Nov 12, 2024  
2024-2025 Catalog 
    
2024-2025 Catalog

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


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

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


Refer to Academic Regulations on Graduation Requirements  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


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


Additional General Education Requirements: 6 credits


Program Requirements: 15 credits


Area of Concentration Requirements: 21 credits


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:

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

This program aligns with the college’s core competencies.

Related Offerings


Students may wish to also review requirements for the related majors or programs linked below.

Career and Educational Advancement Resources