This program is an interdisciplinary course of study in the areas of law enforcement, substantive law, court structure and process, and corrections as integral components of the criminal justice system. An emphasis is placed on the historical, psychological, sociological, and political aspects within criminal justice. To enhance the written communication and report writing skills of the student, the concept of writing-across-the-curriculum is utilized.

 

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

  • Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, including its structure, functions, and role of various agencies and actors within it.
  • Apply legal and ethical principals to make informed decisions and uphold the principles of justice, fairness, and integrity in their work within the criminal justice field.
  • Possess the knowledge and skills to conduct effective criminal investigations, including crime scene analysis, evidence collection and preservation, interviewing techniques, and case documentation.
  • Understand the fundamental principles of criminal law and procedure, including constitutional rights, laws of arrest, search and seizures, and rule of evidence.
  • Develop the ability to engage with diverse communities, applying community policing strategies, building trust, and fostering positive relationships between law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve.
  • Acquire skills in crisis intervention and conflict resolution, demonstrating the ability to de-escalate tense situations, manage conflicts, and promote peaceful resolutions in challenging circumstances.7: Demonstrate effective oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and respectfully with colleagues, superiors, and the public, and produce accurate and concise reports.
  • Effectively utilize technology and software relevant to the criminal justice field, including data Effectia base, crime mapping tools, and computer-aided dispatch systems to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in their work.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in personal safety and self-defense techniques, applying appropriate tactics and strategies to ensure the safety of themselves and others in law enforcement situations.
  • Engage in continuous professional development, staying informed about emerging trends, policies, practices in the criminal justice field, pursuing further education and training opportunities, and demonstrating a commitment to ethical conduct, cultural competence, and ongoing growth in criminal justice and law enforcement professionals.

Degree Requirements

The following degree requirements are for the 2025-2026 Catalog. For other catalogs, please see Catalogs

Minimum of 61 Credit Hours

General Education Core (31 Credit Hours)

Area I. Communications (9 credit hours)
COMM1130 Public Speaking 3
COMM2120 Interpersonal Communication 3
ENGL1110 Composition I 3
ENGL1120 Composition II 3
Area II. Mathematics (3 credit hours)
MATH1220 College Algebra 4
MATH1350 Introduction to Statistics 3
Area III. Laboratory Science (4 credit hours)
Area IV. Social and Behavioral Sciences (6 credit hours)
PSYC1110 Introduction to Psychology 3
SOCI1110 Introduction to Sociology 3
Area V. Humanities /Flex (6 credit hours)
Choose one course from Humanities courses in Area V and...
BCIS1110 Intro to Information Systems 3
SPAN1110 Spanish I 3
Area VI. Creative and Fine Arts (3 credit hours)
Choose 1 course from Creative and Fine Arts

Concentration Requirements (24 Credit Hours)

CJUS1110 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3
CJUS1120 Criminal Law 3
CJUS2110 Professional Responsibility inCriminal Justice 3
CJUS2120 Criminal Courts and Procedure 3
CJUS2130 Police and Society 3
CJUS2140 Criminal Investigations 3
CJUS2150 Corrections System 3
PSYC2210 Abnormal Psychology 3

Approved Electives (6 Credit Hours)

CJUS1140 Juvenile Justice 3
CJUS1143 Report Writing 3
CJUS2153 Community-Based Corrections 3
CJUS2160 Field Experience inCriminal Justice 3
Criminal Justice AA Curriculum Map