Associate of Science in Criminal Justice

This degree is designed to provide students with an understanding of the Criminal Justice System and its interrelationship with society. Students will develop the skills, knowledge and abilities to enter or upgrade their present status in branches of law enforcement, federal, state, local, and private agencies. The Associates Degree will provide students with a competitive advantage for acceptance to further training provided by Criminal Justice Agencies.

Completion of General Education and specific courses in Police Organization and Administration, Juvenile Justice, Criminal Investigation or Criminal Law offers students the foundation to enter the Criminal Justice field or further their studies toward a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice.

60 Semester Hours (Thirty semester hours must be General Education courses.)
A maximum of 30 semester hours may be transferred.
The student must complete a minimum of 30 semester hours with Southwest University.

Upon completion of this program, you should be able to:

Identify and describe the issues, trends and challenges facing juvenile justice.
Evaluate the sociological approach to the study of crime and criminals.
Provide an overview of the major components of substantive criminal law.
Provide an analysis of the causes and consequences of domestic violence and the positive law enforcement response.
Identify police issues and demonstrate an understanding of the police organization and its function.
Identify moral issues and concerns and the function of ethics in the justice process.
Identify the elements of criminal procedures.

Course Requirements
General Education Courses Students must have satisfied or they must complete the following General Education courses:
Course	Title	Credits
ENG-100	English Composition I	3	[+ More Info]
	This course provides an introduction to the basic concepts and requirements of college-level English. A excellent study of grammatical structures of standard, formal and written English. Topics include parts of speech, punctuation, choice and usage of words, effective use of sentences and paragraphs.
ENG-101	English Composition II	3	[+ More Info]
	This course is designed to meet the English requirements for students desiring the General Education of the first two years of college, or for students transferring to a four-year college. The course is directed toward assisting students with techniques necessary for writing. Emphasis is placed on sentence structure, word choice, organization, editing and usage skills vital to successful written communication.
COM-105	Principles of Communication	3	[+ More Info]
	This course is designed to survey the field of communication. It covers classic approaches and theory. Significant attention is directed toward communication skills. Emphasis is also on public speaking, interpersonal and small group communication and interviewing.
NSC-136	Natural Science	3	[+ More Info]
	This course provides an overview of our physical environment with well- balanced, up-to-date coverage of geology, oceanography, astronomy, and meteorology. The course introduces three themes: Earth as a System; People and the Environment; and the Nature of Scientific Inquiry.
Select any two (2):
MATH-150	College Math I	3	[+ More Info]
	This course presents the basic fundamentals of college-level mathematics.
MATH-151	College Math II	3	[+ More Info]
	This course presents the basic fundamentals of college-level mathematics. It introduces key terms, helpful graphics, and new symbols. Students are introduced to real-world applications of mathematics.
STAT-156	Business Statistics	3	[+ More Info]
	This course presents concepts and applications of statistics used in the functional areas of business�accounting, marketing, management, economics, and finance.
CIS-122	Computer Concepts	3	[+ More Info]
	This course introduces students to the basic concepts in the fields of information systems and computer science. The course provides a theoretical foundation and introduces applications that put theory into practice.
Select any two (2):
HIST-110	American History 1500 - 1877	3	[+ More Info]
	This course weaves together the social and historical forces that have shaped the United States. It surveys history from European discovery concluding with the Civil War.
HIST-111	American History 1863 - since 2010	3	[+ More Info]
	This course surveys United States history following the Civil War concluding with a discussion of the United States in a global age, 1863 to present.
POLS-112	International Relations	3	[+ More Info]
	This course combines basic concepts and vocabulary with a substantial amount of historical background and examples from current events. Students will examine major historical events arranged by geographic area which illustrate concepts of international relations. This course also provides up-to-date information on the world economy.
POLS-125	World Politics	3	[+ More Info]
	This course combines contemporary and historical coverage of the central issues in world politics. The course encourages independent thinking and active evaluation of real-world problems. Students will be able to recognize the connections between international and domestic politics.
Select one (1):
PSY-130	Introduction to Psychology	3	[+ More Info]
	This course is designed to provide a scientific, accurate, and thorough understanding of the essential concepts of psychology. The course provides comprehensive coverage of concepts in the science of behavior. The approach is practical and easy to understand.
SOC-134	Introduction to Sociology	3	[+ More Info]
