Mar 28, 2024  
2019-2020 Course Catalog 
    
2019-2020 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Criminal Justice, AAS


The Criminal Justice program prepares students for a career in such areas as law enforcement, corrections, and homeland security. All students must complete the basic Criminal Justice requirements, then select other Criminal Justice classes in areas of primary interest.

NOTE: Students who have a criminal background can take classes, but employment opportunities in the Criminal Justice field may be limited, depending on the circumstances and agency hiring standards. Additionally, an internship is required for the Criminal Justice AAS degree, and a criminal background may impact a student’s eligibility with certain agencies. Any questions or concerns should be addressed with the Criminal Justice Chair or Faculty.​

For more information about the Criminal Justice program, please visit our website at www.dmacc.edu/programs/criminaljustice.

Program Details


Locations: Ankeny and Online


Students may start this program any semester


Program Entry Requirements


  1. Complete an application for admission.
  2. Satisfy the assessment requirement.
  3. Attend any required information/registration session.

Program Graduation Requirements


To earn a Criminal Justice AAS degree, a student must complete all required coursework as prescribed and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Semester 2


Semester 3


Semester 4


Total Credits Required to Complete this Award - 64


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$160.00 per credit

The costs for each program are estimates and subject to change.

Varied Costs



Semester 1Semester 2Semester 3Semester 4
Books (approximate)250250250250
Supplies








Approximate total cost for the program: 11,240**

**Program entry requirements are not included in the total approximate cost.


What Kind of Work Will You Do?


  • Assist people in need
  • Participate in community relations activities
  • Patrol residential, business and rural areas
  • Investigate allegations of criminal activity
  • Process crime scenes and collect evidence
  • Document all investigative steps in written format
  • Participate in various court proceedings
  • Assist judges, attorneys, and victim advocates
  • Supervise arrested individuals
  • Monitor adjudicated juveniles and convicted offenders
  • Protect national security interests
  • Establish Loss Prevention programs

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?


  • Strong verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills
  • Perform well under stress
  • Reasoning and common sense
  • Curiosity and problem solving
  • Determination and accuracy
  • Detail orientated and meticulous nature

What Else Should I Consider about this Program or Career Choice?


Individual character, good moral and ethical values, and integrity beyond reproach are critical attributes for the student aspiring to a career in criminal justice. Students who have a criminal background may take classes, but employment opportunities in the Criminal Justice field could be limited, depending on the circumstances and agency hiring standards.

An internship is required for this degree, and a criminal background may impact a student’s eligibility with certain agencies.

Depending on the criminal justice agency, there may be physical requirements and/or physical fitness requirements for specific positions.

It is in your best interest to research the position(s) and agency (or agencies) in which you are interested in seeking future employment with, as well as an internship opportunity, and become familiar with the required and desired qualifications.

Program Competencies


  1. Evaluate ethical issues related to criminal justice.
  2. Examine the core criminal justice areas of law enforcement, law and the courts, and corrections.
  3. Produce effective communication, verbally and in writing, using appropriate references and technologies.
  4. Apply critical thinking skills to criminal justice system issues.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to work with others in a professional, respectful and constructive environment. 

Nondiscrimination Statement


DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:

Agriculture, National & Environmental Services /Architecture, Engineering, and Construction/Arts, Design, and Visual communications/Business, Management, and Marketing/Education, Public, and Human Services/Health Science/Hospitality and Culinary/Information Technology/Manufacturing/Transportation & Logistics

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in nor allow discrimination covered by law against any person, group or organization. This includes in its programs, activities, employment practices, hiring practices or the provision of services, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, age (in employment), disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status of a person. Veteran status in educational programs, activities, employment practices, or admission procedures is also included to the extent covered by law.

Individuals who believe they have been discriminated against may file a complaint through the College Discrimination Complaint Procedure. Complaint forms may be obtained from the Campus Provost’s office, the Academic Deans’ office, the Judicial Officer, or the EEO/AA Officer, Human Resources. ADA questions and concerns may be directed to the Section 504/ADA Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 6, Ankeny, IA  50023, phone 515/964-6857, sgbittner@dmacc.edu.  Title IX questions and concerns may be directed to the Title IX Coordinator at 2006 S. Ankeny Blvd, Bldg 1, Ankeny, IA  50023, phone 515/964-6216, title9@dmacc.edu.  Question or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, Citigroup Center, 500 W. Madison, Suite 1475, Chicago, IL 60661, phone 312/730-1560, tax 312/730-1576..

Legal references: Iowa Code §§ 216.6 and 216.9, Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 U.S. C. §§ 2000d and 2000e), the Equal Pay Act of 1973 (29 U.S.C. § 206, et seq.), Title IX (Educational Amendments, 20 U.S. C. §§ 1681-1688), Section 504 (Rehabilitation Act of 1973, 29 U.S. C. § 794), and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (42 U.S.C. § 12101, et seq.).(2018)