**Students enrolled prior to April 1, 2024, click here  for the AS/AAS Criminal Justice Program Outline.

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. The program emphasizes the importance of community relationships, diversity, and crisis intervention while preparing students to pursue employment opportunities in various criminal justice environments such as law enforcement, courts, adult and juvenile corrections, public safety, loss prevention, private investigations, or community-based programs and services. Some positions within the field may require additional education, training, or graduation from an academy. Upon completion of this degree, students are eligible to continue into the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

(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:

1. Analyze the impact of criminal justice policy on various populations.

2. Explain investigative techniques and evidence collection procedures for various criminal offenses.

3. Analyze the interrelationship between law enforcement, our judicial system, and correctional agencies.

4. Evaluate social and ethical issues affecting public safety personnel.

Program Content

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