- Award:
- Associate in Applied Science Degree
- Program location:
- South Omaha Campus, online
This degree provides practical knowledge of the criminal justice system and operations. Study focuses on local, state, and federal law enforcement, judicial processes, corrections, homeland security, private security, and network security/computer forensics. The degree also explores the criminal justice system's role within society.
Employment opportunities exist in a variety of local, state, and federal law enforcement, corrections, and security fields. Examples include police officer, deputy sheriff, county detention officer, correctional officer, and loss prevention specialist. Individuals considering a degree or employment in a criminal justice profession must be aware of strict employment qualifications. Factors that usually disqualify candidates from employment include a criminal record (i.e., theft, assault, murder), history of drug abuse, significant psychological/personal disorders, physiological disorders, neuromuscular dysfunction, and dishonesty. Criminal justice agencies carefully scrutinize candidates in order to select those who maintain the public's trust and confidence at all times.
Graduation Requirements
| Requirement | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| General Education | 27.0 |
| Major Requirements | 45.0 |
| Course Track Offerings | 26.0 – 27.0 |
| Total Credit Hours Required | 98.0 – 99.0 |
General Education Requirements - 27.0 credit hrs.
| Courses | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| English-Level I | 4.5 |
| English-Level II | 4.5 |
| Courses | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
SOCI 1010 Introduction to Sociology
|
4.5 |
| Courses | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| Mathematics | 4.5 |
| MATH 1220 Business Math is strongly recommended. | 4.5 |
| Courses | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| HMRL 1010 Human Relations Skills
|
4.5 |
| INFO 1001 Information Systems and Literacy
|
4.5 |
Major Requirements for Criminal Justice - 45.0 credit hrs.
| Courses | Credit Hrs. |
|---|---|
| CRIM 1010 Introduction to Criminal Justice
|
4.5 |
| CRIM 1140 Reporting Techniques for Criminal Justice
|
4.5 |
| CRIM 2000 Criminal Law
|
4.5 |
| CRIM 2050 Principles of Interviewing and Interrogation
|
4.5 |
| CRIM 2150 Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice
|
4.5 |
| CRIM 2260 Criminal Investigation
|
4.5 |
| CRIM 2310 Rules of Evidence
|
4.5 |
| CRIM 2330 Introduction to Forensic Crime Scene Investigation
|
4.5 |
| POLS 2060 The Constitution
|
4.5 |
| PSYC 1010 Introduction to Psychology
|
4.5 |
Upon successful completion of a P.O.S.T. accredited academy or basic police academy course accredited by the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center, a maximum of 18.0 credit hours may be granted upon petition for CRIM 1010 Introduction to Criminal Justice
and CRIM 2000 Criminal Law
and CRIM 2030 Police and Society
and CRIM 2260 Criminal Investigation
.
Option Requirements for Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice option(s) are available in the areas listed below.
- Corrections
- 27.0 credit hours
- Generalist
- 26.0 credit hours
- Homeland Security
- 27.0 credit hours
- Law Enforcement
- 27.0 credit hours
- Network Security and Computer Forensics
- 27.0 credit hours
- Private Security
- 27.0 credit hours
Students interested in a Criminal Justice option should consult with an advisor or Student Services when planning their studies.
Go to Corrections
Go to Generalist
Go to Homeland Security
Go to Law Enforcement
Go to Private Security
Students interested in a Criminal Justice option should consult with advisors or Student Services when planning their studies.
In addition to police careers, the Criminal Justice program also leads to the following opportunities:
911 dispatcher
court bailiff
crime lab specialist
criminal justice professor
defense attorney
district attorney
FBI agent
forest ranger
game warden
prison guard
probation/parole officer
secret service
state trooper
U.S. marshal