Associate in Science in
Criminal Justice

• Cornerstone Course
• Written English Requirement
• Ethics
• Humanities
• Social Sciences/History
• Natural Sciences/Math (must include at least 2 credits in each)
• Information Literacy

Core Criminal Justice Courses

Introduction to Criminal Justice

This course introduces you to the history, organizational structure, and laws and legal procedures of criminal justice in the United States. Learn about the full spectrum of police, courts, corrections, and juvenile justice systems, and processes from criminal arrest to conviction, incarceration, and reentry into society. Readings and assignments delve into topics such as: the limitations of policework in relation to constitutional law; individual rights versus public order; criminal law; definitions and measurement of crime; plea bargaining; probation; court trials and sentencing processes; prisons and jails; parole; and community corrections.

Introduction to Law Enforcement

Study the evolution of law enforcement agencies, the roles and purposes of law enforcement officers in American society, and legal issues and challenges that officers face in peacekeeping, patrol, and order maintenance. Learn about criminal justice jobs and employee recruitment, hiring, and training, and gain managerial and leadership skills. Course material covers how to develop crime reduction strategies; how to foster positive community relations; the causes and prevention of corruption; and how to maintain individual and organizational accountability.

Introduction to Corrections

This course covers the history, organization, and functions of corrections in the U.S. criminal justice system. Learn the differences between criminal punishment, institutional treatment, offender rehabilitation, community-based corrections, and criminal diversion and intermediate sanctions. Topics include: probation; sentencing and appeals; plea bargaining; alternatives to incarceration; state, local, federal, and private prison systems; management of correctional facilities; and juvenile and special category offenders.

Criminal Justice Administration

Improve your understanding of the criminal justice system and the ways law enforcement agencies are managed. This course examines different types of criminal justice jobs and teaches you how to apply best practices in the ethical operations of police, court, and correctional organizations. Topics include: federal, state, and local court systems; the structure and staffing of jails, prisons, and parole and probation facilities; law enforcement personnel management, workplace culture, and police socialization; organizational change; leadership and decision-making skills; and effective tactics for internal communication and employee motivation.

Criminal Procedure and Evidence

Learn about the processes involved in searching and seizing evidence, property, and persons; obtaining warrants for arrest and detention; interviewing and interrogation; acquiring confessions, admissions, and self-incrimination; and eyewitness identification. Course material also covers the fourth, fifth, sixth, and eighth constitutional amendments and pre-trial and trial procedures, including the admissibility of evidence in court proceedings.

Criminal Justice Capstone (Associate Degree)

In this criminal justice capstone course, you synthesize everything you’ve learned about legislative, law enforcement, judicial, and correctional systems in the United States. Apply your knowledge of major sociological and psychological theories of crime, increase your knowledge of diversity and social demographics, and learn how to make ethical decisions in the workplace. In addition, you explore the specific criminal justice jobs and career paths you want to pursue after earning this degree.

This curriculum requires 30 credits beyond arts and sciences foundation courses (8 credits) that can be satisfied with core courses, applied professional credits, and/or electives.

Describe the various components of the criminal justice system - Legislation, Enforcement, Judicial and Correctional.

Describe how decision-making influences policy and procedures.

Explain the roles of ethics and morals in the criminal justice system.

Analyze the impact of social demographics within the criminal justice system.

Evaluate the accuracy and relevance of crime and victimization data.