Program Overview

Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS)

Justice Studies Criminal Justice

The Associate in Applied Science Degree (AAS) in Justice Studies Criminal Justice is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system.

Program Requirements

To graduate, students must complete 60 semester credits. The program is structured into four semesters, with a combination of core courses, electives, and general education requirements.

Sample Course Sequence

The following is a sample course sequence for the program:

First Semester

• JUS1100: Introduction to Justice Studies (3 credits)
• CIS1115: Computer Applications (3 credits)
• SOC1123: First Year Experience (3 credits)
• ENG1105: Writing and Research (3 credits)
• SOC2231: Human Relations (3 credits)

Second Semester

• JUS1110: Communication Skills for Criminal Justice Professionals (3 credits)
• SOC2210: Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
• ENG2205: Writing through Literature (3 credits)
• Liberal Arts Elective (3 credits)
• Justice Studies Elective (3 credits)

Third Semester

• HUM2225: Introduction to Ethics (3 credits)
• SOC2218: Police and Society (3 credits)
• SOC2220: Criminology (3 credits)
• MAT2215: Statistics I (3 credits)
• JUS2000: Career Development (3 credits)

Fourth Semester

• JUS2205: Criminal Law (3 credits)
• SCI2230: Forensic Science (3 credits)
• JUS2201: Criminal Procedure (3 credits)
• Justice Studies Elective (3 credits)
• Free Elective (3 credits)

Justice Studies Electives

Students can choose from a variety of electives, including:

• JUS2210: Community Relations and the Police (3 credits)
• JUS2220: Justice and the Media (3 credits)
• JUS2225: Criminal Investigations (3 credits)
• JUS2235: Juvenile Justice (3 credits)
• JUS2240: Justice and the Judiciary (3 credits)
• JUS2260: Contemporary Issues in Justice Studies (3 credits)
• JUS2270: Special Topics in Justice Studies (3 credits)
• JUS2293: Internship (3 credits)
• NTS1100: Introduction to National Security (3 credits)
• NTS2215: Introduction to Emergency Management (3 credits)
• NTS2216: U.S. Policy and National Security (3 credits)
• NTS2217: Ethics and Homeland Security (3 credits)
• LAW1100: Introduction to Law (3 credits)
• LAW2235: Immigration Law (3 credits)
• LAW2240: Family Law (3 credits)
• SOC2230: Victimology (3 credits)

Eligibility and Employment Requirements

Eligibility for some internships and employment opportunities in fields related to this program may require candidates to meet specific health requirements or pass criminal background checks prescribed by law. Law enforcement jobs typically require the candidate to be physically and mentally fit, have a valid driver's license, a clean driving record, no felony criminal record, no domestic violence charges, and the ability to be licensed to carry a firearm. A selection process involving qualifying examination and/or supplementary training may also be required. Job requirements for non-sworn personnel in criminal justice and related agencies vary.