The Criminal Justice A.A.S. degree offers an innovative approach that expands opportunities for learners to pursue diverse positions in the criminal justice field. The program focuses on solution-oriented courses and skill-building opportunities that align with current community trends in criminal justice.
Learners have the freedom to choose from multiple concentrations, allowing them to customize their educational experience to align with their personal and career objectives. Designed to be modern, comprehensive, and responsive to the community needs, this degree program offers four distinct pathways.
All graduates will leave with on-the-job experience to complement their resumes after taking courses that support a holistic criminal justice approach.
The Criminology concentration offers a curriculum blending theoretical foundations with practical skills, providing a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. This program covers a broad spectrum of topics such as criminal law, interrogation and report writing, supervision, management, and juvenile justice, along with the opportunity to study topics like criminal profiling, criminological theory, and social problems. Courses focus on underlying social issues and individual psychological aspects underlying criminal behavior and practices that reduce recidivism through the biopsychosocial lens. Learners enrolled in this concentration will gain a solid foundation in the basic principles of criminal justice and develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills necessary to address complex issues facing criminal justice professionals. Learners have the opportunity to earn the Justice Certificate along the way.
The Community Corrections Management concentration provides learners with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively manage individuals under community supervision. This program covers topics such as grant writing, addiction, and offender reentry. Learners enrolled in this concentration will learn how to provide support and resources to help individuals successfully reintegrate into the community and reduce recidivism. Students may also earn the Advanced Skill Set in Recidivism Reduction & Reentry and the Community Corrections Specialist Certificate while completing the degree. These credentials can equip learners with the specialized knowledge and skills necessary to address the unique challenges faced by professionals working in community corrections. With a criminal justice background in community corrections, learners will be well-equipped to make a positive impact on the lives of individuals under community supervision and help promote public safety.
The Social Justice concentration provides students with the potential to earn NACP credentialing, allowing them to use the C.A. (Credentialed Advocate) designation upon completion. They may also learn the critical skill of forensic interviewing. The Advanced Skill Set Certificate in Forensic Interviewing and the Certificate in Victim Advocacy can be earned along the route to completing the degree. Students will acquire a robust skill set through an immersive curriculum to develop the tools necessary to support and advocate for those affected by crime. From crisis intervention techniques to navigating legal procedures and advocating for policy reform, graduates emerge equipped to be compassionate leaders in their communities, advocating for the rights and dignity of those affected by crime.
The Strategic Studies concentration allows learners to tailor their studies to specific interests or skill gaps within the field. This customization allows for deeper exploration of chosen areas, better preparing graduates for specialized career paths and enhancing their marketability in a dynamic and evolving criminal justice landscape. Learners can also use this option to further tailor their electives to match their transfer plans.
Career Opportunities**
The Community Corrections Management concentration best supports those seeking careers in community corrections, working as a Case Manager, Community Engagement Specialist, Criminal Justice Program Specialist, or Grant Writing Assistant at Day Report Centers or with Community Residential Programs or Advocacy groups.
The Social Justice concentration best supports those seeking careers as a Victim Advocate, Victim Liaison, BIPP Facilitator, Domestic Violence Specialist, Shelter Advocate, CASA advocate, Sexual Assault Services Coordinator, Sexual Assault Response Team Coordinator, Community Coordinator, Forensic Interviewer or Victim Liaison.
The Criminology and Strategic Studies concentrations can prepare graduates for work as a Benefit Program Specialist, Criminal Research Analyst, Fraud Investigator, Verification Specialist, Investigative Analyst, Truancy Officer, or Pretrial Officer, and supports those who wish to transfer to work on a bachelor’s degree towards jobs in the FBI, or as Probation or Parole Officer. The degree program also assists with increased salary and ranking opportunities - as a Police Officer, Corrections Officer, or in Healthcare Security, Industrial Security, Juvenile Detention, Home Confinement, or in military careers. This degree can help prepare learners using the Pathways Program for entry into the National Park Service or U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. Among other requirements for Pathways Participants, becoming a United States Park Police Officer requires 60 hours of college credits – just what you will find in our Criminal Justice degree!
Graduates will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the historical origins, structure, and operation of the U.S. criminal justice system.
- Apply critical thinking and innovative approaches to address systemic issues in the criminal justice system.
- Recognize the importance of ethics for justice professionals.
- Construct a capstone project in the form of a professional portfolio tailored to aid in obtaining employment upon graduation in their preferred area of interest.
Criminology
- Apply correct psychological, physiological, sociological, or biosocial explanations of crime depending upon the situation.
Community Corrections Management
- Identify community-based alternatives and intermediate sanctions.
Social Justice
- Demonstrate the foundational skills necessary to become a credentialed advocate.
Return to: