CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Online Associate Degree Program in Criminal Justice

The Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice degree program, with an emphasis in Criminal Investigation/Loss Prevention/Security, prepares the graduate to work in a variety of positions in the law enforcement field, security, and loss prevention in the public or private sectors. The instruction covers comprehensive investigation studies including the rules of evidence and search and seizure, interrogation, chain of evidence procedures and criminal intelligence; practical applications techniques including crime scene forensics; analysis of security systems and physical protection of persons and property in hospitals, industrial, and retail businesses and government public safety agencies. The investigation of white-collar crime and the analysis of deviant behavior will enhance both criminal investigation and loss prevention security. Students will also be introduced to techniques of effective written and oral communication that meet law enforcement standards.

STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon completion of the Criminal Justice Program online, graduates will be able to:

• Demonstrate a working knowledge of the U.S. criminal justice system including an understanding of investigative rules and methods.
• Demonstrate critical thinking, information management, personal and professional development, communication skills and respect and responsibility.

This fully online associate degree program provides the flexibility to complete your degree in just 18 months while working full time!

Contact an Admissions Representative for additional program and course details.

Course Outline

Code	Course Title	Request Information Now! Interested in the Criminal Justice Program? Fill out this form to have a College Admissions Representative contact you to answer any questions you may have and determine if Western Career College is right for you. First Name:* Last Name:* Address:* City:* State:* Select State... Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District of Columbia Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Zip:* Email Address:* Home Phone:* Work Phone: Cell Phone:* When did/will you receive your high school diploma or GED?*    Month... January February March April May June July August September October November December   Year... 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999 1998 1997 1996 1995 1994 1993 1992 1991 1990 1989 1988 1987 1986 1985 1984 1983 1982 1981 1980 1979 1978 1977 1976 1975 1974 1973 1972 1971 1970 1969 1968 1967 1966 1965 1964 1963 1962 1961 1960 *Denotes Required Information
PSYC1	General Psychology PSYC1   General Psychology 3 credit hours This course will present concepts ideas and models that are fundamental to the discipline of psychology. In addition, it will introduce students to the basic elements of the scientific method and use of data driven decision-making. Students will learn basic skills that are essential to forming and examining questions, collecting relevant data and using this information to reach conclusions. The essential foundations that drive human behavior will assist the student as they prepare for a deeper understanding in both their personal and professional lives. Close this
CL100	Computer Literacy CL100   Computer Literacy 3 credit hours This course will examine the various applications and basic computer functions. Students will learn the basic elements of computer operations involving word processing, Excel spreadsheet, Powerpoint presentations, and research using internet search engines. Close this
ENGL1	English Writing and Composition ENGL1   English Writing and Composition 3 credit hours A course in expository writing that includes argument or persuasion, techniques of research, and a substantial reading component. Students will be required to write a number of essays, short research papers, and topic reports during the course of the class. The course requires a minimum writing requirement of 5,000 words in a number of essays, short papers and other writing assignments. Close this
MATH1	Principles of Mathematics MATH1   Principles of Mathematics 3 credit hours An introduction to mathematics emphasizing the deductive process; concepts of contemporary mathematics and algebraic equations. Close this
CJ100	Introduction to Criminal Justice CJ100   Introduction to Criminal Justice 3 credit hours This course focuses on criminal and juvenile justice, and examines the total system of police, courts and corrections. Emphasis is given to interaction of law, crime and criminal justice agency administration in preventing, treating and controlling crime. This course is designed for students with one year of professional experience in law enforcement, criminal justice or a closely related field. Close this
CJ110	Criminal Procedures CJ110   Criminal Procedures 3 credit hours This course examines theories and causes of crime, as well as behavior of criminals. Coursework also focuses on victims and societal reaction to crime. Criminal statistics, patterns of crime and typologies are examined, as are ways in which theories are employed within the criminal justice system. Close this
RMATH10	College Algebra MATH10   College Algebra 3 credit hours This course is an introduction to algebra covering operations using signed numbers, operations on polynomials, algebraic expressions, factoring, exponents, rational and radical expressions, linear and quadratic equations and inequities, graphs, and an introduction to systems of equations. Close this
CJ120	Basic Elements of Investigation CJ120   Basic Elements of Investigation 3 credit hours This course covers theory, practice, techniques and elements of crime and criminal investigation. Recognizing crime, suspects and perpetrators is approached through problem-solving methodology. Case preparation, testimony, and evidentiary process for investigating and reconstructing crime are examined. Close this
SPCH2	Interpersonal Communications SPCH2   Interpersonal Communication 3 credit hours This course involves practical communication skills useful for communicating in one's personal life as well as in working relationships. Topic areas include listening, nonverbal communication, assertiveness, self-awareness, intercultural communication, and conflict resolution Close this
CJ130	Introduction to Security CJ130   Introduction to Security 3 credit hours Students will examine the historical development of private and public security, including its form and practice in modern society. Students will place emphasis on three major divisions within the field: industrial, commercial, and governmental security organizations. Additionally, students will examine criminal enterprises, which pose the greatest threat to private and public security. Students will have hands on experience dealing with security equipment and in class focused roll play scenarios. This class will also examine how the essentials of governmental and proprietary security development and program planning would apply to a health care operation and their security challenges. The course examines OSHA requirements and regulations and exposes the students to personnel recruitment and training of modern management techniques involving the security of health care organizations. Students will participate in hands-on applications of class material through observation and role playing. Close this
MGT200	Techniques of Supervision MGT200   Techniques of Supervision 3 credit hours This course provides an overview of the foundations of supervision and how to get things done within an organization through the supervision of other people. The functions of planning, organizing, staffing, motivating and managing are presented. Close this
CJ140	Terrorism and Homeland Security CJ140   Terrorism and Homeland Security 3 credit hours This course will expose students to the history, international and domestic terrorism, and the current challenges for the government and private sectors. Students will learn about the current terrorist groups who pose the greatest threats to American interests and develop hands on experience with threat assessment and security evaluation. These principles will be explored and applied to mock applications in hands on laboratory exercises. Close this
PHIL2	Ethics in Contemporary Society PHIL2   Ethics in Contemporary Society 3 credit hours This course examines the nature of ethical decisions, the problems of ethics, and the solutions to these problems. Emphasis is placed on the application of ethical theory to individual ethical problems and contemporary social issues. Where appropriate, career-specific applications are employed. Moral issues such as abortion, euthanasia, discrimination, and animal rights are addressed. Close this
CJ260	Law Enforcement CJ260   Law Enforcement 3 credit hours This course covers the roles of police and law enforcement, and examines the profession from its historical roots to current concepts such as community policing and homeland security. Policing functions, actions, technology, control, and standards are analyzed. Close this
MGT201	Human Relations in Business MT201   Human Relations in Business 3 credit hours This course provides an analysis of motivation, leadership, communications, and other human factors. Topics include customer relations and care. Also covered are the cultural differences that may create conflict and affect morale individually and within organizations. Close this
CJ270	Introduction to Corrections CJ270   Introduction to Corrections 3 credit hours This course examines the historical foundations, ideological and pragmatic justifications for punishment, sentencing trends, and alternatives to incarceration. Organization, operation and management of correctional institutions; systems of correction; and inmate life, treatment; discharge and parole are examined. Close this
CJ280	Ethics in Criminal Justice CJ280   Ethics in Criminal Justice 3 credit hours This course introduces basic ethical theories, emphasizing how such theories can be applied to contemporary problems in law enforcement, corrections, and adjudications. Students apply various ethical frameworks to typical moral dilemmas in criminal justice. Close this
CJ290	Deviant Behavior CJ290   Deviant Behavior 3 credit hours This course provides a comparative analysis of various forms of deviant behavior as they occur in everyday life. Characterizations of deviants are studied in the context of individual behaviors. Recent findings and key theories provide insight into deviant behavior and serve as predictors of such behavior. Close this
CJ299	Criminal Justice Career Development CJ299   Criminal Justice Career Development 3 credit hours Career planning strategies and resources are explored to prepare students for a successful job search and to maximize their potential for advancement and long term professional growth. Students perform self-assessment and goal setting activities and apply research and evaluation skills to execute job search and career advancement strategies. Each student assembles a professional portfolio highlighting achievements, goals and concrete plans. Close this
CJ300	Capstone Project CJ300   Criminal Justice Employment and Capstone Project 6 credit hours Seminar is a preparation course for the Capstone project and employment skills. Students will be assigned various research projects as well as assignments required to complete their employment search. Close this