Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice is the scientific and humane study of crime, the criminal justice system, criminals and society's reactions to crime. The Criminal Justice program offers an interdisciplinary course of study leading to associate and baccalaureate degrees in criminal justice. The associate in applied science requires students to concentrate their studies in corrections or in law enforcement.

The curriculum includes policy and legal issues, qualitative and quantitative research, interpersonal relations and administrative procedures. It integrates writing, computer, and verbal communications skills throughout the program. Computer-based research and analysis play a pivotal role in the criminal justice field. Students, therefore, are required in some cases, and encouraged in others, to also take advantage of computer-based courses 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 by offering opportunities for experimental learning both in the classroom and in a variety of Criminal Justice agencies.

Criminal Justice is ranked in the top 100 for employment opportunities with both public and private sector career options available. While undergraduate degrees offer entry-level opportunities, upward mobility requires advanced degrees.

Associate in Applied Science in Corrections Administration and the Associate in Applied Science in Law Enforcement

Total Credit Hours of College-Level Courses required for Graduation: 60

General Requirements:

Select one Concentration:

A grade point average of 2.0 is required in major courses.

Total Credit Hours of College-Level Courses Required for Graduation: 120

* Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, or Fundamentals of Anatomy & Physiology will satisfy major and university-wide requirement.

** Satisfied in program major.

Select one Concentration:

A grade point average of 2.0 is required in major courses.