Mission/Purpose

The mission of the Associate of Science in Criminal Justice program is to present a professional, academic criminal justice curriculum that develops knowledge and social awareness necessary for an entry level position, or advancement in a current position, in the criminal justice field. Students will gain an understanding of methods and techniques used in the field, as well as the skills necessary. The academic requirements will prepare the student for further academic study.

The program addresses issues, topics, and trends in three basic components including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students will gain an understanding of appropriate theory, but will also gain an inside view of the operations and processes of these components through interaction with criminal justice practitioners, field trips, and the completion of an internship.

Examples of courses required in the Criminal Justice program include:

• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Law Enforcement Operations
• Criminology
• Substance Abuse
• Court Procedure/Evidence
• Juvenile Justice
• Corrections
• Criminal Investigations
• Organization and Administration
• Criminal Justice Internship
• Criminal Law