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Criminal Justice

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
School of Criminal Justice
This program provides students with a broad spectrum of coursework in corrections, law enforcement, courts, and investigation. The program is designed to prepare students for a variety of careers in the criminal justice field in both the public and private sector. Upon successful completion of the program, graduates can pursue entry-level positions with local or state law enforcement agencies, the federal government, insurance companies, correctional facilities, and private security services.

Available as an Online Program

Program Details

Total Credit Hours: 96

*Estimated Total Quarters: 8
What's a quarter?
A quarter is approximately one fourth of the year, shorter than a standard semester.

Available at these campuses:
Indianapolis - Downtown, Anderson, Elkhart, Evansville, Fort Wayne, Marion, Muncie, Terre Haute, Online

* The number of "estimated total quarters" for each program assumes you are enrolled full-time (at least 12 credit hours per quarter) throughout the entire program. Students taking more than 12 credit hours in a quarter will finish in fewer quarters; likewise, students taking fewer than 12 credit hours in a quarter may require additional quarters. Transferred credits from previous colleges, testing out of classes, and successfully completing classes (avoiding having to repeat a class) may also affect program length.

Bachelor degrees only: Why "8-16" quarters? The time it takes to earn a Bachelor degree is shorter (typically 8 quarters) if you’ve already earned an applicable Associate degree. The estimated program length without an Associate degree is 16 quarters.

Career & Skills

An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is an excellent way to enter an exciting career in Criminal Justice. If you choose to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, all of your AAS earned credits will be applied toward the continued program at IBC. As with any additional college, entering the Criminal Justice field with a BS typically offers a wider variety of job opportunities, a more direct path to management level positions, and a higher starting salary.

Possible Job Titles

In Social Services: Social Worker, Victim Advocate, Case Manager, Corrections Officer, Probation Officer, Parole Officer, Counselor; In Judiciary & Law: Court Reporter, Legal Assistant, Legal Researcher; In Law Enforcement: Investigator, Patrol Officer, Security Officer, Transport Security; In Business: Private Security, Private Investigator, Casino Surveillance, Personal Protection

Estimated Salary (Entry Level to Mid-range)*
What affects salary?

Education: Level of education has a direct impact on salary or hourly wage. In general, the more education a person has the higher the salary he or she can potentially earn. Someone with a high school diploma will most likely make less than someone with a Bachelor Degree.

Experience: Experience level can have a significant impact on salary or hourly wage. Even with a college degree, an entry level job will pay less than a job several years down the road. Nothing can replace experience.

Location: Depending on where you live in the United States your income can vary greatly. The cost of living in metropolitan areas or coastal areas usually warrants a higher salary or hourly wage than rural areas or other more affordable parts of the country.

National median: $30,000 – 45,000

Skills, Tasks & Knowledge of the Job

  • Skills and tasks vary widely depending on the Criminal Justice career pursued
  • In general, you’ll use your knowledge of the criminal justice system and the law, the theoretical causes of criminality, the methods of criminal justice policy research, as well as aspects of professionalism and ethics for criminal justice practitioners

Typical Work Environments

  • Local and regional law enforcement
  • Correctional facilities
  • Private security agencies
  • Insurance companies
  • Social work agencies
  • Other criminal justice organizations with eventual advancement to state and federal

* Salary information is an estimate based on several sources of research data, including the U.S. Department of Labor, O-Net, MSN Careers and PayScale.com. The salary estimates listed on this website should be considered general guidelines and IBC encourages its students to conduct their own research. For personalized career planning, contact an IBC Admissions Representative.

Curriculum

Credit Hours

Core Courses

What are core courses? Any class that is categorized as "core" is considered central to the program and requires a grade of "C" or higher to pass.
CJ1000
Introduction to Criminal Justice

The goal of this introductory course is to explore the past, present and future operations of the criminal justice system. This course will examine the myths as well as current information about the criminal justice system. The course is designed to assist students in determining whether to pursue a career within the field of criminal justice.

