Programs
Associate Degree in Criminal Justice (ADCJ)
Criminal Justice Program | Criminal Justice Diploma | Criminal Justice Associate Degree
The Associate Degree in Criminal Justice provides students an additional opportunity to add a competitive edge in pursuit of the best available position in the Criminal Justice field. Students must successfully complete the same courses outlined in the Criminal Justice Diploma Program, plus an additional five specialty courses of 15 credit hours to achieve an associate degree.
Degree Duration
The Paralegal Institute offers open enrollment with the Criminal Justice Associate Degree Program, thus you may register at any time. The Paralegal Institute gives its students up to two (2) years to complete the Associate Degree program. However, completion of the Criminal Justice program solely depends on the study schedule you set for yourself. We recommend that you maintain a consistent submission of lessons.
The field of Criminal Justice centers around the control of criminal behavior in the maintenance of public order and includes the primary functions of law enforcement, prosecution, trial, corrections and associated responsibilities. As well as, the secure management, safe keeping, and control of inmates committed to jail or prison custody performed in a humane manner in compliance with the constitutional standards.
An overwhelming urgency exists today to ensure the proper administration of law related to crime as society struggles with a growing criminal element. This has created a demand for trained professionals in the criminal justice field. With the Criminal Justice Associate Degree program, you will have the opportunity for a career in the administration of criminal justice which can be exhilarating and challenging. It is a fast-paced, high energy, invigorating field. The opportunity for public service through criminal justice involves personal responsibility and garners respect. It takes a person who is willing to give it his or her all, and the rewards come in attractive salaries, benefits, and personal satisfaction.
Request information or Enroll in the Criminal Justice Associate Degree Program
Criminal Justice SPECIALTIES
- Criminal Law
- Crime and Drugs
- Criminal Procedures
- Laws of Evidence
- Ethics
- Constitutional Law
- Criminal Investigation
- Juvenile Delinquency
- Prevention of Crime
- White Collar Crime
- Corrections
- Police
- Criminology
- Criminalistics
ASSOCIATE DEGREE REQUIRED COURSES
- English
- Interpersonal Communications
- Business Management
- Mathematics Essentials
- Psychology
CRIMINAL JUSTICE ASSOCIATE DEGREE PROGRAM TOTAL CREDIT HOURS: 60
COURSE DESCRIPTIONs
| Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 Credit Hours |
| Introduction to criminal justice provides a realistic description of the American criminal justice system and how it works-police, courts, and corrections. Much more than an "encyclopedia" of criminal justice topics, it provides an intricately woven picture of contemporary American criminal justice such as the staggering increases in juvenile crime, police abuse/brutality, the crisis of prison overcrowding, and the growing trend of alternative sentencing. It is designed to help students integrate wealth of material to which they are exposed, and assumes a forward-looking perspective that recognizes the importance of individual rights, social order, multi-culturalism, and high-technology as they affect the day-to-day practice of criminal justice students. The fundamental tried-and-true concepts of an evolving discipline give them the critical thinking skills necessary to effectively apply those concepts to the real world, and to apply those concepts and skills to today's problems and emerging issues of tomorrow. | |
| Criminal Law | 3 Credit Hours |
| A great need for specialists in criminal law and procedures has been created by the rapidly expanding criminal justice system. Police departments, attorneys, and lawyers all need the knowledge of criminal law professionals. This course is designed to give an understanding of both the law and procedural aspects of criminal justice and to prepare you for an exciting and fulfilling career in criminal justice. | |
| Crime and Drugs | 3 Credit Hours |
| The deterioration of neighborhoods throughout this nation can be attributed to some degree by two inextricably linked associates-crime and drugs. This course will educate students on what does and does not work in the criminal justice system, and how, ironically enough, the more that is known about the problem, the less is understood. The complex problem of crime and policy, the war on crime, models of criminal justice and the concept of the "career criminal" will be discussed. The course continues with the conservative attack on crime: deterring criminals, intermediary alternatives of punishment, and the incapacitation of offenders. Finally, students will examine reform and the rehabilitation of these individuals, as well as the consequences and limits of drug policy, treatment and education, versus legalization. | |
| Criminal Procedure | 3 Credit Hours |
