Criminal Justice, Homeland Security Concentration, AAS

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

The Criminal Justice program prepares students for a career in such areas as law enforcement, corrections, security and juvenile justice. The program allows students to choose either an AA or AAS degree. 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 history may make it through the program, but it is NOT likely that they will find employment in the Criminal Justice field, and students with a criminal history may NOT be eligible for an internship, which is required for the AAS degree.

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

Location: Ankeny

Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses.

Students start any semester.

Program Entry Requirements

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

Graduation Requirements

To earn a Criminal Justice AA or AAS degree, a student must complete the standard core requirements for the degree, plus the Criminal Justice required courses and options and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Required Course(s)

Semester 1

CRJ 100 - Intro to Criminal Justice Credits: 3
CRJ 109 - Theories of Interviewing Credits: 3
Select 3 credits from Option courses Credits: 3
AAS degree Core Social and Behavioral Science/Humanities Credits: 3
AAS degree Core Math/Science Credits: 3

Semester 2

CRJ 237 - Criminal & Constitutional Law Credits: 3
CRJ 301 - Intro to Homeland Security Credits: 3
AAS General Degree Requirements Credits: 6
Select 3 credits from Option courses Credits: 3
AAS degree Core Communication Credits: 3

Semester 3

CRJ 303 - Intel Analysis & Sec Mgmt Credits: 3
SOC 200 - Minority Group Relations Credits: 3
AAS General degree Requirements Credits: 6
Select 3 credits from Option 1 courses Credits: 3

Semester 4

CRJ 302 - Transportation & Border Sec Credits: 3
AAS General degree Requirements Credits: 6
Select 7 credits from Option courses (one must be a 1-credit course) Credits: 7

Option Courses-Select 16 Credits

Students are strongly encouraged to talk to a full-time Criminal Justice instructor about which option courses and general education courses to take. Other CRJ courses may be eligible for use as option courses with department chair approval. Please consult chair prior to registering for those courses.

CRJ 107 - Survey Crim Justice Agencies Credits: 3
CRJ 111 - Police and Society Credits: 3
CRJ 128 - Victimology Credits: 3
CRJ 141 - Criminal Investigation Credits: 3
CRJ 178 - E-Crime Investigative Methods Credits: 3
CRJ 179 - White Collar Crime Credits: 1
CRJ 196 - Crime Scene Investigation 1 Credits: 2
CRJ 197 - Crime Scene Investigation 2 Credits: 2
CRJ 239 - Special-Need Offenders Credits: 3
CRJ 264 - Effective Courtroom Testimony Credits: 1
CRJ 292 - Police Phys Fitness & Condition Credits: 1
CRJ 293 - Crim Justice Report Writing Credits: 1
CRJ 330 - Forensic Photography I Credits: 1
POL 129 - Politics of Terrorism Credits: 3

Total Minimum Credits Required to Complete the AAS Degree-Homeland Security Concentration - 64

Fixed Costs

Tuition……………………………………………………………………………………..$143.00 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)	255	250	275	225

Approximate total for the program: $9,901*

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

What Kind of Work Will You Do?

• Assist people in trouble.
• Patrol businesses, residential and rural areas.
• Collect evidence at a crime or accident scene.
• Testify in court.
• Be involved in community relations activities.
• Supervise problem youth.
• Assist judges and attorneys.
• Set up Loss Prevention programs.

What Skills and Abilities Will You Need?

• Ability to get along with people.
• Possess maturity and emotional stability.
• Be in good physical health including sight and hearing.
• Self discipline to work with situations that may contradict your personal values.
• Ability to deal with emergencies.
• Function well under stress.
• Ability to function effectively in a political environment.

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

• Students who have a criminal background history may make it through the program, but it is NOT likely that they will find
   employment in the Criminal Justice field, and students with a criminal history may NOT be eligible for an internship, which
   is required.
• This is a highly rewarding field with a great number of careers, including federal marshal, detective, juvenile court officer, security
   manager, lab technician, parole officer, game warden, state patrol, prison guard, police sergeant.
• Some courses may be offered online.
• Average starting salary: AA degree $39,980, AS degree $37,645 (2010-2011 Placement Report).

Nondiscrimination Policy

Des Moines Area Community College shall not engage in or allow discrimination covered by law. This includes harassment based on race, color, national origin, creed, religion, sex (including pregnancy and marital status), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability and genetic information. 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. For information about the ADA, the Section 504/ADA Coordinator can be contacted at 515-964-6857. For Title IX questions and concerns contact 515-964-6850.