The Criminal Justice program offers an interdisciplinary course of study leading to associate and baccalaureate degrees in criminal justice. The Associate of Applied Science program requires students to concentrate studies in corrections or in law enforcement. The curriculum includes policy and legal issues, qualitative and quantitative research, interpersonal relations, and administrative procedures. To ensure students develop the computer-based research and analysis skills required in the criminal justice field, students are required in some cases to also take the computer-based courses offered in the Geography program.

The Criminal Justice program encourages self-directed intellectual inquiry, problem solving, ethics, and a commitment to human rights as important professional values.  Students have access to opportunities for experimental learning both in the classroom and in a variety of criminal justice agencies. Graduates of the program are well prepared to enter the workforce or continue to a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

On completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Explain the legal concepts and terminology in substantive areas of criminal law (i.e., criminal law, constitutional law, and juvenile law).
• Describe how the principles of constitutional law relate to issues in law enforcement, particularly search and seizure, confessions, legal counsel.
• Explain crime scene investigation and forensics techniques used by law enforcement agencies in criminal investigations.
• Explain concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and trends in criminal justice.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the interaction between the fields of law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
• Apply critical thinking skills in the reading and interpretation of legal materials (statues, court decisions).
• Locate and interpret current case law and statutes pertaining to specific criminal activity.
• Engage in law enforcement activities that are supported by current law and statutes.
• Effectively communicate through oral and written formats and demonstrate an effective use of technology.
• Identify the patterns, typologies, and root causes of crime.
• Explain the relationship between the criminal justice system and citizens.
• Recognize and apply understanding of the complexity of sociocultural and international diversity

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