| The balance between the rights of individuals in today's society and the power of the government to interfere with those rights remains the primary conflict in the law of criminal procedure. This course provides an analysis and assessment of the principles governing this area of law, while exploring the Constitutional provisions that exist to ensure fair proceedings for all people-regardless of their innocence or guilt. Students will benefit from cases as seen from all sides of the law, from the law enforcement officers that apprehend suspects, to the judges and juries that hand down convictions. Criminal process, searches and seizures, arrests, police interrogations, identification procedures, Constitutional violations and the resulting court proceedings, which involve pre-trials, trials, convictions, and the post-conviction process, are essential to the comprehension of the law of criminal procedure and the critical component of balance that anchors the entire structure. | |
| Laws of Evidence | 3 Credit Hours |
| Understanding evidence law is key to any legal assistant working side-by-side with law enforcement of the trial attorney. Students will be provided with the fundamentals; the definition of the law of evidence, its origin, as well as the relevant application of such-when, and by whom. Examination of the admissibility of evidence to support or disprove facts is critical in any case; therefore, consideration will be given to actual cases as students learn evidentiary rules and the part they play in the recognition, gathering and presentation of evidence deemed admissible at trial. | |
| Ethics | 3 Credit Hours |
| This area of study is of singular significance in the criminal justice field, as any violation of the rules of right conduct could undermine the very purpose for which the system was created-the administration of justice. This course provides students with an honest, straightforward approach to the provocative issue of morals and standards in an arena filled with potential contradictions. Students will gain insight into morality, ethics and human behavior. Ethics and law enforcement, ethics and legal professionals, ethics of prosecution, punishment and corrections, and ultimately, policy and decision making are likewise noteworthy. | |
| Constitutional Law | 3 Credit Hours |
| Since the drafting of this document in 1787, the U.S. Constitution has proven to be "framework" within which its basic tenets must be met and the basic rights of people are assured. This course is designed to impart an understanding of the living law within this basic framework is by and large a product of the times and the ideologies of Supreme Court justices, the court having the final word in determining what the interpretation of the law is. This is of notable interest to the student of criminal justice, who will journey through the anatomy of the Constitution provides by way of civil rights and civil liberties. Amendments affecting the criminal justice system which include: search and seizures, arrest warrants, due process of law, Miranda rights, confessions, entrapment, double jeopardy, the right to a fair trial, bail, fines, and punishment will be given consideration as the magnitude of this document and the implications for protecting the personal freedoms of those governed by it are illustrated. | |
| Criminal Investigation | 3 Credit Hours |
| Criminal investigation is a systemic inquiry into a crime that has been committed, in the hope that these principles for investigation will bring about justice. This course emphasizes the policies and procedures established by the field, in addition to present day tools and techniques available for the law enforcement professional. Students benefit from real-life cases that will provide "hands on" approach to leaning. Topics of recent controversy such as stalking, DNA profiling and the media frenzy surrounding investigations are also covered. | |
| Juvenile Delinquency | 3 Credit Hours |
| A growing interest in the study of delinquent behavior underscores the value of this course. Students will consider theories and concepts of this ever-changing branch of the criminal justice field. The potential root of this behavior, analysis thereof, nature of such crimes, and their far-reaching effects will be considered. Pivotal issues, critical to the evolution of this area of study, include the issue of juvenile detention, the role of the adult court system, developmental implications, and, of particular significance, prevention. | |
| Prevention of Crime | 3 Credit Hours |
| "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." These famous words, penned by Benjamin Franklin, no doubt echo the sentiments of ordinary citizens, united and passionate about employing strategies to make their communities crime-free through social reform. This course explores both the progress and pitfalls of citizens organized to reduce criminal opportunities, and how partnerships with local law enforcement agencies may prove to be a more powerful weapon in the "war on crime" wherein the rules of engagement change each and every day. The problems of crime control and prevention, community awareness, mobilization and neighborhood defense area addressed, and of particular interest, how environmental modification and social prevention through youth and family initiatives may be one viable solution. | |
| White Collar Crimes | 3 Credit Hours |
