Criminal Justice, Area of Concentration in Legal Studies (AAS)
Award: Associate of Applied Science Degree
No. of credits required: 60
For more information: Contact Associate Professor Michelle Lieberman, 443-412-2315, mlieberman@harford.edu or Admissions, 443-412-2109.
Program Description
The Criminal Justice track of the Legal Studies program prepares students for employment in a variety of criminal justice professions. Students interested in the Criminal Justice track will acquire knowledge enabling them to assess the criminal justice system and learn the occupational features of police work. This track is also designed for practicing professionals who desire to advance their education.
Program Goals
Upon completion of the A.A.S. degree criminal justice program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the Criminal Justice discipline, including knowledge of police, courts and corrections, and theories of crime and justice.
- Differentiate between the various components of the criminal justice system, the purposes and objectives of these components, and their roles in the community.
- Explain individuals’ motivation to commit crime in terms of various criminological theories.
- Apply the rules of criminal law and criminal procedure to make appropriate decisions identifying criminal offenses, and arresting, searching, interrogating and identifying criminal suspects.
Transfer Information
Students interested in transfer to baccalaureate programs with majors in criminal justice should pursue the A.A. degree option in Criminal Justice.
Employment Information
Students interested in criminal justice are employable in many areas of law enforcement. Some frequently chosen occupations are local, state and federal law enforcement officers, probation and parole officers, customs and immigration inspectors, fish and game wardens, park rangers, and correctional officers.
The growth rates for criminal justice careers vary depending upon the specific career chosen. The job growth rate for police officers is expected to increase 7% for 2010-2020. For probation officers and correctional treatment specialists the growth rate is expected to be 18% for 2010-2020. For correctional officers for 2010-2020, the job growth rate is expected to be 5%. Projections are from the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Degree Requirements
Recommended Course Sequence
| First Semester | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CJ 101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| ENG 101 | English Composition (GE) | 3 |
| PS 101 or PS 102 | American National Government (GB) or State and Local Government (GB) | 3 |
| PSY 101 | General Psychology (GB) | 3 |
| General Elective | 3 | |
| Physical Education Elective | 1 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Second Semester | ||
| CJ 109 | Police Organization and Administration | 3 |
| CJ 111 | Principles of Criminal Law 1 | 3 |
| CMST 101 or CMST 105 | Speech Fundamentals (GI) or Interpersonal Communication (GI) (D) | 3 |
| SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology (GB) (D) | 3 |
| Mathematics Elective (GM) 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Third Semester | ||
| CJ 104 | Procedural Law and Evidence 3 | 3 |
| CJ 201 | Police-Community Relations | 3 |
| ENG 209 | Technical Writing | 3 |
| SOC 102 | Social Problems (GB) (D) | 3 |
| Biological/Physical Lab Science Elective (GL) | 4 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Fourth Semester | ||
| BA 210 | Business Computer Applications | 3 |
| CJ 213 | Criminology (same course as SOC 213) | 3 |
| Arts/Humanities Elective (GAH) | 3 | |
| Physical Education Elective | 1 | |
| Program Elective | 3 | |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Total Credits | 60 | |
- 1
CJ 111 Principles of Criminal Law is usually offered only in Spring semester.
- 2
A four credit course in mathematics (GM) may be substituted.
- 3
CJ 104 Procedural Law and Evidence is usually offered only in Fall semester.
Program Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CJ 103 | Introduction to Corrections | 3 |
| CJ 112 | Introduction to Crime Scene Technology | 3 |
| CJ 216 | Terrorism | 3 |
| CJ 283 | Field Practicum in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| FS 100 | Basic Forensic Science (GS) | 3 |
| CJ 214 | Police Problems and Practices | 3 |
| CJ 207 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
General Education Degree Requirements
Note: The following codes identify courses which satisfy the General Education Degree Requirements:
Behavioral/Social Science (GB)
English Composition (GE)
Arts/Humanities (GAH)
Interdisciplinary and Emerging Issues (GI)
Biological/Physical Laboratory Science (GL)
Mathematics (GM)
Biological/Physical Science (GS)