Criminal Justice A.A.S. Degree — Law Enforcement Area of Concentration (602)

This program of study meets all the General Education Requirements at Chesapeake College.

Award: Associate of Applied Science Degree

Program Mission: The Chesapeake College Criminal Justice Degree — Law Enforcement Area of Concentration prepares students for entry or advancement in the field of criminal justice. Qualified students may transfer to the University of Maryland University College Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement bachelor’s degree program.

Program Description: The Law Enforcement program provides a broad foundation which will help prepare the student for entry-level employment or advancement in the field of law enforcement. The program is designed to prepare and/or upgrade students in areas such as: criminal justice, techniques of criminal investigation, principles of criminal law, law enforcement administration, corrections, criminology and field work. In addition to criminal justice courses, students will also take courses in related areas and in general education. Note: Completion of this program is not a prerequisite for entry into a police academy nor does it provide complete entry-level training for work as a county or state police officer. Students should consult with the College’s Admissions Office or an academic advisor in planning an appropriate program.

Program Goals: The Law Enforcement program will:

• Facilitate proficiency in content, knowledge and skills for the College’s general education competencies.
• Prepare students in areas such as law enforcement and criminal justice, law enforcement administration, police operations, criminology, criminal investigation, criminal evidence and procedures, and criminalistics.
• Prepare students for successful careers in law enforcement or for further study in the field.

Student Learning Outcomes: Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

• Understand terminology used in the criminal justice system.
• Use an ethical framework adn an understanding of legal constraints to make decisions as a criminal justice professional.
• Understand the roles of various individuals within the criminal justice system and how an individual moves through the criminal justice system.
• Be able to identify various types of crimes, their defenses and the various methods of investigation.
• Apply critical thinking skills and logic to analyze and solve a variety of complex problems in the criminal justice environment.

Contact Person: Ms. Bridget Lowrie

For additional educational opportunities related to this field, see the Bachelor’s degree programs offered through the Eastern Shore Higher Education Center.  For more information, contact the Executive Director for the Eastern Shore Higher Education Center at: 410-827-5761.