Criminal Justice and Public Safety

Overview

Criminal Justice & Public Safety

Criminal justice and law enforcement professionals provide essential services to their communities both locally and at the state and federal levels. They safeguard citizens and assure that laws are followed.

Professionals may work in law enforcement agencies, in correctional facilities, or for other public safety agencies. If you have an interest in providing support to your community, this is a career worth considering.

Students in the Criminal Justice & Public Safety program will take courses in Law Enforcement, Corrections, Psychology, Writing, and Criminal Law. The cooperative work experience, which is the capstone of the program, gives students the opportunity to work directly with local law enforcement and public safety agencies.

NOTE: Students are required to pass a criminal background check and drug test prior to registering for the CJA 280A Cooperative Education class. Students must be approved by the cooperative education provider prior to starting CJA 280A.

Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice & Public Safety: 94 credits

• See the degree worksheet on the following pages for course requirements.

All degree candidates must meet Comprehensive Requirements, and the AAS degree requirements.

Individuals who are DPSST certified can earn up to 21 college credits for their DPSST coursework toward the completion of their degree.

The Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice and Public Safety has three Career Pathway Certificates:

1. Corrections Technician Certificate: 17 Credits
   • Entry-level jobs doing technical work in a technical setting
2. Corrections Professional Certificate: 25 Credits
   • For professionals already in the field.
3. Law Enforcement Specialist Certificate: 25 Credits
   • Work as a security guard, patrol officer, or compliance officer.

Program Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete this program will be able to:

• Apply principles of search and seizure processes that comply with statutory and constitutional requirements.
• Demonstrate strong writing skills, including the ability to write error-free police reports capable of withstanding courtroom scrutiny.
• Demonstrate good verbal & interpersonal communication skills that recognize diverse cultures, ethnic groups, and non-traditional populations.
• Apply criminal investigation processes using effective & legal techniques.
• Apply practices and principles of community corrections, treatment, and custodial processes for adults and juveniles.
• Demonstrate professional integrity by applying ethical principles of criminal justice policies, practices, and evaluation of their implications.

Degree Worksheet

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Degree Map

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