No. of Credits: 60
Contact: P. Allen, Chair, Social Sciences and Public Services Division
This associate of applied science degree enables students to qualify for positions as police, security, or corrections officers and also serves those already in the field who wish to update or advance their skills. People working in the field of criminal justice and security management must know how to interact with other agencies, work well with people on a daily basis, communicate clearly in writing and orally, work with data, investigate and present cases in court or to management, and plan and organize agency operations. This program prepares students for these challenges plus many more they will confront on a daily basis. The criminal justice and security fields are among the fastest growing, professional career areas worldwide. Cooperative education is available in this program.
The maximum number of credits accepted in transfer from other institutions to this program is 45.
Career Opportunities:
federal, state, and local law enforcement officers, federal and state parole/probation officers, federal, state, and local corrections officers, private security
Transfer Options:
This program of study is part of an articulated partnership with University of Maryland University College (UMUC). Students successfully meeting the requirements of this associate’s program can transfer the necessary credits to UMUC and complete their Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security through courses offered in Southern Maryland and online. Contact an advisor for recommended course selection.
Student Learning Outcomes:
Students will…
- Identify and explain the various components of the criminal justice system
- Identify and discuss contemporary problems, issues, and legal requirements that confront criminal justice agencies
- Propose remedies for operations, administration and personnel in criminal justice agencies
- Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, and demonstrate basic knowledge of information technology as applied to criminal justice research and practice
- Demonstrate their knowledge of the nature, causes, treatment and prevention of crime from a physiological, psychological, and sociological perspective
- Demonstrate the ability to critically analyze and evaluate criminal justice policies and programs to reduce crime