Criminal Justice Associate Degree

For students whose goal is to pursue a career in the field of criminal justice, National American University offers the criminal justice associate of applied science degree. The curriculum is designed to provide students with a foundation in the knowledge, skills, and abilities for the criminal justice career field. Students who earn the associate of applied science degree are prepared for entry-level employment in policing, courts, and corrections. Policing and institutional corrections employment will also require the completion of a training academy, as determined by individual jurisdictions. The associate degree can be a requirement for entry-level employment in various criminal justice agencies and is often criteria for higher skilled employment and higher pay scales. In some agencies, the associate of applied science degree can be a requirement or weighted factor in the promotion process. The student with an associate of applied science degree in criminal justice may be qualified to apply for the positions of police patrol officer, court clerk, court bailiff, correctional officer, probation or parole officer, as determined by individual jurisdictions, and some federal positions with the requisite law enforcement experience.

Students entering the criminal justice program should be aware that graphic images depicting violent crimes are utilized as teaching tools in various courses. Students should be prepared to view these images and to engage in discussions regarding these images as part of their required learning activities.

Course availability is subject to minimum class size requirements.

Student Learning Outcomes

This program is designed to provide students with a foundation in the knowledge, skills, and abilities for the criminal justice career field.

Graduates of the program will:

• Analyze the criminal justice system’s operations and issues.
• Apply legal principles to the police, courts, and correctional components of the criminal justice system.
• Apply ethical decision-making models and professional standards to criminal justice situations.

Course availability is subject to minimum class size requirements.