Criminal Justice, AAS

Location(s): Ankeny, Online

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

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.

Program Details

Pathway: Public & Community Services

More information on this Pathway.

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 1

CRJ 100 - Intro to Criminal Justice Credits: 3
CRJ 107 - Survey Crim Justice Agencies Credits: 3
Any 3 credits AAS degree core Social and Behavioral Science/Humanities Credits: 3
Any 3 credits AAS Degree Core Math or Science Credits: 3
Any 3 credits AAS Degree Core Communications Credits: 3
Select 1 credit from Option 1 Credits: 1

Option 1 - Select 1 Credit

SDV 108 - The College Experience Credits: 1
SDV 129 - Transition to College Credits: 1

Semester 2

CRJ 101 - Ethics in Criminal Justice Credits: 3
CRJ 200 - Criminology Credits: 3
CRJ 237 - Criminal & Constitutional Law Credits: 3
Any 3 credits AAS Degree Core Distributed Credits: 3
Select 3 credits from Option 2 (Diversity Courses) Credits: 3

Option 2

SOC 200 - Minority Group Relations Credits: 3
HSV 185 - Discrimination and Diversity Credits: 3

Semester 3

Any 3 credits AAS Degree Core Distributed Credits: 3
Any 3 credits AAS Degree Core Social and Behavioral Science/Humanities Credits: 3
Select 12 credits from Option 3 Credits: 12

Semester 4

CRJ 294 - CJ Communication Strategies Credits: 3
CRJ 932 - Internship Credits: 3
Select 9 credits from Option 3 Credits: 9

Option 3 Courses

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

CRJ 109 - Theories of Interviewing Credits: 3
CRJ 111 - Police and Society Credits: 3
CRJ 120 - Introduction to Corrections Credits: 3
CRJ 128 - Victimology Credits: 3
CRJ 141 - Criminal Investigation Credits: 3
CRJ 178 - E-Crime Investigative Methods Credits: 3
CRJ 196 - Crime Scene Investigation 1 Credits: 2
CRJ 197 - Crime Scene Investigation 2 Credits: 2
CRJ 198 - Bloodstain Pattern Analysis Credits: 2
CRJ 201 - Juvenile Delinquency Credits: 3
CRJ 220 - Community-Based Corrections Credits: 3
CRJ 222 - Correctional Treatment Method Credits: 3
CRJ 245 - Scientific Investigation Credits: 3
CRJ 292 - Police Phys Fitness and Cond Credits: 1
CRJ 293 - Crim Justice Report Writing Credits: 1
CRJ 297 - Death & Injury Investigations Credits: 1
CRJ 301 - Intro to Homeland Security Credits: 3
CRJ 302 - Transportation & Border Sec Credits: 3
CRJ 303 - Intel Analysis & Sec Mgmt Credits: 3
CRJ 305 - Introduction to Cyber Terrorism Credits: 3
CRJ 317 - White Collar Crime Credits: 3
CRJ 325 - Intro to Emergency Management Credits: 3
CRJ 326 - Emergency Planning Credits: 3
CRJ 327 - Exercise Design & Evaluation Credits: 3
CRJ 328 - Disaster Response & Recovery Credits: 3
CRJ 329 - Mitigation Credits: 3
CRJ 333 - CSI & Forensic Photography Credits: 2
CRJ 949 - Special Topics Credits: 3
DRA 130 - Acting I Credits: 3
DRA 134 - Improvisational Acting Credits: 3
FIN 121 - Personal Finance Credits: 3
HSV 109 - Intro to Human Services Credits: 3
HSV 130 - Interviewing/Interper Relation Credits: 3
HSV 135 - Gender Studies Credits: 3
HSV 185 - Discrimination and Diversity Credits: 3
HSV 220 - Intro to Counseling Theories Credits: 3
HSV 255 - Addictive Disease Concepts Credits: 3
PEH 110 - Personal Wellness Credits: 2
POL 129 - Politics of Terrorism Credits: 3
Any PSY Course not already required Credits: 3
Any SOC course not already required Credits: 3
SPC 170 - Professional Communication Credits: 3

Total Credits Required to Complete this Award - 64

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$185.00 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: 12,840**

**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

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

AY2023

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/pathways/.₍₂₀₂₁₎