Apr 04, 2026  
2026-2027 Catalog [PREVIEW] 
    
2026-2027 Catalog [PREVIEW]

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


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

Fast Track


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

Graduation Requirements


Refer to Academic Regulations on Graduation Requirements  for college-wide graduation requirements.

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.).

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


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

Biological and Physical Sciences: 3 credits


Refer to 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 . Refer to General Education Mathematics Requirements  for a list of approved courses.

Social and Behavioral Sciences: 3 credits


Additional General Education Requirements: 6 credits


Suggestive Elective Requirements: 12 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.

Program Outcomes


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

  1. Apply analytical and critical thinking skills to interpret data and solve problems in law enforcement contexts.
  2. Conduct qualitative and quantitative research to support evidence-based practices in criminal justice.
  3. Gather, analyze, preserve, and interpret information, artifacts, and evidence using appropriate procedures.
  4. Apply the law and constitutional principles properly in criminal justice and public safety contexts.
  5. Articulate concepts and theories of criminology, sociology, and psychology as they relate to the criminal justice system.
  6. Describe the critical phases of the criminal justice system and their interrelationships.
  7. Identify diversity, human rights, and ethical issues while demonstrating professional standards of conduct .
  8. Communicate effectively in writing and verbally, and use technology to gather, compose, and apply information in law enforcement situations.

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