Associate of Arts in General Education Concentration in Criminal Justice Administration
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Criminal Justice Administration Concentration, Associate of Arts in General Education
Through this concentration, students can improve their Spanish language skills and their marketability in various professions. The coursework focuses on increasing students’ spoken and written fluency and their cultural competency for working with Spanish-speaking populations.
Degree Requirements
The Concentration in Spanish requires four courses at and above the 300-level for a total of 18 quarter units. Required courses include SPN 303 and SPN 304. Students then choose two electives, one of which must be in Spanish.
Placement into prerequisite courses or directly into the concentration can be established through prior coursework at the high school or college level, testing options as described in the NU catalog, or an oral interview with SoALS faculty in the case of extensive personal experience speaking Spanish.
Course Details
Total Requirements for the Concentration
- 4 courses;18 credit hours
Students are to choose five courses from the following six options listed below:
This course is designed to provide the student with a basic understanding of the role of the peace officer in American society. The course will examine the steps in selecting candidates for the position of police officer, the complexity of the enforcement requirement, the challenges that face peace officers each day, the limitations placed on peace officers by all three branches of government at both the state and federal levels.
An introduction to the field of corrections and the corrections continuum. Topics include contemporary theories of punishment, corrections and rehabilitation, local, state, federal and military confinement facilities and community alternatives to incarceration.
A study of the nature and control of juvenile delinquency. Examines patterns of delinquent behavior, factors of causation, juvenile law and the juvenile justice system. Students also learn policies and procedures in treatment and prevention.
Prerequisite: SPN 200
A study of concepts and theories regarding the utilization, organization and management of the judicial process. Critically reviews the issues of fair trial, speedy trial, free press, calendar control, judicial responsibility and new technology. Students analyze the roles of the legal actors, problems of lower, trial and appellate courts and the distribution of judicial powers.
A survey of jurisprudential philosophy and case study of common law and statutory crimes. Discusses historical development, theory, principles and functions of criminal law. Also covers elements of due process, rule of law and the role of the constitution in protecting rights.
A study of the elements of criminal law as applied to various theories of criminal evidence to enhance understanding of the various issues facing prosecutors, criminal justice practitioners and law enforcement agents. This course will explore the application of evidentiary issues and its relationship to investigations and criminal conduct.
Program Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate skills for self-development that contribute to lifelong learning.
- Demonstrate literacy in written and oral communication.
- Apply information literacy skills in developing research projects and presentations.
- Demonstrate a capacity for responsible citizenship in a diverse society.
- Demonstrate awareness of past and present human and cultural diversity.
- Identify ethical issues raised in different disciplines.
- Demonstrate scientific and quantitative literacy skills in appraising information and solving problems.
- Demonstrate the ability to use the elements of critical thinking to analyze issues, solve problems, and make decisions.
- Demonstrate the ability to work successfully in a team.
- Demonstrate creative thinking in expression or problem-solving.
Program Disclosure
Successful completion and attainment of National University degrees do not lead to automatic or immediate licensure, employment, or certification in any state/country. The University cannot guarantee that any professional organization or business will accept a graduate’s application to sit for any certification, licensure, or related exam for the purpose of professional certification.
Program availability varies by state. Many disciplines, professions, and jobs require disclosure of an individual’s criminal history, and a variety of states require background checks to apply to, or be eligible for, certain certificates, registrations, and licenses. Existence of a criminal history may also subject an individual to denial of an initial application for a certificate, registration, or license and/or result in the revocation or suspension of an existing certificate, registration, or license. Requirements can vary by state, occupation, and/or licensing authority.
NU graduates will be subject to additional requirements on a program, certification/licensure, employment, and state-by-state basis that can include one or more of the following items: internships, practicum experience, additional coursework, exams, tests, drug testing, earning an additional degree, and/or other training/education requirements.
All prospective students are advised to review employment, certification, and/or licensure requirements in their state, and to contact the certification/licensing body of the state and/or country where they intend to obtain certification/licensure to verify that these courses/programs qualify in that state/country, prior to enrolling. Prospective students are also advised to regularly review the state’s/country’s policies and procedures relating to certification/licensure, as those policies are subject to change.
National University degrees do not guarantee employment or salary of any kind. Prospective students are strongly encouraged to review desired job positions to review degrees, education, and/or training required to apply for desired positions. Prospective students should monitor these positions as requirements, salary, and other relevant factors can change over time.