This Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree is a two-year program that prepares students for the workforce. However, there are some senior institutions where all or part of this degree is accepted as the first two years of a four-year program. Students interested in pursuing a four-year degree should consult an advisor.
The Criminal Justice Technology curriculum is designed to provide knowledge of criminal justice systems and operations. Study will focus on local, state, and federal law enforcement, judicial processes, corrections, and security services. The criminal justice system’s role within society will be explored.
Emphasis is on criminal justice systems, criminology, juvenile justice, criminal and constitutional law, investigative principles, ethics, and community relations. Additional study may include issues and concepts of government, counseling, communications, computers, and technology.
Employment opportunities exist in a variety of local, state, and federal law enforcement, corrections, and security fields. Examples include police officer, deputy sheriff, county detention officer, state trooper, intensive probation/parole surveillance officer, correctional officer, and loss prevention specialist.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates will:
- Identify the roles and interrelationships between the principal components of the criminal justice system (i.e., law enforcement, the courts, parole, juvenile justice system, and corrections).
- Describe criminal law and the elements of various crimes.
- Interpret the constitutional rights of those accused of crimes and the related restrictions on law enforcement.
- Identify detection and investigation procedures and techniques utilized in the criminal justice system.
- Complete a search warrant application and seized item inventory.