Criminal Justice, A.A.

Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice

Offered Only at North Campus

Students who intend to complete an Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice and transfer to a four-year institution should consult with an Indian Hills Academic Advisor and the four-year institution to determine any additional requirements at the four-year institution. 

The Criminal Justice Transfer Major provides a foundation for students interested in the life sciences. Graduates of the Criminal Justice Transfer Major will receive an Associate of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice.  This degree prepares students for careers in the area of public safety. The program focuses on major issues concerning criminal justice as a profession. The program director and instructors have the responsibility to the community and the public to carefully screen and advise those persons choosing criminal justice as a profession.

All applicants to this program will undergo a criminal background check. This program is closed to all applicants with a felony record. It would be unfair for Indian Hills to allow a student to complete the entire criminal justice program only to be refused employment because of a felony or serious misdemeanor conviction. Students enrolled in this program will experience unique pre-employment qualifications, which may include passing extensive criminal and character background checks, physical requirements, polygraph testing, oral boards, drug screening and/or other requirements pertinent to current hiring practices.

To enroll, complete an application and attend any required academic orientation and information session. Students meeting all program and graduation requirements receive an Associate of Arts degree, with a major in Criminal Justice.

Program Learning Outcomes

1. Understand the major subsystems in the criminal justice field and how each functions.
2. Understand the impact the United States Constitution has on various criminal justice components and their actors.
3. Demonstrate sound ethical values when making decisions in the criminal justice system.
4. Know the general concepts of criminal law.
5. Explain and demonstrate safe and acceptable law enforcement concepts and applications that are currently in use.

The listed course sequence is provided as a guide only. The term when courses are offered is subject to change during the school year. 

Program Total: 64 Credits