Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice Certificate program provides a basic understanding of the criminal justice system as a profession and discipline. The certificate program would benefit those currently a junior or senior in high school or working full or part-time job. The certificate provides students with the foundation to move forward and obtain an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice at Northeastern Junior College or at any of the other Colorado Community Colleges.

Program Requirements

Total Credits 16

Course Number	Course Title	Credits
CRJ110CRJ1010	Introduction to Criminal Justice: GT-SS3	3
Introduces the basic components of the criminal justice system in the United States. Concepts of crime, crime data, victimization, perspectives, and views of crime, theory, and law are discussed. Particular attention to the criminal justice process, interaction and conflict between criminal justice agencies, and current criminal justice issues are examined. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. (3-0)
CRJ125CRJ1025	Policing Systems	3
Examines policing in the United States, including historical foundations, emerging issues, and the relationship between law enforcement and the community. The various types of law enforcement agencies, their administrative practices, and the behavior of those involved in the delivery of police services are examined from the perspective of democratic values, racial and ethnic diversity, and societal perceptions of police effectiveness. Career requirements, including current and future trends, are also presented. (3-0)
CRJ205CRJ2005	Principles of Criminal Law	3
Focuses on common law and statutory law crimes, the Model Penal Code, elements defining crimes and penalties, defenses to criminal accusations, and definitions and distinctions between criminal and civil law. (3-0)
CRJ145CRJ1045	Correctional Process	3
Examines the history of corrections in America from law enforcement through the administration of justice, probation, prisons, correctional institutions, and parole. This course examines the theories, rationales for punishment, and the political system in which corrections, as a component part of the criminal justice system, needs to operate. The course emphasizes legal, sociological, psychological, and other interdisciplinary approached that effect the operation of a correctional system. (3-0)
CRJ127CRJ1027	Crime Scene Investigation	3
Focuses on basic procedures in crime scene management to include photography and preparing initial reports and sketches. Includes processing evidence and related criminalistic procedures. Covers interviewing suspects, witnesses, and victims to include the recording of identifications and descriptions. Incorporates lab and lecture. (3-0)
HWE117HWE1003	Mental Health First Aid	1
Covers common mental disorders and mental health crises. This course trains first responders to take basic action steps to address mental health issues. This course is not intended to train students as mental health professionals. (1-0)

Degree & Certificate Options

Criminal Justice Designation

Associate of Arts

Degree with Designation

60 Credits

Curriculum

Certificate

16 Credits

Curriculum

Degree Descriptions

Associate of Arts Degree (A.A.) and Associate of Science Degree (A.S.)

The AA and the AS degrees are traditional 2-year degrees specifically designed to transfer to 4-year institutions for the purpose of completing a BA or a BS. They are often referred to as university parallel degrees. The general education requirements are what actually permit the degrees to be called Associates or Arts or Science. The difference between the AS and AA is minimal, with the AA permitting math courses and a science course that are not recognized under the AS degree. Read Colorado's Guaranteed Transfer Policy here.

Associate of General Studies (A.G.S.)

The AGS degree is, at times, articulated to transfer to certain 4-year institutions and programs. There is more room for flexibility in this degree. Generally, if a student decides to transfer to a 4-year school to pursue a BA or BS after earning the AGS, they may be short some of the general education requirements.

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)

The Associate of Applied Science degree is rarely pursued by a student who intends to transfer to a 4-year school. It is primarily a degree that prepares a student to go directly into the workforce. It is typically a specific technical career that the student who seeks the AAS is seeking. Again, the general education requirements are less rigid with the AAS degree.

Certificate Programs

Certificates are 1-year technical programs that require no general education courses. Auto Tech, Agri-business, and Cosmetology are Certificate programs. English, math, science, etc. are not required to complete a certificate, although some students choose to take preparatory classes that might help them succeed in the program.