Criminal Justice
Associate of Science
Program Description
This program is for the person driven by the desire to help people, serve the community for the greater good, and maintain safety. It provides students with foundational knowledge, skills, and abilities for increased marketability for entry-level jobs in some criminal justice-related occupations. Students seeking transfer into four-year programs should select courses which fulfill requirements within their planned field of study.
Major coursework involves studying corrections, criminology, policing, investigations, criminal procedure, criminal law, and Criminal Justice ethics for students to be able to describe the structures within and functions of the American Criminal Justice systems including policing, corrections, and law across local, state, and federal levels.
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What You'll Learn
Criminal Justice
In interactive class sessions, students may be involved in learning experiences that include:
Debate of contemporary cases and incidents in the news through a lens of social justice, police ethics, and use of force.
Review of case studies and video scenarios to follow the progression of illegal activity from the committing of a crime, through investigation, filing a search warrant, filing criminal charges, and presenting a case in court.
Attaining industry-recognized credentials in practical and tactical handcuffing; oleoresin capsicum aerosol (pepper spray) training; expandable, tactical baton use; and utilization of the National Incident Management System (NIMS).
Demonstrating specialized skills in: cybercrime, business technology, professional communication and protective services including emergency medicine, firefighting, municipal policing, and private security.*
Participating in a field experience with a specific criminal justice system agency within the student’s community.*
*Based on a student’s selected specialization within the degree program.
Career Outlook in Criminal Justice
Career opportunities include entry-level positions in public safety, such as dispatch or 911 operator, correctional officer, security officer, or fraud investigator.
Degree completion contributes to a student’s eligibility for a baccalaureate degree program, providing a pathway to careers such as state trooper, local police officer, legal services or federal agent.
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