This associate track gives students a broad introduction to the criminal justice system as a whole, examining how law enforcement, the courts, and corrections agencies each play a distinct part in responding to crime. You'll learn the vocabulary, structure, and procedures that connect these three branches into a single process.
Graduates are prepared for entry-level positions across the justice field or for continuing into a bachelor's program in a more specialized area. The one-year format is ideal for students who want a general, well-rounded starting point before choosing a specific career direction.
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General Courses
10 Courses
GEN 101Introduction to the Humanities
A broad survey of the art, literature, and ideas that have shaped human culture.
- Landmark works in art and literature
- Philosophical movements across eras
- Interpreting cultural artifacts in context
GEN 102Social and Cultural Geography
Exploring how geography shapes societies, economies, and cultural identity.
- Population patterns and migration
- Urban and rural land use
- Regional cultural differences
GEN 103English Composition
Developing clear, well-organized writing for academic and professional contexts.
- Building a strong thesis and outline
- Paragraph structure and transitions
- Revising drafts for clarity and tone
GEN 104College Algebra
Building fluency with algebraic methods used across academic disciplines.
- Solving linear and quadratic equations
- Working with functions and graphs
- Applying algebra to real-world problems
GEN 105World Religions
A comparative look at the beliefs and practices of major world faiths.
- Core beliefs of major traditions
- Religious ritual and practice
- Religion's influence on society
GEN 106Ethics
Examining moral theories and how they apply to everyday decisions.
- Major ethical theories and frameworks
- Applying ethics to real-life dilemmas
- Evaluating competing moral claims
GEN 107Art Appreciation
Building a vocabulary for understanding and evaluating visual art.
- Elements and principles of design
- Major art movements through history
- Analyzing meaning in visual works
GEN 108Pre-Calculus
Strengthening the mathematical foundation needed for advanced coursework.
- Polynomial and rational functions
- Exponential and logarithmic relationships
- Trigonometric identities and graphs
GEN 109Human Biology
An introduction to how the human body functions at the systems level.
- Structure and function of major organ systems
- Cellular processes and genetics basics
- Health, nutrition, and disease prevention
GEN 110World History
Tracing major civilizations, conflicts, and turning points across the globe.
- Rise and fall of major civilizations
- Global trade and cultural exchange
- Key turning points of the modern era
CJ 125Introduction to Criminology
An introduction to the theories that explain why crime occurs and who is most affected by it.
- Comparing biological, psychological, and sociological theories of crime
- Analyzing patterns in offending and victimization data
- Evaluating how criminological theory informs policy and practice
CJ 585Investigation
Core methods used to gather, document, and analyze information during a criminal investigation.
- Conducting witness and suspect interviews
- Organizing case files and investigative leads
- Applying logical analysis to build a case narrative
LLS 642Introduction to Laws
A foundational look at how laws are created, interpreted, and applied within the justice system.
- Distinguishing statutory, case, and constitutional law
- Understanding the structure of the court system
- Reading and interpreting basic legal language
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Specialist Courses
3 Courses
JUJ 035Research in Criminal Justice
Introduces the methods used to design and evaluate research within the criminal justice field.
- Formulating a research question and hypothesis
- Choosing appropriate data collection methods
- Interpreting and reporting research findings
CRJ 322Introduction to Criminal Justice Statistics
Basic statistical tools used to analyze crime trends and evaluate justice system outcomes.
- Summarizing and displaying crime data
- Interpreting rates, trends, and correlations
- Using statistics to support decision-making
CRJ 357Introduction to Criminal Justice
A broad overview of the agencies and processes that make up the criminal justice system.
- Roles of police, courts, and corrections
- How a case progresses through the system
- Current issues facing the justice field
$48,000
Total Program Cost
Fees are billed per term and are subject to change. Financial aid, scholarships, and flexible payment plans are available to students who qualify.
Explore Financial Aid
Admission requires High School Diploma or GED.
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Submit Your Application
Complete the online application with your basic and academic details.
An admissions advisor reviews your application and any transfer credit.
Receive your decision, complete enrollment, and start your first term.
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