Criminal Justice (AAS)

Intended Program Outcomes:

The coursework for this two-year program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level employment in the areas of law enforcement, courts, and adult or juvenile corrections. The competition for jobs in the field of criminal justice is intense; a college education is almost always a minimum requirement for the application process. The degree utilizes an interdisciplinary approach, including criminological, sociological, and psychological coursework. The learning experiences in this program are designed to assist the student in realizing the following outcomes:

Identify historical and philosophical evolution of theories explaining criminal and delinquent behavior
Identify the historical and philosophical evolution of law enforcement, courts, and correctional systems in the American criminal justice system
Describe and relate the constitutional rights and responsibilities of citizens, offenders, and victims as they apply to state, federal and procedural laws.
Identify the characteristics of professional integrity and ethical standards for criminal justice professionals
Understand the legal responsibilities of criminal justice professionals as they relate to cultural diversity and establishing positive community relations
Demonstrate competence in core skill areas and in written and oral communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking