Criminal Justice (AS)

The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice (AS) prepares students with the education and skills needed to pursue a career in the criminal justice system in municipal, parish, and state law enforcement/corrections agencies; court systems; and other public and private agencies. The program also provides a course of study and degree for students who intend to transfer to a criminal justice program at a four-year college or university, in addition to enhancing the capabilities of incumbent workers currently employed in the field. The program focuses on the interrelationship between crime, the criminal justice system, and society as a whole.

To receive this degree, the student must:

• Have a cumulative GPA of 2.00 or better in all credit hours used toward the degree.
• Earn a “C” or better in all major courses and in ENGL 1013  and ENGL 1023 .
• Complete the coursework listed below.

Program Outcomes. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduate will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a practical and working knowledge of the American Criminal Justice System process as it relates to Police, Courts, and Corrections.
2. Determine the differences between the major criminological theories of the causes of crime and the evolution of punishment.
3. Explain how perceptions of the criminal justice system vary cross-culturally, and how such differences influence policy and public perception.
4. Demonstrate a practical and working knowledge of the core values of the criminal justice field and the professional code of ethics.