Criminal Justice, AAS

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This program provides a well-rounded general education in criminal justice. The curriculum assists students in preparation for entry-level positions in the criminal justice field. Upon completion of this program, students will be able to

Define, describe, and analyze the various components of the criminal justice system including the courts, law enforcement, and corrections;
Describe, discuss, and identify various causes of crime;
Critically examine various sources of crime data and patterns;
Describe and assess multicultural communities; and
Evaluate, plan, and formulate the most effective law enforcement actions to reduce crime.

Program Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to

Define, describe, and analyze the various components of the criminal justice system including the courts, law enforcement, and corrections;
Describe, discuss, and identify various causes of crime;
Critically examine various sources of crime data and patterns;
Describe and assess multicultural communities; and
Evaluate, plan, and formulate the most effective law enforcement actions to reduce crime.

Required Courses

First Year

Fall Semester

CJUS 121A - Introduction to Criminal Justice Credit(s): 3 ^R
CJUS 200 - Principles of Criminal Law Credit(s): 3
COMX 111C - Introduction to Public Speaking Credit(s): 3 ^R
PSYX 100A - Introduction to Psychology Credit(s): 4
WRIT 101W - College Writing I Credit(s): 3 * ^R

First Semester Total: 16

Spring Semester

CJUS 220 - Introduction to Corrections Credit(s): 3
CJUS 230 - Police Organization Credit(s): 3
COMX 215 - Negotiations/Conflict Resolution Credit(s): 3
M 094~ - Quantitative Reasoning Credit(s): 4 * ^R
SOCI 101A - Introduction to Sociology Credit(s): 3

Second Semester Total: 16

Second Year

Fall Semester

CHMY 280NL - Forensic Science I Credit(s): 4 *
CJLE 210 - Comprehensive Investigative Interviewing Credit(s): 3 *
CJUS 171 - Introduction to Judicial Function Credit(s): 1 +*
CJUS 231 - Criminal Evidence and Procedure Credit(s): 2 +*
PSCI 210B - Introduction to American Government Credit(s): 3
SOCI 220GA - Race, Gender and Class Credit(s): 3

First Semester Total: 16

Spring Semester

CAPP 131 - Basic MS Office Credit(s): 2
CHMY 282NL - Forensic Science II Credit(s): 4 *
CJLE 109C - Police Report Writing Credit(s): 3
CJUS 227 - Introduction to Policing Credit(s): 3
SOCI 260 - Introduction to Juvenile Delinquency Credit(s): 3

Second Semester Total: 15

Total Credits: 63

+ Indicates courses that must be taken concurrently.
^R Indicates Related Instruction requirement.
* Indicates prerequisite and/or corequisite needed. Check course description.

Recommended Course Offering:

Students receiving financial aid or veteran’s benefits should check with the Financial Aid Office before registering for recommended courses.

CJUS 298 - Internship Credit(s): 3 *

Program Information

An internship is optional for this program. Students must apply for internship placements for this program the prior semester. See internships for more information and application deadlines.

Opportunities after Graduation

Criminal Justice graduates work as bailiffs, security guards, investigators, border patrol agents, and in positions in law enforcement and corrections. Job opportunities in the criminal justice field are greater in Montana compared to the national average.

Advising Information:

For more information about this program, contact an advisor.

Academic Advisor
Jori Bullemer
LRC 129
(406) 756-3905
jbullemer@fvcc.edu