Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice, AASCJ

The associate degree in criminal justice focuses principally on the administrative and theoretical aspects of communication processes, ethnic relations, public administration, procedural justice, criminology, abnormal psychology, statistics, and professional ethics. It is not oriented toward technical training, but is a logical sequence for further education for someone trained in police science.

Learning Outcomes

Graduates with this degree will possess the following knowledge and skills:

• An orientation toward ethical practices in the pursuit of justice;
• An awareness and understanding of the criminal justice system and its role in a democratic society, from structural components of various institutions to problems confronted in the law enforcement and corrections agencies;
• A knowledge of the organizational structure and policy procedures of police agencies in contemporary society, as well as an appreciation for the issues and dilemmas the institution confronts;
• An understanding of the law-criminal, civil and personal liability/injury, due process, equal protection under the law and the role investigations play in the process, focusing on investigation techniques and the evaluation and preservation of data;
• A knowledge of the nature, causes, treatment, and prevention of crime and evidence from the physiological, psychological, and sociological perspectives.