Criminal Justice Services, A.A.S.
The A.A.S. Degree in Criminal Justice Services offers comprehensive training in law enforcement, corrections, and court operations. This program prepares you for entry-level roles in various criminal justice agencies and provides a solid foundation for further career advancement in the field.
What Can You Do with a Degree in Criminal Justice Services?
With this degree, you can work in various entry-level roles such as law enforcement
officer, correctional officer, court clerk, or security specialist. You’ll be equipped
to support criminal justice agencies, assist in maintaining public safety, and uphold
justice within your community. This degree provides a strong foundation for a career
dedicated to public service and community safety.
The criminal justice field continues to grow as communities seek qualified professionals
to maintain public safety. Graduates with an AAS degree in Criminal Justice Services
can pursue careers as police officers, correctional officers, court clerks, probation
officers, and other support roles within criminal justice agencies. The degree also
serves as a stepping stone for those interested in advancing to supervisory or specialized
positions, or continuing their education in law enforcement or criminal justice.
Suggested Curriculum
The core criminal justice classes focus on the major components and operations of
our system of justice at the local, county, state, and federal levels. Students study
criminal law and procedure, corrections, and the courts. They also review the administration,
organization, and processes of the overall criminal justice system. Proficiency credits
are available for actively working full-time police officers (and corrections officers)
who are certified by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board as
a Law Enforcement Officer or Corrections Officer.
Area A: Communication (9 credits)
- ENG 101 Composition I (C1 900) - with a grade of C or better
- ENG 102 Composition II (C1 901R) - with a grade of C
- or better
COMM 101 Principles of Communication (C2 900)
Area B: Humanities and Fine Arts (3 credits)
Select one course from the list for Area B
Area C: Mathematics
(demonstrated competence required)
Successful completion of MATH 091 or MATH 093 with a grade of C or better, or placement into MATH 094 or higher.
Area D: Physical And Life Sciences (3-4 credits)
One course from the list for Area D
Area E: Social and Behavioral Sciences (3 credits)
POLSC 140 Introduction to U.S. Government and Politics (S5 900) required
- CJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice (CRJ 901)
- CJ 102 Introduction to Criminology (CRJ 912)
- CJ 103 Law Enforcement Organization and Administration
- CJ 106 Introduction to Corrections (CRJ 911)
- CJ 110 Community-Based Policing
- CJ 120 Introduction to Homeland Security
- CJ 201 Introduction to Criminal Law
- CJ 203 Principles of Criminal Investigation
- CJ 204 Juvenile Justice (CRJ 914)
- CJ 207 Street Law: Understanding Law and Legal Issues
- CJ 208 Principles of Criminalistics
- CJ 299 Criminal Justice Internship
- ITAPP 101 Introduction to Computers (BUS 902)
Select one course from:
- CJ 105 Community Service Officer Training
- PSYCH 101 Introduction to Psychology (S6 900)
- SOCIO 101 Introduction to Sociology (S7 900)
Each college and university has its own major requirements and transfer policies. Consult the schools you are considering and a PSC advisor to discuss courses and their transferability.
Prairie State College provides a comprehensive array of resources designed to foster student success and well-being. These include disability support services, health and safety protocols, career development counseling, and personal support. Academic assistance is readily available through tutoring, advising, and library services, while transfer advising and campus security ensure a safe and seamless college experience. Additionally, the college offers various financial aid options to help students achieve their educational objectives.
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