Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice Studies Degree/A.A.

The Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice Studies Program provides students with the opportunity to complete the first two years of a criminal justice program and to transfer those credits into a four-year program. The program also allows students to earn a degree that will improve their employability in the law enforcement and corrections areas of criminal justice. The program can also be used by existing law enforcement and corrections personnel for the purpose of job enhancement.

Career Opportunities: Students with this degree often secure positions in municipal, county, or state law enforcement; as corrections officers or counselors; and as probation officers. Entry-level federal law enforcement positions can be secured with completion of a bachelor’s degree.

Requirements for Graduation

In order to earn an Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice Studies, a student must complete a minimum of 63 credit-hours of required and elective course work.

Recommended Two-Year Sequence

FIRST YEAR

First Semester

 

Hrs.

ENGL

101

Composition and Rhetoric

3

CJ

101

Introduction to Criminal Justice

3

MATH

121

Introductory Concepts of Mathematics or

 

MATH

126

College Algebra

3

SOCA

101

Introduction to Sociology

3

GEC Elective

 

3

WVUe

191*

First-Year Seminar

(1)

Total

 

 

15

 

Second Semester

 

Hrs.

ENGL

102

Composition and Rhetoric

3

CS

101

Introduction to Computer Applications

4

PSYC

101

Introduction to Psychology

3

GEC Elective

 

3

CJ

212

Abnormal Behavior and Crisis Intervention

3

Total

 

 

16

 

SECOND YEAR

First Semester

 

Hrs.

Natural Science and Lab (see Graduation Requirements)

4

COMM

104

Public Communication

3

HIST

101

Western Civilization: Antiquity to 1600 or

 

HIST

152

Growth of the American Nation

3

GEC Elective

 

3

CJ

111**

Police Operations or

 

CJ

206**

Introduction to Corrections

3

Total

 

 

16

 

Second Semester

 

Hrs.

HIST
HIST

102
153

Western Civilization: 1600 to the Present or Making of Modern America

3

PE Elective

 

1

GEC Electives

 

6

CJ Elective

 

3

CJ

240

Adjudication Process

3

Total

 

 

16

Total Hours: 63

*Required of first-time, first-semester students; not required for graduation.

**Depends on whether student is interested in law enforcement or corrections.