	This course is comprehensive and stimulating. It introduces theoretical approaches and explores diversity of human living and examines social interaction in everyday life. Three main themes are presented: Global Perspective, Social Diversity, and Critical Thinking.
Select one (1):
PHIL-160	Ethics, Crime and Justice	3	[+ More Info]
	This course addresses moral issues of the justice process in social and criminal justice contexts. It provides comprehensive coverage on legal practices, law enforcement, corrections, crime control policy, and philosophical issues.
PHIL-161	Ethics	3	[+ More Info]
	This course provides students with a solid foundation in understanding classic and contemporary moral problems.
Core Courses Students must have satisfied or they must complete the following core courses:
Course	Title	Credits
CJ-110	Introduction to Criminal Justice	3	[+ More Info]
	This course examines Criminal Justice as an interdisciplinary endeavor, sharing elements from criminology, law, history, psychology, and political science. It offers a solid foundation of information about the subject. Students are provided the essential content and the critical tools involved in understanding Criminal Justice.
CJ-176	Introduction to Police Operations	3	[+ More Info]
	This course covers the major areas of police operations. It describes what police officers do and why. It provides a large body of information on practical application as it presents what policing is all about. The course is student-friendly and is geared toward individuals pursuing a career in law enforcement.
CJ-180	Survey of Corrections	3	[+ More Info]
	This course provides a practical approach to the practices of modern corrections. It presents an overview of the day-to-day operations of correctional agencies, prisons and jails. Professionalism in corrections is a main focus.
CJ-185	Introduction to Juvenile Justice	3	[+ More Info]
	This course focuses on the issues, trends and challenges facing juvenile justice today. It provides students with a complete and realistic view of the system's efforts at controlling youths and providing help to those in need. The course is student-friendly and enables students to move easily through the material.
CJ-201	Introduction to Criminal Procedures	3	[+ More Info]
	This is a basic course that details the elements of criminal procedures. It provides an in-depth presentation of criminal procedures in sequential steps. A significant offering of procedural concepts and terms are presented throughout the course.
CJ-250	Introduction to Criminal Law	3	[+ More Info]
	This course provides a comprehensive survey of all the major components of substantive criminal law. Students are exposed to the language of criminal law in a friendly, understandable style. The course also provides coverage of current issues.
CJ-311	The Criminal Court System	3	[+ More Info]
	Course explores the roles of all the courtroom participants such as the judge, prosecutor, defense attorney and the jury panel. The curriculum provides insight into what happens in the courtroom when a defendant is tried and some basic evidence rules that will be followed for the admission of evidence. Course also explains the various bail options available to arrested persons and what role the bail bondsmen play in assisting the first time offender through the court system. [Book Required]
CJ-329	Constitutional Law	3	[+ More Info]
	This course focuses primarily on the Fourth Amendment (reasonable search and seizure) and Fifth Amendment (double jeopardy, testifying against oneself). It also covers the Second Amendment (the people's right to bear arms). Cases are also summarized. [Book Required]
Elective Courses Students may select 200 and 300 level courses. Courses at the 300 level are subject to faculty approval.
Course	Title	Credits
CIS-205	Basic Communication Technologies	3	[+ More Info]
	This course provides an overview of electronic communication systems and telecommunications. Students will gain a solid foundation in telecommunication technology applications, network and telephone fundamentals, and Internet Web tools and resources.
CJ-209	Survey of the American Legal System	3	[+ More Info]
	This course provides an overview of electronic communication systems and telecommunications. Students will gain a solid foundation in telecommunication technology applications, network and telephone fundamentals, and Internet Web tools and resources.
CJ-212	Victimology	3	[+ More Info]
	This course examines sources of violence and its effect on society and situations. It also discusses the social and environmental factors that influence victimization.
BUS-214	Public Speaking	3	[+ More Info]
	This course is designed to cover all aspects of speech preparation and presentation. Real-world scenarios are used to demonstrate how public speaking is used in everyday life. A friendly learning approach to becoming a better public speaker.
HRM-215	Introduction to Human Resource Management	3	[+ More Info]
	This course provides students with an overview of human resource management concepts. This course offers the latest findings and thinking in the Human Resource field. Areas of interest include retirement and selection, training, development and compensation, and management and employee relations.
CJ-220	Basic Criminal Investigation	3	[+ More Info]
	This course is designed to provide an understanding of the investigative process and its challenges. The course integrates theory and the practical aspects of crime detection and solution. Historical and future possibilities are discussed. This course allows students to easily comprehend the criminalistic potential of evidence.
HR-225	Principles of Human Relations	3	[+ More Info]
	This course provides a basic framework for understanding how interactions at work will affect them, and what they should do to be effective in their interactions with others in any organizational setting. This course offers students the opportunity to develop their own human relations profile.
