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Criminal Justice student collecting forensic evidence

Criminal JusticeCertificates

Certificates are an alternative to a degree program that allows you to explore a subject or build new career skills. Aims offers two criminal justice certificate programs that cover various aspects of this dynamic and ever-changing field. These certificates can also serve as a starting point to begin a criminal justice degree program at Aims.

Criminal Justice Pathways Basic, Level I Certificate

This criminal justice certificate program is geared toward high school students interested in earning a criminal justice degree. Study criminal justice basics, policing and judicial systems, and correctional processes.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements Credits
required

Introduces the basic components of the criminal justice system in the United States. Concepts of crime, crime data, victimization, perspectives, and views of crime, theory, and law are discussed. Particular attention to the criminal justice process, interaction and conflict between criminal justice agencies, and current criminal justice issues are examined. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Examines policing in the United States, including historical foundations, emerging issues, and the relationship between law enforcement and the community. The various types of law enforcement agencies, their administrative practices, and the behavior of those involved in the delivery of police services are examined from the perspective of democratic values, racial and ethnic diversity, and societal perceptions of police effectiveness. Career requirements, including current and future trends, are also presented. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Provides an overview of the structure and function of the dual American judicial system and the behavior of actors (judges/justices, lawyers, law clerks, interest groups, etc.) within the system. Emphasis is placed on the organization and administration of state and federal courts, criminal court procedures, juries, selection of judges, decision-making behavior of juries, judges and justices, and the implementation and impact of judicial policies. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Examines the history of corrections in America from law enforcement through the administration of justice, probation, prisons, correctional institutions, and parole. This course examines the theories, rationales for punishment, and the political system in which corrections, as a component part of the criminal justice system, needs to operate. The course emphasizes legal, sociological, psychological, and other interdisciplinary approached that effect the operation of a correctional system. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Total Credits for Certificate 12

Criminal Justice Pathways Basic, Level II Certificate

This criminal justice certificate program is geared toward high school students who earned the Level I certificate and want to continue earning credit toward a criminal justice degree while still in high school. Study constitutional law, English composition, human relation in social conflict, and criminology.

Row Groupings Certificate Requirements: Credits
required

Focuses on the powers of government as they are allocated and defined by the United States Constitution. The course includes intensive analysis of United States Supreme Court decisions. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Exploration of the environmental, organizational and socio-psychological dimensions of social control. Includes the study of individual attitudes, beliefs and behavior involved in role conflicts, community relations and conflict management in the social structure. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Provides an introduction to the study of crime, understanding the causes of crime, and examines, theoretical frameworks and theories to explain criminal behavior. Examination of the nature of crime, crime victimization, crime patterns, types of crime, crime statistics, and criminal behavior is also included. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
required

Emphasizes the planning, writing, and revising of compositions, including the development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a wide variety of compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing. This is a statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Course is not repeatable for credit.

3
Total Credits for Certificate 12