Criminal Justice

This two-year curriculum prepares students for careers in the criminal justice field. The combination of a strong academic core with specialized career courses offers the graduate the choice of continuing at an institution of higher learning or seeking direct employment in a criminal justice profession. Career opportunities include federal, state, and local law enforcement, institutional and community-based corrections and treatment alternatives, family and social services, criminal investigations, juvenile services, probation and parole, and careers in military justice.

The curriculum is offered for those already working in criminal justice as well as for high school graduates interested in serving in national, state, local or private agencies involved in this vital profession. Enrollment may be on a full or part-time basis.

Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the Criminal Justice AS degree will be able to:

• Understand the core concepts of criminal justice, including the key terms and legal terminology used in the study of crime.

• Demonstrate the similarities and differences in handling adult vs. juvenile criminal justice situations including theories of crime and delinquency causation.

• Apply issues and methods of criminal investigation and differentiate the constitutional legal rights afforded criminal defendants.

• Integrate the roles and responsibilities of officers responding to crime, including the functions of patrol officers in the field and proper response to active shooter situations.