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

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

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

Total Credit Hours: 60

Code: AAS.LEN.LEN

About the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute

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

Purpose: Provides 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. Enhances the opportunities of in-service police officer students for promotion to higher levels of supervision and responsibility. Provides 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 law enforcement officer
Investigative assistant
Jail or detention facility officer
Juvenile services officer
Police dispatcher
Police officer or cadet
Private investigator
Retail store security officer
School resource officer
Victim rights advocate

Approximate Cost

Honors Program Courses

If you qualify for the Honors Program, you may take honors versions of some courses (such as ENG 101H , ENG 102H , etc.).

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: 24 credits

An approved list of general education courses can be found in the General Education and Diversity, Technology and Wellness Requirements section of the catalog. Choose general education courses from the following topics:

English Composition: 6 credits

ENG 101 - Academic Writing and Research 1 3 credit hours
ENG 102 - Academic Writing and Research 2 3 credit hours
ENG 101 and ENG 101A are equivalent courses. Students may take ENG 101 -ENG 102 or ENG 101A -ENG 102 to meet their English Composition General Education requirement.

Arts and Humanities: 3 credits

See General Education Arts and Humanities Requirements for a list of approved courses.

Biological and Physical Sciences: 3 credits

See General Education Biological and Physical Sciences Requirement for a list of approved courses.

Mathematics: 3 credits

Students planning to transfer to the University of Baltimore should select MAT 135 . See General Education Mathematics Requirements for a list of approved courses.

Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 credits

PLS 111 - American Government 3 credit hours

Additional General Education Requirements: 6 credits

Technology Requirement 3 credit hours

CTP 103 is recommended. This requirement may also be satisfied by CLEP exam. See General Education Technology Requirement for list of additional approved courses.
Wellness Requirement 3 credit hours

Choose one course from list below:
- HEA 150 - Advanced First Aid, CPR and AED
- EMT 104 - Emergency Medical Care, CPR & AED

Program Requirements: 15 credits

CJS 111 - Introduction to Criminal Justice 3 credit hours
CJS 113 - Penology 3 credit hours
CJS 225 - Criminal Justice Ethics 3 credit hours
LGS 215 - Criminal Law 3 credit hours
(formerly listed as CJS 215)
SOC 111 - Introduction to Sociology 3 credit hours

Area of Concentration Requirements: 21 credits

CJS 112 - Police Operations 3 credit hours
CJS 222 - Investigation and Criminalistics 4 credit hours
CJS 121 - Police Administration 3 credit hours
CJS 260 - Terrorism/Counterterrorism 3 credit hours
OR
HLS 111 - Introduction to Homeland Security 3 credit hours
Elective (criminal justice or social science: CJS, PSY or SOC) 3 credit hours
Elective (criminal justice or consult with an advisor) 5 credit hours

Diversity Requirement

Satisfied by SOC 111 requirement.

Technology Requirement

All students in associate degree programs must satisfy the Technology Requirement . In many cases, students may satisfy this requirement simultaneously as they satisfy a general education course requirement or with an elective.

Wellness Requirement

Unless they are in a degree that is exempt, all students in associate degree programs must satisfy the Wellness Requirement . In many cases, students may satisfy this requirement simultaneously as they satisfy a general education course requirement or with an elective.

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 and apply the U.S. Constitution Bill of Rights to investigations and cases.
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