Legal Studies
Associate of Applied Science • 60 Credit Hours
The Criminal Justice Degree is available to on-campus students and law enforcement officers who have attended an approved law enforcement academy.
The opportunity for public service through law enforcement or security work is attractive to many because the job is challenging and involves much personal responsibility.
Furthermore, law enforcement officers in many agencies may retire with a pension after 20 or 25 years of service, allowing them to pursue a second career while still in their 40s. Due to relatively attractive salaries and benefits, the number of qualified candidates exceeds the number of job openings in federal law enforcement agencies and in most state police departments. This has resulted in increased hiring standards and selectivity by employers.
Competition should remain keen for higher paying jobs with state and federal agencies and police departments in more affluent areas. Opportunities for employment in the public sector will be better with local or special police departments, especially in departments that offer lower starting salaries, or in urban communities where the crime rate is relatively high. Applicants with college training in criminal justice, military police experience, or both should have the best opportunities for selection.
Program Learning Outcomes:
The college adheres to an open admission policy which means applications with a high school diploma or GED are eligible for admission. Applicants with neither a high school diploma nor GED may be admitted on a conditional basis.
This program of study was developed to provide both groups of individuals the criminal justice background to successfully work in either the law enforcement field or private security. Law enforcement officers have the option of completing a field internship to earn college credit that may be applied towards earning this degree.
