Dec 11, 2024  
College Catalog 2024 - 2025 
  
College Catalog 2024 - 2025

Criminal Justice Career Option, A.S.


Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study

The mission of the Criminal Justice Program is to prepare students for employment in various criminal justice related areas and/or for pursuit of Baccalaureate Degrees in criminal justice or other related fields of study by educating them in the fundamental concepts, knowledge and practices of the field.

* Milestone Courses should be taken in the order shown. This will help you stay on track and graduate on time.

Semester 1


Total Credits: 15


Semester 1 Advising Note

  • New degree-seeking students enrolled in 9 credits or more must take a Learning Community Seminar or a Learning Community Cluster within their first year.

Semester 2


Total Credits: 15-16


Semester 2 Advising Note

  • Begin exploring transfer options: attend a transfer workshop and the College transfer fair.
  • Meet with an advisor to begin career planning activities.

Semester 3


Total Credits: 16


Semester 3 Advising Note

Semester 4


  • Credits: 3
  • Elective- Career Elective Credits: 3
    Choose from any non-required CRJ course
  • Elective- Career Elective Credits: 3
    Choose from any non-required CRJ course
  • Elective- Career Elective Credits: 3
    Choose from any non-required CRJ course
  • Elective - Open Elective Credits: 3
    Recommended electives include Communication, Political Science, Computer, or Foreign Language courses.

Total Credits: 15


Semester 4 Advising Note

  • Apply for graduation

Upon Completion of This Concentration Graduates Will Be Able To:


  • Demonstrate knowledge, defend and critique the structure of the criminal justice system.
  • Identify, demonstrate and evaluate knowledge of corrections, including its purpose and function.
  • Explain the history and critique major theories of why crime is committed with a focus on criminal behavior.
  • Identify and demonstrate knowledge of Courts including its purpose and function, be able to accurately discuss and relate criminal law and procedure and its constitutional basis.
  • Identify and demonstrate knowledge of policing including its purpose and function, describe and assess the general responsibilities of the criminal justice professional including the professional’s responsibilities and governing ethics.
  • Articulate and critique the role of data and research in the development of criminal justice and policy.

Career Outlook


Graduates that complete the Transfer Option can transfer to four-year colleges and universities to seek a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field. Graduates who complete the Law Enforcement or Corrections Tracks qualify for entry level positions in law enforcement, corrections or security at local, state, regional and federal agencies.

Explore Career Options 

Return to {$returnto_text} Return to: Programs of Study