Criminal Justice, A.S.

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Program Design

The Criminal Justice associate degree program offers students the opportunity to prepare for work within the various fields of criminal justice in both the public forum and private agencies. The curriculum consists of a strong liberal arts academic base supported by social science electives and criminal justice core courses. The latter are enhanced by electives in criminal justice, corrections and security services. The prescribed program also provides for free electives that may benefit the student’s educational awareness and career choice. Courses are available during the day and evening.

The program has strong relationships with many local and state agencies, colleges and universities. Students have been successful in transferring all program courses. A strong element of the program is a cadre of local professionals who supplement the regular faculty, serving as guest lecturers, adjunct faculty and intern sponsors.

Credit for criminal justice core courses and electives may be obtained by students who submit police and criminal justice-related training and work experience for evaluation.

Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of all Criminal Justice degree program requirements, graduates will

Have a general understanding and appreciation of the role of the criminal justice system at local, state and federal levels.
Demonstrate knowledge of appropriate codes of professional ethics and the capability to critically and reflectively engage ethical issues in criminal justice, particularly questions of social responsibility and professional decision-making.
Demonstrate knowledge of theories, principles, judicial and correctional processes, legal institutions, and methods of law enforcement.
Have a sound basic education in criminal justice for graduates who choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

In addition, the graduate will complete the comprehensive learning outcomes identified with the General Education Core.

Criminal Justice Requirements

CJS* 101: Introduction to Criminal Justice 3 Credits
Choose one course from Gen Ed - Mathematics 3 Credits

COM* 172: Interpersonal Communication 3 Credits (Gen Ed - Humanities ) or
COM* 173: Public Speaking 3 Credits (Gen Ed - Humanities ) or
COM* 278: Group Communication 3 Credits (Gen Ed - Humanities )
ENG* 101: Composition 3 Credits (Gen Ed - English )
POL* 111: American Government 3 Credits or
POL* 112: State and Local Government 3 Credits
Subtotal: 15
CJS* 105: Introduction to Law Enforcement 3 Credits and
CJS* 120: Police and the Community 3 Credits
or
CJS* 102: Introduction to Corrections 3 Credits and
CJS* 240: Correctional Administration 3 Credits
or
CJS* 225: Forensic Science I 3 Credits and
CJS* 226: Forensic Science II 3 Credits
or
CJS* 106: Introduction to Homeland Security 3 Credits and
CJS* 160: Introduction to Emergency Management 3 Credits
HIS* 101: Western Civilization I 3 Credits (Gen Ed - Social Sciences ) or
HIS* 102: Western Civilization II 3 Credits (Gen Ed - Social Sciences ) or
HIS* 201: United States History I 3 Credits (Gen Ed - Social Sciences ) or
HIS* 202: United States History II 3 Credits (Gen Ed - Social Sciences )
Choose one course from Gen Ed - Physical and Natural Sciences 3 Credits
Choose any ENG* above 101 3 Credits
Subtotal: 15
CJS* 289: Careers in Criminal Justice 3 Credits or
CJS* 293: CJ Cooperative Education/Work Experience 3 Credits
CJS* 211: Criminal Law I 3 Credits
CJS* 220: Criminal Investigation 3 Credits
Elective criminal justice 3 Credits
Choose any course 3 Credits
Subtotal: 15
CJS* 213: Evidence & Courtroom Procedure 3 Credits
POL* 212: Constitutional Law and Civil Rights 3 Credits
CJS* 212: Criminal Law II 3 Credits
Elective criminal justice 3 Credits
Choose one course from Gen Ed - The Arts 3 Credits
Subtotal: 15

Total Minimum Credits Required: 60

Note:

^‡ ENG* 200 or ENG* 202 recommended.