Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, AAS

Program Code: AASCL
ASSOCIATE IN APPLIED ARTS AND SCIENCE DEGREE

Students who wish to enter the complex and challenging fields of law enforcement, homeland security or other criminal justice employment fields should select the criminal justice - law enforcement degree program. The curriculum is designed for students to customize their degree to best suit their fields of interest in the various criminal justice career paths. The Criminal Justice- Law Enforcement degree program is designed to prepare students for the challenges of our changing society with emphasis on oral and written communications. The courses will provide the student with a foundation of knowledge regarding the legal system and legal issues that face the law enforcement practitioner of today. The program emphasizes both theoretical and practical approaches to three main areas of criminal justice: the police, the courts, and corrections. Graduates of this program may continue their education by transferring to a bachelor’s degree program or entering directly into a state certified police academy. Graduates wishing to become a licensed police officer must meet the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) entrance requirements. A listing of the MCOLES requirements can be found at www.michigan.gov/mcoles or through the Social Science division at St. Clair County Community College.

Students should be aware that employment in the criminal justice field and entrance to the state-certified police academies require an extensive background investigation and certain criminal convictions could prevent acceptance into these fields. Persons with either felony or misdemeanor criminal convictions should check with the MCOLES office, potential employers, or the state-certified academies to determine employment restrictions.

Program Outcomes/Objectives:

When students complete this program, they will be able to:

1. identify and describe the different components of the United States Criminal Justice System,
2. identify the requirements, processes, and challenges of entering a career in law enforcement,
3. demonstrate the ability to write professional reports associated with the law enforcement professions,
4. demonstrate an understanding of the constitutional protections offered to all citizens, as well as the application of such protections in general police procedures,
5. differentiate between historic traditional policing practices and modern community policing/homeland security responsibilities,
6. demonstrate the ability to lead and communicate with individuals and groups in general law enforcement practices.