Criminal Justice - Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Description

Criminal justice is a growing profession in Oregon and is expected to grow faster than the labor market on average into the foreseeable future. Job openings may call for a high school diploma, an associate degree, or a bachelor’s degree. The Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice prepares students to begin a career upon graduation.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

  1. Express a thorough knowledge of the criminal justice system, including police, courts, and corrections.
  2. Identify the characteristics of professional integrity and ethical standards for criminal justice professionals.
  3. Describe and relate the constitutional rights and responsibilities of citizens, offenders and victims as they apply to state, federal, and procedural laws.
  4. Identify legal and moral responsibilities of criminal justice professionals as they relate to cultural diversity and establishing positive community relationships.
  5. Apply sociological and psychological theories to better understand criminal behavior.

Entrance Requirements

While this program has no formal entrance requirements, individual courses may have prerequisites which must be met before enrollment.

Course Requirements

Course Title Credits
Support Courses
Choose one course from the following: 13-4
COMM 218ZInterpersonal Communication4
WR 121ZComposition I4
Core Courses
CJ 100Survey of the Criminal Justice System3
CJ 101Introduction to Criminology4
CJ 120Judicial Process3
CJ 153Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice3
CJ 201Introduction to Juvenile Justice3
CJ 243Drugs and Crime in Society3
CJ 253Corrections4
CJ 280Co-op Work Experience Criminal Justice2
CJ Electives 15-18
Other Required Courses
ED 265Children at Risk3
Discipline Studies Social Science (no CJ prefix)4
Discipline Studies (no CJ prefix)3-5
Health (3-4 credits with HHP or HHPA prefix) 23-4
PSY 233Psychology of Violence & Aggression4
SOC 201Introduction to Sociology4
Two Additional Psychology Courses8
General Electives: Choose enough credits to reach degree minimum 92 credits. 312
Total Credits92-99
1

Choose one course from either the related instruction computation list or the foundational requirements mathematics list.

2

HHPA activity courses (1 credit each) are not to be duplicated. 

3

Any class from the Discipline Studies list or any 100-level or higher class from the following subject areas, or with approval from the CJ program director:
• Addictions Studies (HS prefix)
ART 161 Photography: Darkroom Basics, ART 265 Photography: Digital Basics
• Computer and Information Systems
• Criminal Justice
• Emergency Medical Services (EMT)
• World Languages
• Geographic Information Systems
• Health and Human Performance (no repeats of activity courses)
• Military Science
• Communication
• Study Skills (HD prefix)

Advising Notes

This degree is designed for students planning to enter their chosen career upon graduation. Often only selected credits are considered transferrable to public or private baccalaureate institutions.

Performance Standards

  • Academic Requirements:

    • Students must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA to earn a COCC certificate or degree.

    • All courses in the program must be completed with a grade of C or higher.

Sample Plan

Sample Plan Grid
First TermCredits
Choose one course from the following:3-4
CJ 100Survey of the Criminal Justice System3
CJ 101Introduction to Criminology4
WR 121ZComposition I4
 Credits14-15
Second Term
CJ 120Judicial Process3
CJ 153Ethical Issues in Criminal Justice3
COMM 218ZInterpersonal Communication4
Psychology Course 4
 Credits14
Third Term
CJ 201Introduction to Juvenile Justice3
CJ Elective3-4
ED 265Children at Risk3
General Elective3-4
Health (3-4 credits with HHP or HHPA prefix)3-4
 Credits15-18
Fourth Term
CJ 243Drugs and Crime in Society3
CJ Elective3-4
Discipline Studies (no CJ prefix)3-5
General Elective3-4
SOC 201Introduction to Sociology4
 Credits16-20
Fifth Term
CJ 253Corrections4
CJ Elective3-4
CJ Elective3-4
General Elective3-4
PSY 233Psychology of Violence & Aggression4
 Credits17-20
Sixth Term
CJ 280Co-op Work Experience Criminal Justice2
CJ Elective3-4
Discipline Studies Social Science (no CJ prefix)4
General Elective3
Psychology Course4
 Credits16-17
 Total Credits92-104

Outside of
expected

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