Criminal Justice Studies, AAS

B&SC Code: CJST
CIP Code: 43.0103
New York Hegis Code: 5505
Available online in all states

Program: CJST

This program includes the study of the United States court systems, correctional organizations, law enforcement agencies, and both public and private security venues. Students will be provided with a survey of the skills and abilities necessary to adapt to the changing technology tools that are growing in use across the justice field such as digital crime, forensics and crime scene investigation. Students will also explore the nature and extent of crime and delinquency, and the cause and explanation of deviant behavior. This program is designed to provide graduates with a balance of theory and practice that will enhance their preparation for the varied and technology-driven justice field. Reading, writing, critical thinking skills, and ethical decision-making are rigorously applied and developed throughout the program.

Graduates of this degree plan will achieve the following program and institutional outcomes:

• Identify and characterize the origins, and components that comprise the justice system at the federal, state, and local level.
• Adapt and apply information technology knowledge, skills, and abilities to justice applications.
• Distinguish job functions and responsibilities of both public and private agencies serving the justice sectors.
• Prepare and evaluate reports, memos, and other documents to meet the professional standards of the justice system or private security field.
• Recognize safety and security issues such as threat awareness, safety procedures, and the basic equipment used to secure suspects or prisoners.
• Adapt essential communication skills to interact effectively with supervisors, peers, and the public in the various justice professional settings.
• Utilize appropriate current technology and resources to locate and evaluate information needed to accomplish a goal, and then communicate findings in visual, written and/or oral formats.
• Transfer knowledge, skills and behaviors acquired through formal and informal learning and life experiences to new situations.
• Employ strategies for reflection on learning and practice in order to adjust learning processes for continual improvement.
• Follow established methods of inquiry and mathematical reasoning to form conclusions and make decisions.
• Participate in social, academic, and professional communities for individual growth and to function as a citizen of a multicultural world.