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

Planner for 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.

Faculty Contact (https://webapps.aacc.edu/directory/): Darian Senn-Carter

Courses to improve skills and prepare for college-level classes may be needed. It is best to see an advisor as you plan your education.

Course/Advising Notes: ________________________________________________________________________

Term 1

Course Name Credits Term Taken Grade
ENG 101 - Academic Writing and Research 1  
(English Composition General Education Requirement)
Students may substitute  ENG 101A  for ENG 101.
picture of open book for General Education Requirement
3 credit hours    
Mathematics General Education Requirement   
picture of open book for General Education Requirement
3 credit hours    
HEA 150 - Advanced First Aid, CPR and AED  OR
EMT 104 - Emergency Medical Care, CPR & AED  
(Wellness General Education Requirement)
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 these courses 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.
picture of open book for General Education Requirement
3 credit hours    
PLS 111 - American Government 
(Social and Behavioral Sciences General Education Requirement) 
picture of open book for General Education Requirement picture of capital letter P for Prerequisite
3 credit hours     
CJS 111 - Introduction to Criminal Justice  
This course meets the Diversity Requirement.
picture of capital letter D for Diversity
3 credit hours     

Term 2

Course Name Credits Term Taken Grade
ENG 102 - Academic Writing and Research 2  
(English Composition General Education Requirement)
picture of open book for General Education Requirementpicture of capital letter P for prerequisite
3 credit hours     
CJS 112 - Police Operations  
picture of capital letter P for prerequisite
3 credit hours     
CJS 113 - Penology   3 credit hours     
LGS 215 - Criminal Law   3 credit hours     
CJS 260 - Terrorism/Counterterrorism  OR  HLS 111 - Introduction to Homeland Security   3 credit hours    

Term 3

Course Name Credits Term Taken Grade
Biological and Physical Sciences General Education Requirement   
picture of open book for General Education Requirement
3 credit hours    
CJS 121 - Police Administration 
picture of capital letter P for prerequisite
3 credit hours     
CJS 222 - Investigation and Criminalistics 
picture of capital letter P for prerequisite
3 credit hours    
CJS 225 - Criminal Justice Ethics   4 credit hours     
Technology General Education Requirement  
CTA 103  is recommended. This requirement may also be satisfied by CLEP exam.
picture of open book for General Education Requirement
3 credit hours    

Term 4

Course Name Credits Term Taken Grade
Arts and Humanities General Education Requirement  
picture of open book for General Education Requirement
3 credit hours     
Electives
Choose four courses from the lists below. Suggested electives are based on area of student interest.
General Law Enforcement Interest:
Choose any four CJS courses, with the option of substituting with one HLS course.
Juvenile Justice Interest:
CJS 132 - Juvenile Delinquency  
picture of capital letter P for prerequisite
CJS 231 - Juvenile Justice  
picture of capital letter P for prerequisite
PSY 211 - Developmental Psychology  
picture of capital letter P for prerequisite
Social Justice Interest:
CJS 200 - Multicultural Law Enforcement  
CJS 224 - Criminology  
picture of capital letter P for prerequisite
CJS 228 - Practices in Social Work and Counseling with Inmate Populations  
HUS 100 - Introduction to Human Services  
12 credit hours    

About the Planner Symbols


Refer to the key below for planner symbol descriptions.