Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice

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Program Description

This program provides students with comprehensive academic knowledge of criminology, law enforcement, corrections, and the criminal justice system as well as the skills and techniques used in these disciplines. This degree can also provide advancement opportunities for law enforcement personnel requiring an associate degree when applying for or advancing within the profession. (Some states, including but not limited to Minnesota, require additional certification, licensing, and/or training academy completion to be eligible for employment in a law enforcement capacity.)

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, the student should be able to:

Demonstrate a basic knowledge of law enforcement practices.
Explain investigative techniques and evidence collection procedures for various criminal offenses.
Explain the inter relationship between law enforcement, our judicial system, and correctional agencies.
Articulate organizational and ethical issues affecting public safety personnel.

Program Content

A minimum of 60.00 semester credit hours is required for graduation.

Required Courses

All courses, 34.00 semester credit hours, are required.

CJ 105 - Introduction to Criminal Justice Semester Credit Hours: 3.00
CJ 115 - Criminal Law Semester Credit Hours: 3.00
CJ 130 - Introduction to Law and Judicial Process Semester Credit Hours: 3.00
CJ 140 - Report Writing and Communication Semester Credit Hours: 3.00
CJ 200 - Introduction to Corrections Semester Credit Hours: 3.00
CJ 205 - Multicultural Issues in Criminal Justice Management Semester Credit Hours: 3.00
CJ 210 - Law Enforcement Security Semester Credit Hours: 3.00
CJ 220 - Ethics in Law Enforcement Semester Credit Hours: 3.00
CJ 230 - Evidence Forensics Semester Credit Hours: 4.00
CJ 250 - Juvenile Justice Semester Credit Hours: 3.00
HS 100 - Introduction to Homeland Security Semester Credit Hours: 3.00

General Education Requirements

Students enrolled in this associate degree must complete a minimum of 24.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for specific information about courses within each discipline.

9.00 Semester Credit Hours in Communications

6.00 Semester Credit Hours in Humanities (must include 3 semester credit hours of cultural diversity)

3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Mathematics

3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Science

3.00 Semester Credit Hours in Social and Behavioral Sciences

Personal and Professional Development Courses

2.00 semester credit hours are required.

PD 121 - Professional Development I Semester Credit Hours: 1.00
PD 202 - Professional Development II Semester Credit Hours: 1.00