;
Contents
Catalog Links
Share

Criminal Justice, Associate in Applied Science

Overview

Narrative

Northampton's Criminal Justice program offers you a wealth of opportunities. Whether you want to enter the workforce after two years of study, transfer to a four-year program, or enhance your education as a professional already employed in this field, NCC's program is for you.

Courses taught by experts in the field include hands-on education within a classroom setting. You'll obtain an understanding of the criminal justice system, be adept with the language and culture of the criminal justice profession, and gain the knowledge you need to live up to professional expectations. The program is fully available at the Bethlehem and Monroe campuses, as well as online. Course work is offered mainly in the daytime on campus, with some courses available only in the evening.

Features

The program serves three types of students: those seeking entry-level employment in the field, those already employed in the system who seek professional advancement, and those who plan to pursue a bachelor's degree in criminal justice, criminology or related disciplines.

Our program readies you for employment in police departments, prisons, or community correction and treatment centers. It can also prepare you for a career in state and federal agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Treasury Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms Bureau. If you are interested in working for a specific agency, you should contact that agency early in your studies to determine the specific educational requirements you will need. Professionals in Northampton's Career Services and counseling offices, as well as instructors within the program, can assist you in meeting your career goals.

If your career plan includes a bachelor's degree with specialization in the field, you may want to consider the College's articulation agreements and dual admissions programs with DeSales University, Moravian College or Eastern Kentucky University's College of Law Enforcement. These special partnerships make the move to a bachelor's degree program easier, since we've already ensured that your credits from NCC will transfer. Full transfer also may be possible to other colleges and universities offering baccalaureate degrees in the field. Northampton's Academic Advising Office can offer you support and additional information.

The program can be completed in four semesters as a full-time student taking 15-16 credits per semester. The majority of courses are offered in the day, but three required courses are offered in the evening only. Courses are offered in the fall and spring only.

Contact the Admissions Office at 610-861-5500 for further information.

Career Potential: Police Officer, Correctional Officer, Security Consultant, Community Treatment Facility Staff

Leading to: Federal Security Agency Positions, Criminal Law Enforcement

Outcomes

Graduates of the program will:

  • Demonstrate understanding of criminological behavior theory as applied by the criminal justice professional in the work environment.
  • Understand psychological and sociological theories of crime causation.
  • Know the functions, duties and roles of law enforcement officers at various levels in the criminal justice system.
  • Show knowledge of criminal law, criminal procedure, civil law and the courts as it relates to the legal system.
  • Exhibit awareness of the special needs and functions of the juvenile justice system.
  • Develop understanding of the corrections system in the United States.
  • Apply the ability to think critically and analytically in various criminal justice work settings.
  • Develop excellent professional writing and communication skills.
  • Exemplify the basic professional requirements for entry level positions through the criminal justice system.
  • Be prepared to transfer to a four year college/university.

Courses

First Semester

CJST101Intro to Criminal Justice

3 credits
CMTH102Speech Communication

3 credits
ENGL101English I

3 credits
PSYC103Introduction to Psychology

3 credits
SOCA103Principles of Sociology

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:15

Second Semester

CISC101Introduction to Computers

3 credits
CJST111American Legal System

3 credits
CJST131Juvenile Justice

3 credits
ENGL151REnglish II

3 credits
PSYC255Abnormal Psychology

3 credits
SOCA150Deviance

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:18

Third Semester

CJST115Criminal Law

3 credits
CJST121GCriminology

3 credits
CJST145Criminal Justice Ethics

3 credits
SOCA204Social Problems

3 credits
Mathematics (QL) or Science (SCI) Elective ++

3/4 credits
Total Credit Hours:15-16

Fourth Semester

CJST125Corrections & Rehabilitation

3 credits
CJST250Contemp Issues Criminal Justice

3 credits
POLS105GAmerican Constitutional Law

3 credits
Arts and Humanities Elective (AH)

3 credits
Elective +++

3 credits
Total Credit Hours:15

Total Credit Hours: 63-64

++ Mathematics (QL) or Science (SCI) Elective must be chosen from the list of approved General Education Mathematics or Science courses. (NOTE: MATH103 may not be used.) MATH150 is recommended for students who intend to transfer.

+++ Elective credits may not be satisfied by a CJST course, except CJST135, Law Enforcement and Investigative Techniques.

  • Completion of both POLS105G and CJST121G satisfies the Writing Intensive (WI) requirement.
  • CJST250 is a capstone course and should be taken in the final semester with CJST125.