About This Program
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. Read more...
Contact Information
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*
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
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. 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.
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.
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 One |
|---|
| 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 Hours | 16 |
| 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 Hours | 15 |
| Semester Three |
|---|
| CRIM 33200 | CRIMINAL LAW | 3 |
| Additional or Concentration Requirements | 11-12 |
| | Credit Hours | 14 |
| Semester Four |
|---|
| CRIM 27311 | VICTIMOLOGY | 3 |
| Additional or Concentration Requirements | 9 |
| General Elective | 3-4 |
| | Credit Hours | 15 |
| | Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 60 |
Peace Officers Training Academy Concentration Requirements
Plan of Study Grid | Semester One |
|---|
| 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 Hours | 13 |
| 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 Hours | 12 |
| Semester Three |
|---|
| CRIM 27311 | VICTIMOLOGY | 3 |
| CRIM 33200 | CRIMINAL LAW | 3 |
| General Electives | 7 |
| | Credit Hours | 13 |
| 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 Hours | 22 |
| | Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 60 |
University Requirements
All students in an applied or technical associate degree program at Kent State University must complete the following university requirements for graduation.
NOTE: University requirements may be fulfilled in this program by specific course requirements, please see Program Requirements for details.
Course List | Code | Title | Credit Hours |
| 1 |
| |
| 15 |
| 60 |
| |
Kent Core Requirements
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Explain the structure and function of the criminal justice system, namely police, courts and corrections.
- Explain criminal law and how it intersects with and impacts society.
- Explain and compare the theories on crime, criminality and criminal justice practices.
- 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:
- Identify the components and legal processes of the criminal justice system, and apply basic criminal laws to various situations.
- Explain the different types of police procedures and their effective uses in law enforcement.
- Use ethical, analytical and critical-thinking skills toward situations typical to criminal justice settings.
- Safely and properly conduct a traffic stop and respond to a domestic disturbance, dispatched call or crime in progress.
- Properly carry out comprehensive criminal investigations and write various reports.
- Proficiently provide first aid at the level of a first responder.
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.
