Criminal Justice Program

CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Associate in Applied Science

Program Purpose:
The criminal justice program at Pierpont Community & Technical College provides students with a broad orientation to the entire system of criminal justice. In order to provide for persons with various backgrounds, career aspirations, etc., the program allows students (with advisor assistance and approval) some flexibility in structuring the curriculum to meet their individual interests and needs.

Student Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice, students will be able to do the following:

• Identify and explain the inter-related components of law enforcement; the correctional system; the court systems; and their basis in the US Constitution and legislation
• Identify and explain causes of crime and trends in crime
• Write effectively for the field, including police reports and summations of cases
• Assess the effectiveness of certain conduct when dealing with diverse populations, especially in the investigative and interviewing process
• Evaluate the appropriateness of certain behaviors as they relate to suitability for employment in the Criminal Justice profession

Opportunities:
NOTE: A background check is required for employment in this field.
Graduates of this program are often employed by local, county, and state governments; industrial commercial coordinators; security agencies; and social service agencies as police officers, correctional officers, security/loss prevention specialists, and private investigators.