Criminal justice is an exciting and rewarding career choice for those who desire to find employment in a field which offers variety and new challenges on a daily basis. Individuals involved in criminal justice have opportunities to make contributions to their communities as well as society as a whole. Southwestern's criminal justice program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level employment in the areas of law enforcement, courts, and/or corrections. The program provides an interdisciplinary sequence of study merging the liberal arts and technical studies into a well-balanced curriculum. This program does not replace the training requirements of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA), however completion of the program can make students eligible for the eight-week ILEA.
Awards Available
Criminal Justice: Associate of Applied Science Degree
Potential Careers
- law enforcement officers (police and sheriff)
- bailiffs
- correctional officers and jailers
- probation officers and correction treatment specialists
- security officers
- police, fire, and ambulance dispatchers
Upon completion of the program, the student will be able to:
- Identify and understand the inter-relationship of the components of the criminal justice system.
- Recognize and relate to current trends and issues in criminal justice.
- Critically analyze criminal behavior as both personal and societal issues.
- Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
- Exhibit effective critical thinking skills and techniques appropriate for the profession.
- Apply learned skills and ethics in facing the ever-increasing issues in a diverse society.
- Demonstrate the knowledge gained in the day to day practice of the criminal justice profession.
Contact
Instructor: Diogenes Ayala
Questions: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Criminal Justice Major: Associate of Arts