Criminal Justice Studies, Associate of Applied Science

The CCBC Criminal Justice Studies degree program is designed to prepare students for service to the community in the fields of law enforcement, homeland security, juvenile services, private security, parole and probation, corrections and law.

In-service criminal justice professionals are encouraged to seek guidance from their campus Criminal Justice Studies faculty concerning credit-by-examination for selected academy courses. Credit for prior learning may also be available.

All students are encouraged to discuss their course selections and career plans with their campus Criminal Justice Studies faculty in order to be better prepared to meet the continuing challenges presented by these rewarding careers.

Because transfer institutions vary widely in their requirements, it is strongly recommended that students who plan to pursue Criminal Justice Studies courses for transfer to four-year colleges or universities speak with their campus faculty before registering for any courses.

All Criminal Justice Studies courses leading to the A.A.S. degree are designed to enhance understanding of the criminal justice field, but they do not have to be taken in the exact order listed. Program requirements are offered each semester; however, they are not offered on every campus each semester.  It is strongly encouraged that students speak with their campus faculty before registering for any courses.  Course work may be pursued on a full-time or part-time basis, as well as online.

Program objectives

Upon successful completion of this degree, students will be able to:

  1. distinguish between the components of the criminal justice system and the branch of government they are responsible to;
  2. identify and explain the procedural steps faced by an accused in the criminal justice system;
  3. analyze the elements of the "Due process of law" clause guaranteed by the United States Constitution and enforced by American courts for both juvenile and adult offenders, as well as explain how "Case law" originates and affects such "Due process"; and
  4. evaluate the importance of ethical behavior in the criminal justice professions and give examples of both ethical and non-ethical behaviors.

Total Number of Credits Required for Degree: 60*

Semester Sequence

This is a suggested full-time schedule for a student who has completed any developmental course work and has no transfer credits. Refer to the College catalog for specific requirements in selecting General Education Courses.

Semester 1*

Semester 2

Semester 3

Semester 4

Important Information

Short Description

The CCBC Criminal Justice Studies degree program is designed to prepare students for service to the community in the fields of law enforcement, homeland security, juvenile services, private security, parole and probation, corrections, and law.

Type of Credential

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

Program Code

452

Contacts and Additional Information

Department Chair:

CCBC Dundalk, Melissa Lane
443-840-3663 or mlane2@ccbcmd.edu
Office:  STAT 117

Additional Information:

Courses Needed for This Program*

General Education Requirements and Electives - 20 Credits

General Education Requirements:
General Education Elective:
  • Biological and Physical Sciences Elective with lab 4 Credit(s).

Program Requirements and Electives - 40 Credits

Program Requirements:
Program Electives:

Choose any 2 Criminal Justice Studies electives for 6 Credits. Students should consult the department faculty for determining the selection of program electives.

Any 3-credit Criminal Justice (CRJU) course not listed in the program requirements may be selected as an elective. Students can also select courses from the list below:

Note:

*Credit students who are new to college (no successfully completed transferable college credits from other institutions) are required to take ACDV 101 - Academic Development: Transitioning to College. This 1-credit course is designed to be taken in the first semester at CCBC. Students must provide an official transcript(s) from an accredited institution to document successful completion of college coursework for the ACDV 101 requirement to be waived.