Criminal Justice, AS

Citizen safety depends on the police officers, detectives, and special agents responsible for enforcing statutes, laws, and regulations. Correctional officers oversee individuals who have been arrested, are awaiting trial or other hearing, or who have been convicted and sentenced. Security officers protect against fire, theft, vandalism, and illegal entry.

The career opportunities in criminal justice, public safety, and private protective services are increasing at the federal, state, and local levels. Criminal justice related occupations are shifting from a semi-professional status to professional.

Promotions usually are made according to a candidate’s position on a promotion list, as determined by written examination and on-the-job performance. Collegiate training helps police officers, detectives, and special agents improve their job performance.

Prerequisites

The student will need to demonstrate proficiencies in reading, English, and mathematics based on the Mandatory Placement Policy, or by taking recommended/required classes. Some of the courses in this curriculum have specific prerequisites.

General Education (GE) Courses

In order to graduate with a college degree, all students are required to take certain general education courses. These include English composition, speech, wellness, science, art and humanities, mathematics, computer systems, and social and behavioral sciences.

Program Core Courses

CRIM 121 - Intro To Criminal Justice , CRIM 122 - Criminal Law , CRIM 123 - Criminal Investigation , CRIM 128 - Criminal Procedure , CRIM 129 - Criminal Justice Administration .

Program Elective Courses

CRIM 126 Interviewing & Report Writing , CRIM 130 Juvenile Justice , CRIM 134 Law Enforcement Seminar , CRIM 247 Criminology , SOSC 220 Social Problems *, SOSC 243 Race and Ethnicity .

*Intended for PSU transfer - if transferring to ESU, see advisor.

Program Outcomes

Demonstrate familiarity with the methodological and theoretical practices in the criminal justice system.
Demonstrate a familiarity with careers and professions in criminal justice system and the roles of various law enforcement professionals.
Demonstrate a familiarity with techniques and procedures used for the detection and investigation of crime.
Demonstrate knowledge of criminal law and criminal procedures and the legal restraints on the actions of law enforcement professionals.
Analyze the reasons behind crime, its nature, and its extent.
Demonstrate the ability to research criminal justice issues.

The listing that follows is a recommended sequence of courses for full-time students. Part-time students or those that have transferred courses from another school should generally complete the courses listed under Semester I before moving on to Semester II. Please be sure to consult the course descriptions.

It is very important to select the four-year college or university to which transfer is intended no later than the completion of 30 credits hours. Knowing the degree requirements of the transfer institution could make a difference in which courses are selected.