NPRC Criminal Justice Program (CRJ) Updates and News

Criminal Justice Degree

Criminal Justice Program Updates

The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice provides students with a background upon which a student may receive a four-year degree. The program gives students the foundational knowledge and skills to prepare them for entry-level jobs in the criminal justice workforce. NPRC is proud to announce a series of updates to its Associate of Science in Criminal Justice program beginning in the Fall, 2022 semester. These changes include the addition of career-specific guest speakers, new and updated course descriptions, and fresh and revised course objectives. 

Criminal Justice Program Ready for New Beginning

The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice provides students with a background upon which a student may receive a four-year degree. The program also gives students the foundational knowledge and skills to prepare them for entry-level jobs in the criminal justice workforce. NPRC is proud to announce a series of updates to its Associate of Science in Criminal Justice program beginning in the Fall 2022 semester. These changes include the addition of career-specific guest speakers, new and updated course descriptions, embedded industry-recognized credentials, and freshly revised course objectives.

Criminal Justice Program Improvements

Industry-Based Field Experience & Exercises

The criminal justice practicum, an optional course within the associate degree, can enhance and enrich students’ understanding of the criminal justice system by providing them with 60 hours of field experience as well as a seminar-style weekly meeting that allows students to develop knowledge and build relationships with professionals working in the field. Overall, these opportunities will help students obtain a better understanding of the criminal justice industry and qualify for various entry level opportunities in the criminal justice industry upon graduation, including opportunities in the local, private, country, state, and federal sectors.  

Embedded within relevant courses are sample scenarios with simulated standard document templates including the NPRC Incident Report, Search Warrant Application, Search Warrant Affidavit, Criminal Complaint, and Affidavit of Probable Cause. These are used to assess students’ ability to interpret and apply the law from the investigation of criminal activity through the filing of charges. 

Earn Industry-Recognized Credentials

NPRC is in the process of embedding select industry-recognized credentials within coursework. Coming soon, students may be able to pursue certification in Sabre Red Aerosol Spray, PATH ® “Practical and Tactical Handcuffing”, and ASP Basic Baton. Having students meet industry standards can help them to stand out and meet qualifications for promising employment opportunities, including roles in law enforcement, social work, and legal counsel.

Learn from Industry Experts

The Criminal Justice program invites guest speakers to present and interact with students. Similar to a Practicum experience, this gives students a look into careers in criminal justice and an opportunity to engage with and learn from professionals in the field. Assistant District Attorney of Venango County, Kyle Peasley, and Chief of Police for Sugarcreek Borough Police Department Robert Wenner are two such speakers who addressed students this past year.

Available Prior Learning Credits

NPRC has signed Prior Learning Credit agreements for eligible students that address academic outcomes aligned with select courses in NPRC’s Associate of Science in Criminal Justice. This knowledge may have been obtained through military activities, acquisition of an industry credential, or completion of academic assessments that evaluate their level of knowledge. Additionally, Prior Learning credits may have been earned through courses taken in high school, with NPRC having an agreement with Erie High School for select Criminal Justice courses. Eligible students may request up to nine hours of prior learning credit toward the Associate of Science in Criminal Justice.

Learn More About Our Criminal Justice Program

These changes will all help to lead to brighter futures for NPRC graduates in criminal justice. Our graduates may find themselves working in law enforcement, social work, outdoor conservation, or a collection of other related roles. The changes also support efforts to increase our students’ marketability and employability when looking to begin or advance within their careers. Contact NPRC today to learn more about our Criminal Justice program.