Nov 26, 2024

2017-2018 Catalog

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2017-2018 Catalog [PAST CATALOG]

Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice - Social Justice (A.A.S.)

Title of Major: Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice - Social Justice, A.A.S.

Award: Associate of Applied Science degree, A.A.S.

Total Credit Hours: 60

Code: AAS.LEN.SOCIAL-JUST

About the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute

This degree is part of the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute.

Purpose: To achieve three objectives: first, to provide students with the opportunity to develop the basic theoretical and technical skills needed for an entry-level position into various areas of the criminal justice profession; second, to enhance the opportunities of in-service police officer students for promotion to higher levels of supervision and responsibility; and third, to provide a transfer basis for students who are seeking entry into police and criminal justice agencies having a four-year degree requirement.

Additional Program Requirements

Students who have career interests in a particular criminal justice agency, especially federal agencies, should consult with one of the criminal justice faculty to plan a program which is transferable to a four-year institution.

Range of Occupations

Correctional officer
Federal enforcement officer
Jail or detention facility officer
Juvenile services officer
Police officer or cadet
Private investigator
Rehabilitation counseling
Retail store security officer
Victim advocate

Graduation Requirements

See Academic Regulations for college-wide Graduation Requirements .

Planning Tool: Two-Year Sequence of Courses

Open/Print this Planning Tool

General Education Requirements: 21-24 credits

An approved list of general education courses can be found in the General Education Requirements and degree program required courses section of the catalog. Choose general education courses from the following topics:

Biological and Physical Sciences, Computer Technology or Mathematics: 3 credits

See General Education Requirements for a list of approved courses.

Health/Fitness/Wellness: 3 credits

HEA 150 - First Aid and Safety - CPR 3 credit hours
OR
EMT 104 - Emergency Medical Responder 3 credit hours
Students who are graduates of recognized police academies, current employees of fire departments, or current employees of EMT/emergency response agencies may request to have HEA 150 or EMT 104 waived. To do so, students should provide an official (department letterhead) letter to the Records and Registration Office stating that they are graduates or employees of one of the above agencies. Courses or training not approved for academic credit through the American Council on Education or through an institution accredited by a commission on higher education approved by the United States Department of Education will not be accepted for transfer credit or as meeting the waiver. Sixty credits must be completed to earn this degree.

Mathematics: 3 credits

See General Education Mathematics Requirements for a list of approved courses.

Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 credits

PLS 111 - American Government 3 credit hours

Program Requirements: 15 credits

CJS 111 - Introduction to Criminal Justice 3 credit hours
CJS 113 - Penology 3 credit hours
CJS 215 - Criminal Law 3 credit hours
CJS 225 - Criminal Justice Ethics 3 credit hours
SOC 111 - Introduction to Sociology 3 credit hours

Area of Concentration Requirements: 21-24 credits

BPA 162 - Business Communications 3 credit hours
CJS 228 - Practices in Social Work and Counseling with Inmate Populations 3 credit hours
CJS 260 - Terrorism/Counterterrorism 3 credit hours OR
HLS 260 - Terrorism/Counterterrorism 3 credit hours OR
HLS 111 - Introduction to Homeland Security 3 credit hours
HUS 100 - Introduction to Human Services 3 credit hours
PSY 111 - Introduction to Psychology 3 credit hours
Elective (criminal justice) 3 credit hours
Elective (consult with an advisor) 3 credit hours
Students who do not complete a Computer Technology general education course must satisfy the Computing and Information Technology competency requirement with an elective. See Computing and Information Technology Competency Requirement for a list of approved courses.
Elective (consult with an advisor) 0-3 credit hours
Applies to students who take ENG 121 and need an additional 3 credits to meet the 60 credit hours required for the degree.

Computer Competency Requirement

Students who elect not to take a Computer Technology general education course must satisfy the computer competency requirement with an elective. See Computing and Information Technology Competency Requirement for a list of approved courses.

Diversity Requirement

Satisfied by SOC 111 requirement.

Fast Track Option

This program has a Fast Track Option for those holding a college degree.

Program Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

Apply analytical and critical thinking skills in a law enforcement context.
Conduct qualitative and quantitative research related to criminal justice and law enforcement.
Analyze, differentiate, and interpret varying data.
Articulate concepts and theories of criminology, sociology, psychology as they pertain to the criminal justice system.
Gather, analyze, preserve, and interpret information, artifacts and evidence.
Apply the law properly in contexts related to criminal justice and public safety.
Describe the critical phases of the criminal justice system.
Recall the U.S. Constitution Bill of Rights.
Identify diversity and human rights issues pertaining to criminal justice.
Articulate ethical and professional standards of conduct and performance.
Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing in law enforcement situations.
Use technology to gather, compose, appraise and apply information.

This program aligns with the college’s core competencies.

Career and Educational Advancement Resources

Career, Workforce Certifications Education and Transfer Resources