Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice degree program is designed to prepare students for careers in Law Enforcement, Corrections, Juvenile Justice, the Court system, and Homeland Security. In addition, it also serves as the academic foundation to transfer on to complete a baccalaureate degree. For those already in service,
the program provides professional development for promotion or career enhancement purposes. The degree of Associate in Science with a major in Criminal Justice will be awarded upon completion of all requirements. Students with an associate degree in Criminal Justice qualify for employment in various city, county, and state criminal justice agencies, and in the rapidly-growing private industrial security field.

Technical Standards: Please refer to Technical Standards for details regarding this program.

Upon the completion of the certificate in Criminal Justice, graduates will be able to:

1. Employ effective written and oral communication skills.
2. Describe the components of the American criminal justice system, to include their history, functions, processes, and goals.
3. Understand the application of technology within the Criminal Justice System.
4. Understand the causes and effects of crime within our society.
5. Understand the fundamental principles and techniques of criminal investigation.
6. Describe the organization, management, and administration of criminal justice agencies at the local, state, and federal levels.
7. Explain juvenile justice system and the magnitude of juvenile delinquency in the United States.
8. Analyze the different components of the correctional system.
9. Discriminate between the roles of police officers, judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys, juries, and legislators in the application of criminal law.
10. Apply the theories and principles of the Criminal Justice system to their practical application within the components of the system.
11. Display the strong ethical qualities that reflect those within the field.

In addition, the graduate will be able to demonstrate competency in the general education outcomes.