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Criminology and Justice Studies - A.A.S.

The Associate of Applied Science in Criminology and Justice Studies program provides a strong foundation for a career in criminal justice. With a focus on practical skills and real-world experience, this program prepares you for a wide range of entry-level positions in law enforcement, corrections and related fields.

Lori B. Singer-Bare, MPA

Lecturer, Criminology and Justice Studies and Peace Officer Training Academy
330-277-1902
lsingerb@kent.edu

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Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminology & Justice Studies

Kent State University's Associate of Applied Science in Criminology and Justice Studies provides students with a practical foundation in the criminal justice field, focusing on crime, law enforcement, and justice system processes. The program covers key areas such as criminal law, corrections, criminological theory, and ethics, preparing students for hands-on roles in law enforcement, probation, corrections, and social services. With a focus on real-world application, students gain essential skills in critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving, while also exploring the complex relationships between crime, society, and justice. Graduates are ready to begin careers in the criminal justice system or continue their studies for further specialization in criminology or law enforcement.

Program Information for Criminology and Justice Studies - A.A.S.

Program Description

Full Description

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminology and Justice Studies prepares graduates for para-professional positions in the field of criminal justice studies. The program can serve as a foundation for advanced study in several areas, including retail security, industrial security, forensics, law and corrections. Graduates typically seek employment in probation offices, social service agencies, courts, local law enforcement offices and crime labs.

The Criminology and Justice Studies major includes the following optional concentration:

  • The Peace Officers Training Academy concentration is open only to students admitted to the Kent State Basic Police Academy. The coursework covers the basics of defensive tactics, firearms, driving, traffic, patrol, civil disorders and first aid. In addition, students learn investigative methods and the fundamentals of policing, the criminal justice system, constitutional law and homeland security.

Students may declare the Criminology and Justice Studies major without a concentration. That course of study is ideal for students interested in the structure, functions and issues within the criminal justice system, as well as those who want a pathway to complete Kent State’s B.A. degree in Criminology and Justice Studies.

Admissions for Criminology and Justice Studies - A.A.S.

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

Kent State campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, and the Twinsburg Academic Center, have open enrollment admission for students who hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.

Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the Coursework tab.

For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

Peace Officers Training Academy Concentration: Admission to this program is selective. Applicants must meet all admission criteria for acceptance into the Kent State Basic Police Academy. Criteria includes a valid driver’s license, high school diploma or GED, be age 20 or turning age 20 at time of enrollment, good physical condition and no felony or drug convictions or arrests for domestic violence.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Explain the structure and function of the criminal justice system, namely police, courts and corrections.
  2. Explain criminal law and how it intersects with and impacts society.
  3. Explain and compare the theories on crime, criminality and criminal justice practices.
  4. Communicate the experiences of marginalized populations within the criminal justice system.

In addition, graduates of the Peace Officers Training Academy concentration will be able to:

  1. Identify the components and legal processes of the criminal justice system, and apply basic criminal laws to various situations.
  2. Explain the different types of police procedures and their effective uses in law enforcement.
  3. Use ethical, analytical and critical-thinking skills toward situations typical to criminal justice settings.
  4. Safely and properly conduct a traffic stop and respond to a domestic disturbance, dispatched call or crime in progress.
  5. Properly carry out comprehensive criminal investigations and write various reports.
  6. Proficiently provide first aid at the level of a first responder.
Coursework
On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
CRIM 12000INTRODUCTION TO JUSTICE STUDIES 3
CRIM 26704ISSUES IN LAW AND SOCIETY (KSS) 3
CRIM 27311VICTIMOLOGY 3
CRIM 33200CRIMINAL LAW 3
SOC 12050INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
UC 10001FLASHES 101 1
3
3
3
3
General Electives (total credit hours depends on earning 60 credits hour)7
Concentration Requirements
Choose from the following:25
Minimum Total Credit Hours:60

Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
CRIM 22300POLICE ROLE 3
CRIM 26701CORRECTIONS 3
CRIM 36702CRIMINOLOGY 3
CRIM 37311MINORITIES IN CRIME AND JUSTICE (DIVD) 3
or CRIM 37411 WOMEN IN CRIME AND JUSTICE (DIVD)
Criminology and Justice Studies (CRIM) Electives9
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
General Electives4
Minimum Total Credit Hours:25

Peace Officers Training Academy Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
CRIM 22200INTERPERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY PROFESSIONALS 3
POTA 11001PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY I 6
POTA 11002PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY II 5
POTA 11003PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY III 6
POTA 11004PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY IV 5
Minimum Total Credit Hours:25

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this major. However, courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
CRIM 12000 INTRODUCTION TO JUSTICE STUDIES 3
CRIM 26704 ISSUES IN LAW AND SOCIETY (KSS) 3
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
General Elective 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Two
CRIM 22300 POLICE ROLE 3
SOC 12050 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
General Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Three
CRIM 33200 CRIMINAL LAW 3
Additional or Concentration Requirements 11-12
 Credit Hours14
Semester Four
CRIM 27311 VICTIMOLOGY 3
Additional or Concentration Requirements 9
General Elective 3-4
 Credit Hours15
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:60

Peace Officers Training Academy Concentration Requirements

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
CRIM 12000 INTRODUCTION TO JUSTICE STUDIES 3
CRIM 26704 ISSUES IN LAW AND SOCIETY (KSS) 3
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours13
Semester Two
CRIM 22200 INTERPERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY PROFESSIONALS 3
SOC 12050 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours12
Semester Three
CRIM 27311 VICTIMOLOGY 3
CRIM 33200 CRIMINAL LAW 3
General Electives 7
 Credit Hours13
Semester Four
POTA 11001 PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY I 6
POTA 11002 PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY II 5
POTA 11003 PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY III 6
POTA 11004 PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY IV 5
 Credit Hours22
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:60
Program Delivery
  • Delivery:
    • Fully online (Peace Officers Training Academy concentration not offered)
    • Mostly online
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Ashtabula Campus
    • East Liverpool Campus
    • Geauga Campus
    • Salem Campus
    • Stark Campus
    • Trumbull Campus (Peace Officers Training Academy concentration)
    • Tuscarawas Campus
    • Twinsburg Academic Center

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Criminology and Justice Studies - A.A.S.

Graduates of Kent State’s A.A.S. Degree in Criminology & Justice Studies are well-prepared for entry-level careers in law enforcement, corrections, and community services. The program’s practical curriculum emphasizes foundational knowledge of criminal law, policing, and the justice system, equipping students with the skills to support various criminal justice functions. Graduates often pursue roles as police officers, correctional officers, probation assistants, and security personnel, contributing to fields such as law enforcement, corrections, and public safety.

First-line supervisors of correctional officers

-7.8%

decline

48,700

number of jobs

$60,910

potential earnings

Miscellaneous first-line supervisors, protective service workers

1.6%

slower than the average

85,700

number of jobs

$52,650

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' . Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
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