not only broadened my knowledge of criminal justice but also sparked a deeper interest in the field."
– Serial Murder, Spring 2024