Criminal Justice 100% Online Now 100% online, the Criminal Justice program offers educational options to help you meet your goals Are you motivated to serve your community? Do you have a strong sense of justice? Are you curious about what goes on behind the scenes in law enforcement, the courts, and corrections facilities? Minnesota State College Southeast’s Criminal Justice program is an excellent place to start your education in the fields of law enforcement and human services. The three Criminal Justice options at MSC Southeast provide students with varying levels of education. While some positions require an associate degree or higher, the knowledge and skills attained through a certificate or diploma is preferred for nearly all entry level jobs. These tiered awards allow students to earn credentials at their own pace as their schedules permit. For maximum flexibility, all Criminal Justice coursework is available 100% online, so you can plan your education around the work and family commitments in your life. Certificate - 16 Credits If you’re considering an entry level position within a criminal justice or human services field, the 16-credit certificate in Criminal Justice is a good place to start. This program includes two liberal arts classes and three classes directly related to criminal justice, plus a 1-credit class in Career and Education planning. Diploma - 32 Credits The one-year diploma in Criminal Justice includes a balance of 16 liberal arts credits and 16 criminal justice credits. This coursework is foundational to any career path in the field. If you have already earned the certificate, you can add classes to complete the diploma. Associate of Applied Science (AAS) - 60 Credits This 2-year degree is designed for students who are preparing for a career in Criminal Justice or planning to transfer onward to a 4-year degree. It includes more in-depth studies in topics such as computer crimes, evidence procedures, and criminal law. If you have already earned the diploma, you can add classes to complete the associate of applied science degree. Every faculty member in MSC Southeast’s Criminal Justice program has working experience in the criminal justice profession, totaling over 150 years of experience. Additionally, all faculty have post-graduate degrees. This combination of expertise in the profession coupled with commitment to higher education is a testimony to the depth and knowledge of MSC Southeast’s Criminal Justice Program. Program Learning Outcomes 1. Understand how the criminal justice system works and how public opinion influences policies for responding to crime 2. Understand the numerous components of criminal justice system 3. Understand the causation of friction between community and police such as political influence, corruption, policy/law discretion, and discriminatory acts 4. Understand the sociological, psychological and biological perspectives on the causation of crime and criminal behavior 5. Understand hiring practices, training evolutions, subcultures, attitudes and orientation of criminal justice professionals PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS Explore the historical development of Law Enforcement, Courts, and Corrections Overview of the evolution, history, theories and societal responses associated with the juvenile justice system Make-up of the criminal justice system and their interrelationships in our diverse society How society influences policing Examine issues of crime, violence, and punishment from the perspectives of criminal justice professionals, criminals, and prisoners CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Corrections Officers Probation Officers Local Police Departments State and Federal Agencies Human Services Correctional Treatment Specialist Security Officers Gaming Surveillance Officers JOB PLACEMENT Nearly 66.7% PROGRAM COSTS - estimated cost including tuition, books and supplies Criminal Justice - AAS Criminal Justice - Diploma Criminal Justice - Certificate $12,098 $6,574 $3,357 40 2020-2022 College Catalog
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