Overview
The Associate in Science degree in Criminal Justice addresses the causes of crime and ways to control it through the various components of the criminal justice system. The degree is broad based, covering law enforcement (against foreign and domestic criminal elements), the court system, and the correctional environment. Coupled with the degree’s general education requirements are core criminal justice courses that provide students with the background necessary to succeed in the criminal justice field. The Criminal Justice degree allows both pre- and in-service students to complete their degree on either a full- or part-time basis in preparation for professional careers. Alternatively, they may continue their studies through subsequent matriculation at a four-year college or university.
Upon completion of this degree, graduates are qualified for law enforcement positions at various local, state, and federal levels.
Transfer Pathways
The criminal justice degree has articulation agreements with Plymouth State University, Granite State College, and University of New Hampshire – Manchester.
Health Considerations
Many careers in the criminal justice field have health and fitness requirements. Prospective students with special needs or limitations that could potentially affect their internship placement and/or future employment should discuss their career goals with the program coordinator prior to admission.
Students participating in internships and field experiences must demonstrate the emotional stability to exercise sound judgment and accept direction and guidance from a supervisor or faculty member. They must also be capable of establishing a rapport and maintaining sensitive interpersonal relationships with employees of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, community groups, and the general public.
Character Expectations
Applicants need to know that employers complete background checks (including various internet social network sites) before hiring any applicant seeking a position that involves arrest or detention powers. Such background checks may be conducted before an applicant is accepted for an internship. Applicants with any evidence of a criminal record may not even be eligible for an internship. Because of these considerations, applicants are advised to discuss any concerns with the program coordinator.
Full-time Police Academy graduates will receive credit for the following:
CRMJ101W Introduction to Criminal Justice………………..3 credits
CRMJ201W Criminal Procedures…………………………………3 credits
CRMJ230W Justice and the Community………………………3 credits
CRMJ270W Criminal Justice Internship………………………3 credits
Liberal Arts Elective………………………………..3 credits
General Elective*……………………………………..3 credits
Full-time State Corrections Academy graduates will receive credit for the following:
CRMJ101W Introduction to Criminal Justice………………..3 credits
CRMJ215W Corrections Operations…………………………….3 credits
CRMJ270W Criminal Justice Internship……………………..3 credits
Liberal Arts Elective………………………………..3 credits
General Elective*……………………………………..3 credits
Additional credit may be awarded for in-service courses at New Hampshire Police Standards and Training Academy on case-by-case basis.
* Subject to review
Associate in Science Degree
First Year
Fall Semester | Lec | Lab | Cr | |
CRMJ101W | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 | 0 | 3 |
CRMJ150W | Criminology | 3 | 0 | 3 |
ENGL120W | College Composition | 4 | 0 | 4 |
PSYC111W | Psychology | 3 | 0 | 3 |
SCIENCE | 3 | 2 | 4 | |
Semester Total | 16 | 2 | 17 | |
Spring Semester | Lec | Lab | Cr | |
CRMJ105W | Introduction to Homeland Security | 3 | 0 | 3 |
CRMJ123W | Criminal Law | 4 | 0 | 4 |
PHYS122W | Forensic Science | 3 | 2 | 4 |
MATHEMATICS | 4 | 0 | 4 | |
Semester Total | 14 | 2 | 15 | |
First Year Total | 32 |
Second Year
Fall Semester | Lec | Lab | Cr | |
CRMJ215W | Corrections Operations | 3 | 0 | 3 |
CRMJ225W | Drug Abuse and the Law | 3 | 0 | 3 |
ENGL211W | Professional Writing | 3 | 0 | 3 |
HUMA212W | Legal and Ethical Issues | 3 | 0 | 3 |
Social Science | 3 | 0 | 3 | |
Totals | 15 | 0 | 15 | |
Spring Semester | Lec | Lab | Cr | |
CRMJ201W | Criminal Procedure | 3 | 0 | 3 |
CRMJ210W | Juvenile Justice Administration | 3 | 0 | 3 |
CRMJ230W | Justice and the Community | 3 | 0 | 3 |
CRMJ270W | Criminal Justice Internship* | 0 | 9 | 3 |
HSV117W | Crisis Intervention | 3 | 0 | 3 |
Totals | 12 | 9 | 15 | |
Total Credits for the Year | 30 | |||
Total for A.S. Degree | 62 |
Program Outcomes
Upon completion of this program, graduates will be prepared to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the concepts and components of the
American Justice System from arrest, trial, incarceration, and
release/rehabilitation. - Demonstrate an understanding of the many duties and functions of law
enforcement entities, how they impact our daily lives, security and well being as citizens. - Communicate in a professional manner to a diverse group or to individuals
in verbal and written form. - Demonstrate an understanding of the dynamics of the laws that govern us
as everyday citizens. - Conceptualize the many decisions made by law enforcement entities in an
environment that can rapidly alter itself with multiple factors. - Demonstrate an understanding of the sacrifices and rewards of working
within the law enforcement career path
62 Credits Required
of students qualify for financial aid