Criminal Justice
The Associate of Arts Degree (AA) in Criminal Justice is designed to provide students with knowledge of American law, Tribal law and the legal process in general. The degree prepares the student for employment as a Lay Advocate/Paralegal in the Tribal Court System, employment as a legal assistant or other employment involving entry level legal work.
Degree Requirements
General Education Requirements
Core I
| Communications | 6 |
Core II
| Mathematics | 3 |
Core III
| Science | 4 |
Core IV
| Arts and Humanities | 6 |
Core-V
| Social Sciences | 6 |
Core VI
| Native American Studies | 3 |
Core VII
| Computer Technology | 3 |
| Total Credit Hours: | 31 |
Students, please consult your academic advisor and the program plan of study for specific General Education core requirements
Program of Study Courses
Program of Study Plan
AA Criminal Justice 2025
Program Outcomes
- Understanding the Criminal Justice System
Students should be able to identify and describe the roles and responsibilities of law enforcement, courts and corrections. They should understand how these components interact, from the commission of the crime to sentencing and potential rehabilitation.
Students will be able to describe the history and application of punishment, sentencing, rehabilitation, community corrections, and programming for deviant behavior in the criminal justice system.
Students should be able to apply statutory, and case law to real world situations.
- Critical Thinking
Students will develop critical thinking skills encompassing the daily operations of each component of the criminal justice systems’ function within society.
Students should be able to analyze criminal justice issues, current events, policies, and practices.
They should be able to evaluate existing literature and case studies to propose evidence-based solutions.
- Professional Integrity
Students should understand ethical standards and professional responsibilities in the criminal justice field and apply ethical-decision making in various scenarios. Understanding that, objectivity in criminal justice refers to the principle that decisions and actions within the justice system should be based on facts and evidence, rather than personal opinions, biases, or prejudices. It’s a core tenet aimed at ensuring fairness, consistency, and equal treatment under the law.
- Career Objectives
Graduates should be able to apply learned knowledge and skills in various professional roles, including law enforcement, corrections, legal fields, and research.
Graduates might aim to become police officers, detectives, or investigator, utilizing their understanding of criminal law, investigation techniques, and community relations.
Other potential career paths include probation and parole, corrections, administrators, leveraging knowledge of rehabilitation programs, offender management and legal frameworks.
Some graduates may pursue law school applying their knowledge of criminal law, procedure, and the court system.