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
- Police Officer
- Deputy Sheriff
- Private Security Officer
- Court Administrative Assistant
- Juvenile Detention Officer
- Group Home Worker
- Community Juvenile Diversion Worker
- Case Manager (Halfway House)
- County Correctional Officer
- State Prison Correctional Officer
View the entire course listing.
Plan of Study Grid
| Semester 1 | Credits | |
| Criminal Justice - Introduction | 3 | |
| Introduction to Juvenile Justice | 3 | |
| Introduction to Corrections | 3 | |
| English Composition 1 | 3 | |
| or 804-118 | Mathematical Reasoning or Intermediate Algebra with Applications | 3-4 |
| | Credits | 15-16 |
| Semester 2 | ||
| Introductory Criminal Law | 3 | |
| Interview and Interrogation | 3 | |
| Peacekeeping in a Diverse Society | 3 | |
| Introduction to Sociology | 3 | |
| Speech | 3 | |
| | Credits | 15 |
| Semester 3 | ||
| Drugs, Society, Criminal Justice | 3 | |
| Criminal Procedure | 3 | |
| Introductory Report Writing | 3 | |
| Policing and Crime Prevention or Juvenile Offenders and Family | 3 | |
| Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |
| | Credits | 15 |
| Semester 4 | ||
| Criminal Investigation | 3 | |
| Forensic Criminology | 3 | |
| Criminal Justice Administration | 3 | |
| Juvenile Residential Services or Criminal Justice Internship | 3 | |
| Victimology | 3 | |
| | Credits | 15 |
| | Total Credits | 60-61 |
| Plan of Study Grid | ||
General Education Courses Within Program
Course List
| Code | Title | Credits |
| English Composition 1 | 3 | |
| Speech | 3 | |
| Mathematical Reasoning | 3-4 | |
| or 804-118 | Intermediate Algebra with Applications | |
| Introduction to Sociology | 3 | |
| Introduction to Psychology | 3 | |