4
CJ1100
Introduction to Corrections

This course focuses on historical and contemporary views of offender management and treatment, and includes a comprehensive examination of the U.S. correctional system. Special focus is placed on theories of punishment and rehabilitation, and community-based corrections. The course examines the operation and administration of correctional facilities, prison life, and contemporary debates concerning the role of corrections in society.

4
CJ1210
Juvenile Justice

This course provides an introduction to juvenile justice theory and practice. This includes an examination of programs and institutions including the juvenile court process, intake services, rehabilitation and preventative programs.
Prerequisite: CJ1000.

4
CJ1300
Criminology

The course provides an overview of the nature, cause, extent and theories of crime. This course will review and describe the various theories and implications of criminal acts in relation to behavior discipline, causative and scientific aspects.
Prerequisite: CJ1000.

4
CJ1500
Introduction to Law Enforcement

This course provides an overview of policing and its evolution throughout modern history. Students will explore organizational and managerial concepts used to organize and operate police departments as well as the latest techniques being used by police departments to combat crime.
Prerequisite: CJ1000.

4
CJ2220
Criminal Investigations

This course covers basic investigative techniques, the taking of witness statements and interviews, and report writing. The role of advancing technologies used for investigation is explored, with emphasis on the use of forensic science in reconstructing an event. A review of police procedure is also covered.
Prerequisite: CJ1000.

4
CJ2250
Criminal Justice Ethics

This course introduces students to ethical decision making in the criminal justice system. Students will apply philosophical principles and theories to various segments of the criminal justice system including police, courts and corrections.
Prerequisite: CJ1000.

4
CJ2350
Introduction to Criminal Courts

This course examines the development, functions and controversies in the American court system. Students will gain perspectives on various aspects of the judicial process including bail, plea bargaining, punishment and the appeals process.
Prerequisite: CJ1000.

4
CJ2400
Criminal Law and Procedure

This course explores substantive criminal law, including crime and its elements, developments, and trends in this area. Procedural aspects of criminal law, including court jurisdiction, tactics, and methods used in investigation and pertinent ethical considerations are discussed. Emphasis is placed on the constitutional aspects of criminal law.
Prerequisite: CJ1000.

4
CJ2450
Cybercrime

This course introduces students to computer crime and the techniques used to investigate and prevent computer crimes. Students will learn the extent of computer crimes and study the problems, trends and future issues facing those who investigate cybercrimes.
Prerequisite: CJ1000.

4
CJ2500
Criminal Justice Forensics

This course addresses procedures, techniques and applications of forensics that are being used by criminal investigators. Students will learn how to identify, collect, preserve and analyze evidence through the use of forensic techniques.
Prerequisites: CJ1000, CJ2220, MAT1050.

4
MAT1050
Business Math

This course provides students with a basic understanding of mathematics concepts and methods applied to business situations. Topics covered include banking, markups and markdowns, trade and cash discounts, payroll, simple and compound interest, and promissory notes, and the discount process. The course also covers annuities, installment buying and charge credit cards, home ownership expenses, interpreting financial reports, and depreciation.
Prerequisite: Passing score on entrance assessment or MAT0950.

4

General Education Courses

What are general education courses? Gen Ed courses fall outside the program's core curriculum but provide valuable, applicable skills and knowledge.
COM1050
Composition I

This course focuses on helping students develop writing, researching, and critical thinking skills through writing paragraphs and essays using different rhetorical styles. Students also gain experience with peer reviewing. Students are required to earn a grade of C or higher to satisfy the requirements of this course.
Prerequisite: Passing score on entrance assessment or COM0900.

4
COM2060
Composition II

This course builds on skills learned in Composition I and further develops writing, researching, and critical thinking skills with a focus on writing and reading academic essays. The course culminates in a well-reasoned research paper.
Prerequisites: COM1050, KEY1010.

