Program Codes:
ASCRJS
Associate of Science
Mission
The mission of the Associate Degree Criminal Justice Department is to prepare students for a career in the field of criminal justice at the local, state, and federal level. This program works to enhance the importance of understanding and compassion in the application of the law. Intellectual awareness is stressed by the faculty.
The Criminal Justice Program is designed to prepare students for careers in criminal justice. Examples include law enforcement, corrections, probation, parole, and private security. The curriculum stresses the integration of job skills with an understanding of the human relations context within which police work occurs. Coursework in the operations of the criminal justice system is blended with upper-level courses in criminology, criminal investigation, police functions, and several human relations courses.
Because the department recognizes the importance of basic communication, mathematics, and behavior skills, a strong developmental skills component is included in this program. Upon completing this program, students will be prepared for entry-level positions in many areas of the criminal justice system. With experience, one may qualify for promotion to higher-level supervisory positions.
Students must earn an overall 2.0 GPA, along with a minimum cumulative GPA of a 2.0 in all Criminal Justice courses.
If a student decides to transfer to a four-year degree program in criminal justice after completing this degree program, many of the completed courses with a grade of C or better will be applied toward the degree requirements.
Law Enforcement Concentration
This AS in Criminal Justice degree can be coupled with the Municipal Police Officer Training Program. After successful completion of the Municipal Police program, students will meet the requirements for Pennsylvania Municipal Police Officers. A minimum of 61 credits is required for the completion of this associate degree program.
This is the foundation course in juvenile justice which provides an overview of the juvenile justice system and the study of juvenile delinquency. It examines the nature and development of delinquency against the backdrop of normal adolescent development. Research and theory are used to help the student distinguish between typical forms of adolescent exploration and indications of potentially serious delinquency. A variety of sociological, social psychological, and psychological theories of delinquency are reviewed.
This course provides an overview of basic line functions found within state and local law enforcement agencies. Included are patrol procedures and community policing concepts being undertaken that enhance relationships between the police and the community they serve. The role of other operating components found within law enforcement agencies will be explored along with the responsibilities of the services and auxiliary bureaus.
CRJS 101
The course presents basic procedures in the investigation of criminal matters. Topics include interview procedures, crime scene examinations, development of information, procedures for solving crimes, criminalistics, and the use of forensic sciences.
CRJS 207
A study of the complexities in traditional and contemporary relationships involving the police and the public they serve. Emphasis is placed on role and police discretion, police self-image, public perceptions, and considerations that could possibly bring the two closer together. Community-oriented policing and crime prevention are also explored.
This course examines concepts in the areas of constitutional law, criminal procedure, and criminal law as those concepts relate to criminal justice. This course also examines developing legal issues in criminal law.
An in-depth analysis of criminal behavior systems, theoretical developments in explaining crime, and research methodology used in Modern American Criminology.
CRJS 101
This course explores the phenomenon of organized criminality in society. Learners will explore the varied factors which can influence the development of this crime. Both economic and social issues of society which influence this activity will be studied. Transnational criminal behavior along with terrorism and their influence on American society will be examined.
Introduction to the biology of prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, including the structure and function of membranes and organelles, especially mitochondria and chloroplasts. Also included are studies of the molecular structure and function of DNA, with emphasis on the organization of the eukaryotic genome, transcription and translation.
BIO 143
This course is designed to provide a context for students to critically explore selected social conditions that have been determined to constitute social problems in contemporary society. Each of the issues selected will be looked at from different perspectives using the lens of various theories. The contributions of opposing ideologies and ideas, and a critique of research related to the phenomena will be utilized to facilitate an understanding of the complexity of the phenomena and clarify one's perspective.
Introductory course in political science stressing how policy-making is done at the national level. Beginning with the Constitution, an introduction is given to the three main branches of the U.S. government. Attention is also given to elections, economics, political parties, interest groups and the federal system.
A general introduction to the science of behavior and mental processes. Topics considered include learning, memory, perception, motivation, personality, psychopathology and social interaction.
This introductory computer course provides students with a working knowledge of computer terminology. Topics also include Microsoft Office, Word, and Excel, Access and Power-Point and their applications in business.