CJ-230	Introduction to Forensic Science	3	[+ More Info]
	This course introduces the non-scientific student to the field of forensic science through an exploration of its applications to criminal investigation. The course provides definition and scope of forensic science as well as history and development of forensic science.
CJ-234	Introduction to Criminology	3	[+ More Info]
	This course is designed to provide an in-depth study of criminology. A sociological approach to the study of crime and criminals is presented. The course also includes historical material, theory and research, and extensive coverage of conventional topics.
CJ-237	Leadership and Motivation	3	[+ More Info]
	This course addresses leadership development for police officers with a focus on the ethical leadership competencies required of all police personnel.
SOC-241	Race and Ethnic Relations	3	[+ More Info]
	This course presents the theories and operational definitions of the study of race and ethnic relations. It defines the relationship between subordinate groups and the study of stratification. The course covers areas of prejudice and discrimination, religious groups, and major racial and ethnic groups in the United States.
MGT-243	Administrative Office Management	3	[+ More Info]
	This course provides an introduction to office management. It includes information on word processing, software, and desktop publishing. It introduces organizational principles and also supervision and training techniques. The management of office and record systems are also presented.
CJ-258	Domestic Violence	3	[+ More Info]
	This course explores the causes, consequences, and prevalence of domestic violence and the positive law enforcement response. The course focuses on the full range of contemporary domestic violence, including the myths about both victims and offenders and legal resources for victims. It also includes information of the effects of family violence and witnessing family violence in children.
CJ-259	Introduction to Drugs and Crime	3	[+ More Info]
	This course provides comprehensive coverage of the history, policy, and theory of drug use. It includes reports on the latest concerns, the impact of drugs on society, and the criminal justice system response. The course is highly informative and current.
CJ-264	Security Management	3	[+ More Info]
	This course provides a comprehensive overview of the global and interdisciplinary field of security. It addresses the nature, scope and history of security services. The course also presents management strategies for loss prevention.
CJ-270	Community Policing Strategies	3	[+ More Info]
	This course focuses on police involvement and interaction with the communities they serve. It explores the practical strategies of community policing. This course introduces the skills criminal justice professionals need to implement an effective community policing program.
CJ-280	Special Topics in Criminal Justice	3	[+ More Info]
	Subject to faculty approval. A project or independent paper that will demonstrate knowledge and understanding of a specific subject.
CJ-302	Introduction: Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice	3	[+ More Info]
	A study of the history and heritage of law enforcement and the Criminal Justice system in the United States. Addresses contemporary police systems in the United States and also police issues and constitutional law and legal precedents. Discusses specific problems and people, including crime, criminals, gangs and victims. An excellent learning experience.
CJ-304	Juvenile Delinquency	3	[+ More Info]
	A study of how delinquents and juveniles in need of supervision are handled within the juvenile justice system. The nature and extent of delinquent behavior as well as child abuse and neglect are examined.
CJ-310	Administration of Justice	3	[+ More Info]
	A study of the judicial procedure as it applies to national, state and local law enforcement agencies. Also studies: arrest, arraignment, preliminary hearing, bail and jurisdiction of the courts on all levels.
CJ-335	Criminology	3	[+ More Info]
	This course is intended to provide an overview of the sociological perspectives of crime and the related aspects of human behavior. Topics covered include theories, social-structural theories, methods of criminology, punishment, AIDS and policing. [Book Required]
CJ-340	Introduction to Corrections	3	[+ More Info]
	A study examining the entire correctional system from law enforcement through the administration of justice, probation, parole and correctional institutions. [Book Required]
CJ-355	Community Policing and Problem Solving	3	[+ More Info]
	This course discusses up-to-date information on community policing and problem-oriented policing. It explores operational perspectives and provides examples of existing strategies and further considerations. [Book Required]
CJ-360	Introduction to Police Administration	3	[+ More Info]
	This course begins with the evolution of American policing and ends with changes and the future. Topics include politics, organizational theory, leadership, communication, human resource management and many others. [Book Required]
CJ-370	Criminal Investigation	3	[+ More Info]
	Course addresses major topics including investigation techniques, crimes against persons, crimes against property, organized crime, gangs and the investigator's role in the judicial process. Includes proven techniques in all forms of investigations. [Book Required]

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Associate of Science in Criminal Justice

General Education Courses

Core Courses

Elective Courses