Criminal Justice Studies

Associate of Applied Science Degree
10-504-5

Criminal Justice Studies (CJS) at BTC is a 4-semester, 60 credit, flexible program designed to provide a foundation of knowledge in criminological, sociological, and psychological theories which will allow you to obtain careers in the criminal justice system.  The program will provide learners with training to meet the challenges of an increasing complex criminal justice environment.  Applied knowledge, technical skills, and communication abilities gained within this program offers you the ability to pursue a wide range of positions in the field of criminal justice, including a law enforcement officer (state, county, municipal), correctional officer, juvenile detention officer, police dispatcher, or many other occupational areas in the criminal justice system.  After completion of the program, you will have the ability to think critically, demonstrate accountability, exhibit respect for all, use technology skillfully, and communicate effectively as a criminal justice professional.

Program Outcomes

  • Illustrate the interrelationships of the three core components of the criminal justice system
  • Analyze situational responses
  • Apply communication skills as a criminal justice professional 
  • Conduct investigations
  • Examine the professional code of ethics for a criminal justice practitioner
  • Explore personal wellness strategies for the criminal justice professions
  • Explain the role of criminal justice professionals in working with diverse populations

Graduates Have Found Employment As

  • Eligibility to apply to law enforcement officer certification academy (police office and deputy sheriff)
  • County Correctional Officer
  • Juvenile Detention Officer
  • Group Home Worker
  • Community Juvenile Diversion Worker
  • Case Manager (Halfway House)
  • Private Security Officer
  • State Prison Correctional Officer

View the entire course listing.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester 1Credits
504-922 Criminal Justice - Introduction 3
504-926 Introduction to Juvenile Justice 3
504-910 Introduction to Corrections 3
809-198 Introduction to Psychology 3
809-196 Introduction to Sociology 3
 Credits15
Semester 2
504-924 Introductory Criminal Law 3
504-925 Interview and Interrogation 3
504-911 Peacekeeping in a Diverse Society 3
801-136 English Composition 1 3
801-198 Speech 3
 Credits15
Semester 3
504-921 Drugs, Society, Criminal Justice 3
504-923 Criminal Procedure 3
504-927 Introductory Report Writing 3
504-929
Policing and Crime Prevention
or Juvenile Offenders and Family
or Community Corrections
3
520-114 Victimology 3
 Credits15
Semester 4
504-928 Criminal Investigation 3
504-950 Forensic Criminology 3
504-955 Criminal Justice Administration 3
504-940
Juvenile Residential Services
or Criminal Justice Internship
or Fundamentals of Dispatch
3
804-134
Mathematical Reasoning
or Intermediate Algebra with Applications
3-4
 Credits15-16
 Total Credits60-61

General Education Courses Within Program

801-136English Composition 13
801-198Speech3
804-134Mathematical Reasoning3-4
or 804-118 Intermediate Algebra with Applications
809-196Introduction to Sociology3
809-198Introduction to Psychology3