Associate in Applied Science Degree

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The Criminal Justice curriculum prepares students to enter a range of occupations in the criminal justice system and to continue their education.The core courses form a foundation for understanding the operation of the criminal justice system, the causes of crime and delinquency, the history and application of criminal justice and constitutional law, and the ethical bases of criminal justice decision-making. Electives address the diverse issues facing the criminal justice system and encourage students to gain more specialized knowledge of policing, juvenile justice, corrections, and the private sector. Input from the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee and the opportunity to participate in a one-semester internship provides a link to criminal justice practice. One High School Mathematics Course or its equivalent is required.

Goal 1 Prepare students for employment in the field of Criminal Justice or related fields

  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of the fundamental operations of the criminal justice system.

Goal 2 Prepare students to read, speak, and write effectively

  • Students will write clear reports, write effectively, and with authority.

Goal 3 Prepare students to interact in a diverse culture

  • Students will demonstrate the ability to recognize and then “argue against” their personal viewpoints on at least one criminal justice issue.

Goal 4 Prepare students to analyze quantitative information, and think critically

  • Students will evaluate specific cases and be able to identify what the legal arguments are in the case. Students will also be able to ascertain what the opinions of the cases are based on.

Goal 5 To prepare students to demonstrate information literacy

  • Students will be able to read, interpret, and use social science data skillfully

Goal 6 To prepare students to demonstrate information literacy

  • Students will use traditional and contemporary information technology
  • Students will identify, access, and appropriately use authoritative sources of information

Total Credit Hours: 61

First Semester

This course is an opportunity for students to develop the skills necessary to be successful in college. Students learn the importance of the faculty-student and advisor-advisee relationship, develop time management techniques, apply effective study skill techniques, recognize the implications of living in a diverse society, utilize college resources, and explore career and transfer requirements. Collaborative projects are included. Students matriculated in a degree program must take this course in their first term of study.

This course introduces the basic elements of the American criminal justice system, from its legal roots and history to its most current concerns. It analyzes the criminal justice process - from arrest to trial and disposition - emphasizing the function and structure of each component. It provides an understanding of how each component responds to crime and how the key question of individual rights and public safety is addressed. Attention is given to the elements of crime, the role of the police, courts, and corrections, and to the challenges facing this system in an increasingly diverse democratic society.

This course provides knowledge of relevant computer skills and a solid foundation in the terminology and concepts of computer technology. Experience is provided with a variety of microcomputer software applications, including word processing, electronic spreadsheets, graphics, file management, and integrated software. Concepts and terms focus on preparing for a technologically oriented society and using the computer as a tool for productivity, research, and communication.

This course focuses on several kinds of writing-self-expressive, informative, and argumentative/persuasive, and others. A minimum of five essay compositions are required. The course emphasizes the composition of clear, correct, and effective prose required in a variety of professions and occupations. Prerequisites: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or EN090 Basic Writing Skills or SL116 ESL4: Advanced Composition or SL145 ESOL Advanced Composition

This course gives an understanding of and a feeling for the society in which we live. The concepts and theories discussed relate to humanity, its culture and society, and to those forces that contribute to the smooth operation of this society as well as those forces that contribute to conflict and social problems. Topics include culture, socialization, stratification, population, and patterns of social organization.

This course introduces the many and varied facets of psychology. Emphasis is on interactions of individuals in their cultural, social, and economic environments as determined by their cognitive, behavioral, and emotional experiences and training.

Second Semester

This course introduces probability and statistics. Topics include graphs, tables, frequency distributions, measures of central tendency and dispersion, normal distribution, correlation and regression, probability, and inferential statistics. This course is available in two formats: lecture only, or lecture plus laboratory using technology. Prerequisite: Appropriate high school GPA or placement test score or MA089 Arithmetic.

This course examines the nature and functions of the criminal law. It uses controversial and landmark cases as a framework for an intensive examination of the classification of crimes and the assignment of penalties. It addresses recent court decisions involving the administration of the penal law, jurisdictional questions, and Constitutional protections. It uses the New York Penal Code as an exemplar.

This course encourages a deeper understanding of human nature and the human condition through the study of ideas and values expressed in imaginative literature. Emphasis is placed on the use and development of critical thinking and language skills. Library-oriented research is required. Prerequisite: EN101 English 1: Composition or EN105 English Composition for Speakers of Other Languages or EN106 English 1: Composition & Reading.

