Mar 28, 2024  
2021-2022 Course Catalog 
    
2021-2022 Course Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]


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Criminal Justice, AAS



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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 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


Option 1


Select 3 Credits from Option 1

Semester 3


Semester 4


Option 2 Courses


Students are strongly encouraged to speak with a full-time Criminal Justice Instructor about which option courses and AAS Core courses to take. 

Total Credits Required to Complete this Award - 64


Fixed Costs


Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$174.00 per credit

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

Varied Costs




 
Semester 1 Semester 2 Semester 3 Semester 4
Books (approximate) 250 250 250 250

Approximate total cost for the program: 12,136**

**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


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, or hiring practices, and harassment or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, genetic information (in employment) and actual or potential parental, family or marital status. 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, dso@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. Questions or complaints about this policy may be directed to the Director of the Office for Civil Rights, U.S. Department of Education, John C. Kluczysnki Federal Building, 230 S. Dearborn Street, 37th Floor, Chicago, IL 60604-7204, phone 312/730-1560, fax 312/730-1576, TDD 800-877-8339 Email OCR.Chicago@ed.gov.

DMACC offers career and technical programs in the following areas of study:
Agriculture, Natural and Environmental Science
Architecture, Engineering, and Construction
Arts, Design, and Visual Communication
Business, Management, and Marketing
Education, Public, and Human Services
Health Science
Hospitality and Culinary
Information Technology
Manufacturing
Transportation & Logistics

Entrance requirements for specific programs can be found at https://www.dmacc.edu/admissions/Pages/checklist.aspx. (2021)

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