Criminal Justice, A.S. Degree

Program Design

This program offers 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.

Criminal Justice Requirements

CJS* 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
Gen Ed ENG* 101: Composition 3
Gen Ed POL* 111: American Government or
POL* 112: State and Local Government
3
Gen Ed Mode 3 3
Gen Ed Mode 4 3
      Subtotal: 15
CJS* 105
CJS* 102
CJS* 250
Introduction to Law Enforcement or
Introduction to Corrections or
Police Organization & Administration
3
CJS* 225
CJS* 240
CJS* 226  
Forensic Science or
Corrections Administration or
Forensic Science II
3
CJS* 282 Introduction to Emergency Management 6
Choose Any ENG* above 101 ^  
Gen Ed Western Civilization I or
Western Civilization II or
HIS* 201: US History I or
HIS* 202: US History II
3
Gen Ed Mode 5  3
      Subtotal: 15
CJS* 211 Criminal Law I 3
CJS* 220 Criminal Investigation   3
SSC* 270
CJS* 293
Cooperative Education/Work Experience or
CJ Co-op Work Experience
3
Elective Criminal Justice 3
Choose Any Course  3
      Subtotal: 15
CJS* 213 Evidence and Court Procedure 3
POL* 212 Constitutional Law and Civil Rights   3
CJS* 212 Criminal Law II 3
Elective Criminal Justice 3
Gen Ed Mode 1 3
      Subtotal: 15
       Total Credits Required: 61
^ ENG* 200 or ENG* 202 recommended.

Learning Outcomes

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

1. Demonstrate knowledge of the language, terms, and concepts of criminal justice and police administration.
2. Define and describe each component of the present criminal justice system.
3. Identify, describe, and clarify problems existing in the present criminal justice system and propose ways of continued improvement of the system.
4. Identify the nature, origins, structure, purpose, and constitutional limits of criminal law.
5. Identify the doctrines of complicity and inchoate crimes.
6. Identify the defenses of justification and excuse to an individual's criminal liability.
7. Describe the roots of early common law and how it relates to statutory law.
8. Demonstrate an understanding of the fundamentals of criminal
investigations.
9. Demonstrate an understanding of new and innovative investigation methods and techniques.
10. Demonstrate an understanding of laws of evidence as it relates to the criminal justice field.
11. Identify courtroom procedures.

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

Source: 2007-2008 Course Catalog

Last Update: February 21 2008
For Additional Information, Contact: 860-512-2753