This course focuses on understanding and applying scientific methodology to an area of inquiry within the social sciences. It covers quantitative and qualitative methods of research including survey research, interviewing, archival analysis, experimentation, and participant observation. Using data-gathering techniques, a number of mini-research projects are conducted. The application of statistical techniques to data analysis is stressed. Computer software applications are used to analyze data from a variety of sources. Research teams are formed to design and implement final research projects. Prerequisites: SO101 Introduction to Sociology or CJ101 Introduction to Criminal Justice or PS102 Introduction to Public Policy.

Any General Education Natural Science course may be chosen.

Third Semester

The goal of this course is two-fold: first, to recognize the ethical implications of the daily decisions made by justice system personnel; and, second, to evaluate individual ethical frameworks. It addresses key analytical concepts including utilitarianism, deontology, peacemaking, codes of ethics, and tests of moral reasoning to resolve ethical dilemmas commonly found in the administration of justice, including policing, courts, and corrections. It addresses the relationship of criminal justice to social justice, along with issues of cultural competence and diversity, especially as they illustrate the existence of dilemmas in applied ethics. Scenarios are used to raise moral dilemmas in the administration of justice, with resolution of these dilemmas and analysis of the issues.

This course examines the nature and importance of communication within the criminal justice system. Students develop report writing skills and an understanding of the impact report writing has on the investigation and prosecution of crime, as well as on the administration of justice. Students refine communication skills within criminal justice contexts. Observational skills, interview techniques, and field note-taking skills are developed. Applications to the Civil Service exam are used where appropriate. Prerequisites: CJ101 Introduction to Criminal Justice, and either EN101 English 1: Composition or EN106 English 1: Composition and Reading or EN105 English Composition for Speakers of Other Languages.

Any Criminal Justice course not already required in the program CJ202, CJ210 and CJ212 have pre-req’s not offered in the program. CJ202 requires PS101 and can be taken as the restricted elective, CJ210 and CJ212 requires CJ107 and can be taken as the first CJ elective.

Any Criminal Justice course not already required in the program CJ202, CJ210 and CJ212 have pre-req’s not offered in the program. CJ202 requires PS101 and can be taken as the restricted elective, CJ210 and CJ212 requires CJ107 and can be taken as the first CJ elective.

Students must choose amongst the following courses (some courses have prerequisites): AC115, AC116, AC131, AN205, CI104, CI142, EN150, HI101, HI102, HI111, HI112, HI214, HP100/HP200, HS101, HS216, HS241, PS101, PS102, PS203, PY203, PY204, PY206, PY209, SO204, SO205, SO207, any foreign language.

Any Physical Education course may be chosen.

Fourth Semester

This course promotes an interest in criminal justice for students pursuing a related course of study. It reinforces academic concepts through practical work experience, assists in making career choices, and provides familiarity with the work of criminal justice agencies. Students participate on the staffs of local public or private criminal justice agencies. A minimum of 90 hours of field experience is required. Attendance and participation in seminar discussions are mandatory. Permissions of Internship Director and Dean are required. Prerequisites: CJ101 Introduction to Criminal Justice and CJ106 Ethics in Criminal Justice.

Any Criminal Justice course not already required in the program CJ202, CJ210 and CJ212 have pre-req’s not offered in the program. CJ202 requires PS101 and can be taken as the restricted elective, CJ210 and CJ212 requires CJ107 and can be taken as the first CJ elective.

Any Criminal Justice course not already required in the program CJ202, CJ210 and CJ212 have pre-req’s not offered in the program. CJ202 requires PS101 and can be taken as the restricted elective, CJ210 and CJ212 requires CJ107 and can be taken as the first CJ elective.

Students must choose among the following courses (some courses have prerequisites): AC115, AC116, AC131, AN205, CI104, CI142, EN150, HI101, HI102, HI111, HI112, HI214, HP100/HP200, HS101, HS216, HS241, PS101, PS102, PS203, PY203, PY204, PY206, PY209, SO204, SO205, SO207, any foreign language.

Any Physical Education course may be chosen

(a) Any Criminal Justice course not already required in the program CJ202, CJ210 and CJ212 have prerequisites not offered in the program. CJ202 requires PS101 and can be taken as the restricted elective, CJ210 and CJ212 requires CJ107 and can be taken as the first CJ elective. 

(b) Students must choose among the following courses (some courses have prerequisites): AC115, AC116, AC131, AN205, CI104, CI142, EN150, HI101, HI102, HI111, HI112, HI214, HP101/HP200/HP201, HS101, HS216, HS241, PS101, PS102, PS203, PY203, PY204, PY206, PY209, SO204, SO205, SO207, any foreign language.