Associate of Applied Science
Criminal Justice
Program Description
This program prepares students for a career in the multifaceted criminal justice system. The curriculum is structured around a core of courses allowing students to acquire the basic knowledge and skills needed to work in law enforcement, private security, corrections, and other related areas of criminal justice. The curriculum, which covers a variety of topics in criminal justice, focuses on developing the ability to understand and apply legal concepts, investigative techniques, evidence collection and presentation, report writing, patrol operations, and traffic management.
The program also stresses practical skills needed to deal with the complex social, psychological, political, and organizational factors that affect the discretionary decisions of law enforcement personnel. This blend of specific skills and informed perspectives prepares the Criminal Justice graduate to make the difficult decisions often required when serving the needs of the community.
Career and Advancement Opportunities
Many graduates find job opportunities in federal, state, county, and municipal governments. The knowledge and skills acquired in this program qualify graduates for positions with private enterprise in areas such as industrial, retail, and private security.
Special Requirements
A minimum of 60 credit hours are required for the Associate of Applied Science degree, and the requirements for the certificates are listed below. All courses, other than General Education requirements, must be completed with a “C” or better. Students should consult with a counselor or advisor for possible degree revisions and for proper sequential order of degree completion.
In addition to the AAS degree, students can apply credit hours earned in criminal justice to the Associate of Arts degree. Students should consult with a counselor or advisor for specific transfer information.
Law Academy Certificate Program
The certificate in Criminal Justice is offered to students enrolled in the Southeastern New Mexico Law Enforcement Training Academy. Some of the courses with a LA prefix are cross-listed with Criminal Justice courses; please check the course descriptions. The LA courses include hands-on training components not included in the CJ courses to prepare the student to qualify to take the State of New Mexico police officer certification examination. The CJ courses may not be substituted for the LA courses since they do not include the hands-on training components.
Contact Information: 575.492.2721
Degrees and Certificates
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Criminal Justice, -
Criminal Justice, Certificate
Courses
CJ198C: Sp Topic: Introduction to Cyber Security
Credits 3This course provides students with the foundational knowledge required to enhance their cybersecurity awareness and apply these skills in practical settings. Whether you are an individual looking to protect personal data or an aspiring cybersecurity professional, this course will lay the groundwork for a secure digital environment.
CJ199C: Sp Topic: Digital Forensics
Credits 3This course explains the core principles and practices of digital forensics investigation, focusing on the legal dimensions of handling computer crime incidents conducting investigations, and preserving evidence for forensic analysis. It offers foundational knowledge for students pursuing interests in criminal justice, law enforcement, or information security.
CJUS1110: Intro to Criminal Justice
Credits 3This course will explain the development and philosophy of criminal justice in a democratic society and an introduction to agencies involved in the administration of criminal justice. Discussion will include the goals of the police, history of the criminal justice system, how the system functions within the context of government to protect individual rights as well as constitutionally imposed restrictions on the system.
CJUS1112: Crime in America
Credits 3This course will emphasize the nature of crime in the United States including the evolution of Law as we know it. Topics addressed include basic theories of criminal behavior, characteristics of major crimes, and sociological, demographic and psychological characteristics of those who commit crimes.
CJUS1120: Substantive Criminal Law
Credits 3This course will explain the history of criminal law, the principles of criminal procedure, and the essential components of constitutional, statutory, and common law.
CJUS1130: Criminalistics-Intro Forensics
Credits 3This course is a study of physical evidence found at crime scenes, updated techniques for proper collection and preservation of crime scene evidence, and various forms of forensic analysis. Also covered will be the topic of DNA in a manner that is comprehensible to students who lack a scientific background.
CJUS1140: Juvenile Justice & Delinquency
Credits 3This course will explain the organization, functions, and jurisdiction of juvenile agencies. Discussion includes the juvenile court and justice system, historical development of delinquency, the special status of juveniles under the law, and special attention to juvenile justice procedural law (Children's Code and Rules of Procedure).
CJUS1996: Serial Killers - Special Top
Credits 3This course is designed to give the student a greater understanding of the psychology, biology, and sociology of a serial killer. The student will be introduced to the typologies of serial killers. We will discuss the social construction of serial murders. This course will explore the myths and inaccuracies so popular with the media and the general public. The students will better understand the victimology of serial murders along with the actions of law enforcement in response to serial murders.
CJUS2120: Introduction to the Courts
Credits 3This course will explain the history of the courts, as well as the organization, structure, and jurisdiction of the judicial system.
CJUS2130: Police and Society
Credits 3This course is an introduction in the study of law enforcement and policing in America. It will explore diversity and critically evaluate the direction and trends in modern police agencies. The student will become familiar with the names, phrases, and concepts that are routinely used by those in the study of crime and the workings of the criminal justice system.
CJUS2140: Criminal Investigation I
Credits 3This course will identify the fundamentals of criminal investigation. It will include conduct at crime scenes, collection and preservation of evidence, interviews and interrogations, crime scene photography and sketching, and report writing.
CJUS2150: Introduction to Corrections
Credits 3This introductory course is designed to acquaint individuals with the role of corrections in America. It is an examination of the broad spectrum of systems, processes, and people that constitute the field of corrections. Whenever possible, practical orientation to the field of corrections will be explored.
CJUS2223: Narcotics & Dangerous Drugs
Credits 3This course will emphasize the pharmacological properties of abused drugs, common abuse patterns, field-testing, evidence requirements, and investigation techniques utilized in narcotics and dangerous drug investigations.
CJUS2235: Criminal Procedure
Credits 3This course will concentrate on substantive criminal law, general rules, principles, and doctrines of criminal liability in the United States; and classifications of crimes against persons, property, and the public welfare.
CJUS2340: Introduction to Victimology
Credits 3This course is an introduction to the crime victim as a larger part of our society and as a participant in the criminal justice system. The student will be introduced to criminal victimization in the United States and their role the victim plays I the criminal justice system. Additionally, the course will address crime, abuse, rape, elderly victims, children as victims, victim service programs, and compensation / restitution.
CJUS2410: Probation, Parole & Community
Credits 3This course will explain the role of community corrections within the Criminal Justice System, operation of the correctional institution, alternatives to incarceration, treatment and rehabilitation of offenders, distinction between parole and probation, and the legal basis governing the supervision of juvenile and adult offenders placed on probation or parole.