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Jun 25, 2025
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2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog (DRAFT)
Criminal Justice, AS
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At PennWest University, criminal justice students in the associate degree learn from faculty scholars and skilled professionals with extensive career experience in the criminal justice system. In this two-year program, students are introduced to the components of the modern criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections and its processes. Students will learn about the roles and responsibilities of law enforcement agencies, correctional systems, and the courts. Students will understand how substantive and procedural criminal law impacts the operations and functions of the criminal justice system. Students will develop critical thinking and communication skills necessary for a career in the criminal justice system.
Graduates from the program will be prepared to seek entry-level positions in municipal, county, and state police agencies, typically upon completion of a state or local law enforcement academy. Students should consult with their faculty advisor or department chair regarding academic credit for academy completion. Additionally, students can pursue careers as correctional officers or as support-level staff in juvenile residential facilities. Moreover, positions within the private safety/loss prevention and security sector may be available.
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Student Learning Outcomes
- Identify the functions of the various components of the criminal justice system including law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
- Apply criminal justice concepts and practices to issues related to criminal justice.
- Examine current problems impacting the various components of the criminal justice system, develop solutions, and use critical reasoning to defend the solutions.
- Demonstrate critical thinking skills in criminal investigations and report writing.
General Education
Students are required to take at least 24 credits in General Education. Students are required to take ENGL 1200 or its equivalency in Foundations, SOCI 2100 Social Inequalities as the Discoveries Social Science, and CRJ 1050 Introduction to Forensic Science as the Natural Sciences and Tech Gen Ed course.
Total Credits: 60
Depending on the program of study, students may need to complete additional credits to ensure the total credit hour requirement is met.
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