4
PSY1060
Psychology

This course provides students with a basic understanding of what psychology is, its relationship to the life sciences, and how behaviors affect our everyday lives. Emphasis is placed on developmental psychology and the problems that face us in regard to the relationships and mental and physical dilemmas they may pose. Topics such as stress, altered states of consciousness, aging, conflict, and types of therapies will be presented.

4
SOC1010
Introduction to Sociology

This course takes a scientific look at how we understand the world. Sociology explores social, political, and economics in terms of social structures, social forces, and group relations. Emphasis will be placed on theories presented by Durkheim, Tönnies, Webber, and Marx.

4
SPC1010
Presentation Skills

This course provides students with the basic skills necessary to organize their thoughts and communicate effectively through public speaking. Students learn to research, organize, and properly convey oral messages. Through practical classroom application, students gain sound experience in the art of oral presentation. Students are required to earn a grade of C or higher to satisfy the requirements of this course. Students earning a grade of C- or below will be required to repeat the course.

4

Required Courses

What are required courses? These courses provide a foundation to your program and are often required by the field in which you’ll work.
BUS2600
Career Development

This course provides information and resources important for anyone’s career development. It uses guest presenters and mock interviews, in addition to individual consultations, to provide career guidance. The class starts by having the students perform a self-assessment of their interests and values while at the same time, focusing on their professional goals. It emphasizes the importance of understanding how to create a successful resume no matter where a person is in their career path. In addition, it highlights how to apply a variety of other job search documents and execute follow-up. Instructors illustrate traditional and nontraditional methods of job searching to include some of the latest online resources. A significant element of this course is training students to have great interviewing skills. Additional time is spent researching employers, exploring employment opportunities available in the area, and setting up interviews with prospective employers. Toward the end of this course, students also learn value of teamwork and being successful in their career. By applying these techniques and suggestions in this course, students are able to approach their career exploration and job search with a more confident and winning attitude. This course is scheduled during the final or next to last quarter of the program.

2
CPU1000
Computers and Office Automation

This course provides students with a basic understanding of computing fundamentals including hardware, software, Internet concepts, and file management. This course also provides hands-on experience with basic word processing, spreadsheet and presentation applications. This course provides students with the necessary foundation for further study in desktop applications, and to apply these skills in advanced courses requiring electronic processing.
Prerequisite/Co-Requisite: KEY1010.

4
CPU2120
Word Processing

This course prepares students for an in-depth study of word processing techniques. Students completing this course are able to perform word processing functions ranging from document editing and formatting to graphics and web design. The class is structured to provide students with hands-on opportunities to practice and apply their skills.
Prerequisite: CPU1000 or ITS1000.

4
KEY1010
Keyboarding I

This course teaches students the fundamentals of keyboarding, including correct finger positions, machine operation, and correct posture. An introduction is made to the word processing program.

2
LEG1010
Business Law

This course combines the understanding of legal theory with an acquaintance of the various forms of contracts. Students are taught the essentials of the legal environment of business, tort law, contracts, commercial transactions, government regulations, and property.

4
MGT2000
Management

This course provides valuable information for students who will be entering business as employees and who eventually may have the opportunity to manage a business for others. Also, students who may eventually own and operate their own business will benefit greatly from this course. The material is presented to aid students in learning the appropriate terminology used in business and the many activities involved in the successful operation of a business.

4
MGT2150
Group Dynamics

This course introduces students to the psychology of groups, normal and developmental growth, development of leadership styles, and assessment of group change. Preparing for group meetings is essential in all organizations today, while participating in group meetings establishes employees as team players.

4
PSY1050
Strategies for Success

This course is designed to enhance the college learning experience and prepare students for personal and professional success. Concepts presented include managing change, setting and achieving goals, and thinking in ways to create success. This course also incorporates assessments that will increase one’s self-awareness, and improve the student’s interpersonal and intrapersonal skills.

4
Total Credit Hours96

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