The Criminal Justice program is designed to train law enforcement personnel to maintain law and order, collect evidence and information, and conduct investigations and surveillance. The program will provide law enforcement officers the necessary skills to conduct routine investigations.
Forensic Science and Criminalistics are emphasized, and particular emphasis is placed on laboratory practices used to develop investigative evidence, including finger print and DNA analysis. Graduates can go on to careers in such jobs as Corrections Officer, Forensic Technician, Game Warden, Police Officer, Probation Officer, or State Trooper. Some jobs require a four-year degree, but a two-year associate degree is all that is required at many police departments.
An associate in applied science degree can be earned in Criminal Justice with major concentrations in Law Enforcement, or Forensic Investigations. To receive an associate in applied science degree, students must complete General Education core requirements, orientation requirements, and the chosen area of concentration. Students transferring into a Criminal Justice baccalaureate program should follow the associate in science in Criminal Justice degree plan in the University-Parallel Programs section this catalog.
Admission is conditional and depends on the student’s ability to perform the essential functions identified for the program. Reasonable accommodations are considered.
Criminal Justice Forensic Concentration, A.A.S. Wallace and Sparks Campuses
Criminal Justice Law Enforcement Concentration, A.A.S. Wallace and Sparks Campuses
This course surveys the entire criminal justice process from law enforcement to the administration of justice through corrections. It discusses the history and philosophy of the system and introduces various career opportunities.
This course examines the historical development of contemporary policing practices and the organization and jurisdiction of local, state, and federal agencies. It includes the duties and functions of law enforcement officers.
This course examines both substantive and procedural law. The legal elements of various crimes are discussed, with emphasis placed on the contents of the Alabama Code. Areas of criminal procedure essential to the criminal justice profession are also covered.
This course considers the origins of the law of evidence and current rules of evidence. Types of evidence, their definitions and uses are covered, as well as the functions of the court regarding evidence.
This course involves constitutional law as it applies to criminal justice. It includes recent Supreme Court decisions affecting criminal justice professionals, such as right to counsel, search and seizure, due process, and civil rights.
This course provides an introduction to the philosophical and historical foundations of corrections in America. Incarceration and some of its alternatives are considered.
This course analyzes criminal and deviant behavior systems. An emphasis is placed on sociological and psychological theories of crime causation
This course surveys the history and development of drug abuse in society. Theories of drug abuse and identification and classification of drugs are covered. Strategies for combating the drug problem are discussed.
This course delves into the nature and extent of crime in the United States, as well as criminal delinquent behavior and theories of causation. This study includes criminal personalities, principles of prevention, control, and treatment.
This course examines the causes of delinquency. It also reviews programs of prevention, and control of juvenile delinquency as well as the role of the courts.
This course explores the theory and scope of criminal investigation. The duties and responsibilities of the investigator are included. The techniques and strategies used in investigation are emphasized.
This course involves the history, classification, and current procedures of handling latent fingerprints. Latent print examination, filing, and courtroom presentations are considered.
This course covers the principles, techniques, and strategies of homicide investigation. Topics emphasized include ballistics, pathology, toxicology, immunology, jurisprudence, and psychiatry.
This course surveys the different techniques of scientific investigation. Emphasis is given to ballistics, photography, fingerprints, DNA, trace evidence, body fluids, casts, and the like.
This course covers the collection, handling, and analysis of evidence from crime scene to laboratory to courtroom. Topics include hair, fibers, body fluids, firearms, glass, paint, drugs, documents, etc. Laboratory experiences may be utilized.
This course analyzes the principles, techniques, and uses of forensic photography in criminal investigation. Emphasis is placed on basic camera operation and mechanics, crime scene photography, and rules of photographic evidence.
This course examines the fundamentals of crime scene investigation. Measuring and sketching the scene, photography, evidence collection and preservation, and courtroom procedures are considered.
This course involves research, writing, and discussion of selected subjects relating to law enforcement. An analysis of contemporary police problems is provided.
This course involves practical experience with a criminal justice agency under faculty supervision. Permission of the instructor is required. This course may be repeated with the approval of the department head.
Advisor/Instructor Approval
This course involves reading, research, writing, and discussion of selected subjects relating to criminal justice. Various contemporary problems in criminal justice are analyzed. This course may be repeated with approval from the department head.
