Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice

Goals of the program are to provide knowledge and skills necessary for students interested in careers in criminal justice including: Police –State, County and Local Agencies, Criminal Investigator, Corrections Officer, Probation Officer, Parole Officer, Juvenile System, Private Security Officer. Program Level Assessment will include the following:

• Explore the causes of crime and options for controlling it.
• Examine fundamental concepts underlying the practice of justice.
• Document the results of an investigation in an acceptable manner.
• Analyze the impact of crime on our society.
• Evaluate situations and determine sound moral, ethical, and legal implications.

Required Coursework (53 hours)

Communications (3 required credit hours)

Mathematics (4 required credit hours)

Scope & Sequence

Effective: Fall 2014
Current/Updated: 3/18/16

Employment Information

Criminal Justice encompasses both law enforcement and corrections. Law enforcement careers can be at the local, state and regional levels and include positions such as police officers, sheriff deputies, investigators and detectives who protect people by enforcing the law.

Careers in corrections include positions such as probation and parole officers and private security officers.

Law enforcement duties include responding to emergency and non-emergency calls, patrolling assigned areas, conducting traffic stops, issuing citations, obtaining warrants, detaining and arresting suspects, filling out the proper paperwork and testifying for cases in court.

Persons employed in corrections are responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial, monitoring those who have been sentenced to serve time in confinement, or supervising those on parole or probation.

According to the Bureau of Employment Services Occupational Handbook, the median salary for those in law enforcement was $56,980 per year in 2012,
while median pay for those working in corrections jobs was $48,190. Earning a Criminal Justice degree offers you an excellent career outlook and a variety of career options.

The goal of the program is to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in criminal justice. Students will explore the causes of crime and options for controlling it, while examining the fundamental concepts underlying the practice of justice. Students will learn how to document the results of an investigation in an acceptable, moral and ethical manner and analyze the impact of crime on our society.

The Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice provides students with a basic introduction to prepare them for positions in law enforcement at all levels.