Mar 29, 2026  
2026-2027 Academic Catalog 
    
2026-2027 Academic Catalog

Criminal Justice, A.A.


Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:

  1. Describe forces influencing crime’s nature, extent, and causes.
  2. Articulate criminal justice’s role in addressing societal issues.
  3. Explain how crime is caused, the impacts, and justice perspectives critically.
  4. Identify the roles of professionals in criminal justice.
  5. Analyze crime history and philosophical trends affecting its causation.
  6. Demonstrate knowledge of core values and ethical standards.
  7. Apply knowledge to crime prevention in community organizations.
  8. Recognize the importance of culturally sensitive care in justice.

The Criminal Justice Associate of Arts degree curriculum includes the study of criminal justice including criminal law, court systems, corrections, policing, juvenile justice, and professional responsibility and ethics in criminal justice professions.

The program is designed to provide graduates with employable skills for entry-level positions in law enforcement, corrections, probation, and/or juvenile corrections. It also provides students with knowledge and skills that prepare them to successfully transfer to a four-year learning institution and obtain a Baccalaureate degree. Students who plan to transfer to an upper-level institution should consult catalogs and advisors at those institutions to determine transferability of all courses taken in this degree program.

Note:  Student must earn a grade of ‘C’ or higher in all courses to obtain the Criminal Justice A.A. degree.

SJC First Year Experience Requirement: 3 Credits


Students will complete FYEX 1132 in their first year at SJC.

General Education Requirements: 31-32 Credits


Communications: 9 Credits


Students will complete ENGL-1110  and ENGL-1120  AND will complete one communications course from the list below.

Mathematics: 3-4 Credits


Laboratory Science: 4 Credits


Social/Behavioral Science: 6 Credits


Students will complete SOCI-1110  AND SOCI-2310  for the social behavioral science courses

Humanities: 6 Credits


Creative and Fine Arts: 3 Credits


TOTAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS: 61-65 Credits


Suggested Course Sequence for Full-Time Students:


Students who for any reason are unable to follow the suggested course sequence should contact an academic advisor for help with adjustments.