| Crime: the word itself inspires images of dark, deserted streets and shady characters in a gangster film. What seldom comes to mind is the well-groomed professional, government official or corporate figurehead; yet "suit crime" is rapidly gaining exposure as the prevalence of this non-traditional criminal activity soars. The psychological and sociological implications of this level of corruption are laid bare in this fascinating area of study. The discovery and study of white collar crimes in various forms such as corporate crime, occupational crime, political, finance and enterprise reveal the far-reaching network of activity. Students will probe the theories behind white collar crime, and the effort to exercise social control, and establish policing and regulation. | |
| Corrections | 3 Credit Hours |
| At the heart of the criminal justice system lies corrections. Corrections is not just about punishment-it is about ensuring that victims of crimes are protected from criminals and that the rights of individuals on both sides of the law are upheld. Students will embark on a journey through the historical significance of crime and punishment and the development of the modern-day correctional system. Consideration will be given to the range of sentencing from probation to the death penalty and all alternatives in between. Of increasing concern are the people "behind the walls"- the special challenges of the transgressors and the individuals responsible for their oversight. Students will likewise examine the issue of rehabilitation and subsequent releases of offenders versus the welfare and rights of society. | |
| Police | 3 Credit Hours |
| The police are the elite group of individuals with an earnest desire to contribute to society through the sector of public service. They are on the "front lines" as it were in the criminal justice system. Police play an essential part in protecting communities by maintaining a sense of order an upholding the laws of the land. From introduction of police in 1800's in London. England, right down to twentieth century law enforcers, this course furnishes a unique perspective of police, as the writers of the accompanying textbook is an authority in the field with nearly a quarter century of experience in police work. Students will review police history and organization, U.S. police and private security, as well as police department organization. The personal side of policing, qualifications for police candidates, goals and objectives of these crime fighters and peace- keepers, including the dynamics of police culture and operations, provide valuable insight to those specializing in the field of criminal justice. | |
| Criminology | 3 Credit Hours |
| While crime has plagued mankind throughout human history, criminology can be considered the "new kid on the block" in the behavioral and social science community. This highly specialized area of study demands the attention of students with a view to a career in criminal justice, as society struggles with an increasingly violent social climate. The study of crime in its many forms include: current controversies in crime and justice; the new wave of terrorism and hate crimes; high-tech and "white collar" crime involving technological advances; organized crime; and how the international crime scene is impacting the judicial system as a global entity. Possible solutions and ideas for dealing with this challenging yet disturbing trend will be explored. | |
| Criminalistics | 3 Credit Hours |
| What may have been considered science fiction a half century ago is reality for forensic science today. This area of study is indispensable to students of criminal justice, regardless of their scientific aptitude. The history and development of forensic science, functions of the forensic scientist and services of the crime laboratory set the stage for comprehending the scope of the forensic science. Students will explore crime scene and physical evidence, gain understanding in the organic and inorganic analysis of evidence, and ascertain the merit of the microscope. Forensic toxicology, DNA as the new scientific tool, hairs, fibers, fingerprints, in addition to document and voice examinations, all demonstrate the partnership of investigators and forensic scientists- the collecting of evidence with the techniques of science to draw meaningful conclusions in criminal investigations. | |
| English | 3 Credit Hours |
| This course is designed to develop your ability to write clearly. Emphasis is on effective writing and revising techniques including purpose, organization, and mechanics. Various modes and strategies of descriptive, narrative and illustrative essays are covered. The culminating assignment is a research paper. | |
| Interpersonal Communications | 3 Credit Hours |
| This course teaches the basics of communication principles and concepts. Topics include: Intercultural issues, conflict management, and communicating in groups and in public. | |
| Business Management | 3 Credit Hours |
| This course is designed to help the manager develop insight, sensitivity, and an improved understanding of people; assist organizational leaders in maintaining and improving the organizational climate; and assist present and future managers in understanding and improving motivations. | |
| Mathematics Essentials | 3 Credit Hours |
| This course is a basic review of Mathematical skills, including terminology, checking accounts, taxes, payroll, step-by-step approaches. This course will help you develop math skills used in personal and business applications. | |
| Psychology | 3 Credit Hours |
| Presents the theories and principles of modern psychology. You'll learn about the different branches of psychology and the practical application of psychological tenets to functional behavior. | |
