Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice

Associate of Arts Degree

The Criminal Justice AA program is interdisciplinary and provides the student with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system including components such as law enforcement, courts, and corrections. The student will also explore the theories relating to criminal behavior, legal procedures, and laws involved in the investigation and prosecution of crimes. The program prepares the student either for moving forward with additional academic studies or for careers in various aspects of the justice system such as policing, corrections, probation, family services, or victim advocacy.

Course Number Course Credits
CRMJ 1020Intro to Policing3
CRMJ 2100Politics and Judicial Process3
CRMJ 2120Intro to Criminal Justice3
CRMJ 2210Criminal Law3
CRMJ 2280Criminal Procedure3
CRMJ 2350Intro to Corrections3
CRMJ 2400Criminology3
CRMJ 2465Research Methods in Criminal Justice3
CRMJ & HSEC Program Electives

Students must complete general education requirements that will provide students a general knowledge to help them complete a degree at CWC.

Writing Level I (WR1)3 credits
Writing Level II (WR2)(in program)
American & Wyoming Government (POLS 1000)3 credits
ARTS3 credits
HUM3 credits
LSCI4 credits
MATH3 credits
ORAL3 credits
SOC3 credits
UNST1 credits

Total Credit Hours: 60

Criminal Justice

Associate of Applied Science

The changing complexity of the criminal justice field has created a demand for personnel with a strong foundation and education in the field. The Criminal Justice Associate of Applied Science Program is designed to meet the needs of pre-service and in-service criminal justice employees to obtain a foundational educational experience. The program provides a blend of core criminal justice classes and general education courses. The program prepares the student for entry level positions in criminal justice and/or for pursuit of the Bachelor of Applied Science (Organizational Management and Leadership: Criminal Justice Leadership).

Alternately, the Associate of Arts (AA) Program fulfills the initial two-year curriculum for many four-year Bachelor of Arts criminal justice programs.

Students must take 39 credits of Criminal Justice and Homeland Security courses.

Course Number Course Credits
CRMJ 1020Intro to Policing3
OR 
CRMJ 2120Intro to Criminal Justice3
  
CRMJ 1170Law Enforcement/Ethics,justice3
CRMJ 2000Court Testimony and Report Writing3
CRMJ 2130Criminal Investigation I3
Additional CRMJ and HSEC courses 
Additional CRMJ courses 

Students must take 6 general elective credits.

Writing Level I (WR1)

3 credits
American & Wyoming Government (POLS 1000) 3 credits
MATH/APPM/LSCI 3 credits
Student must complete six (6) credits of general education courses distributed over two (2) different general education areas, one of which is either WR2 or ORAL.
ARTS/HUM/IT/ORAL/SOC/WR2 6 credits
UNST 1 credits

Total Credit Hours: 61

Certificates

The Criminal Justice Certificate I, Corrections Option, is designed to meet the needs of the student interested in corrections and law enforcement. The magnitude and changing complexity of the criminal justice system, criminal activities, and corrections systems in our society dictate the need for criminal justice personnel that think critically and are empowered to make ethical decisions. The program provides a blend of core criminal justice classes and general education courses. The program prepares the student for positions in corrections and for completion of an AAS in Criminal Justice.

The Criminal Justice Certificate I, Corrections Option, is tailored to support careers in the criminal justice field.

Total Credit Hours: 31

Program Requirements

Course Number Course Credits
CRMJ 1170Law Enforcement/Ethics,justice3
CRMJ 2010Use of Force3
CRMJ 2350Intro to Corrections3
CRMJ 2365Community Based Corrections3
Additional CRMJ courses 

General Education Requirements

Writing Level I (WR1)/ORAL3 credits

MATH/APPM/LSCI

3 credits
UNST1 credits

The Criminal Justice Certificate I, Law Enforcement Option, is designed to meet the needs of the student interested in law enforcement. The magnitude and changing complexity of the criminal justice system and criminal activities in our society dictate the need for criminal justice personnel that think critically and are empowered to make ethical decisions. The program provides a blend of core criminal justice classes and general education courses. The program prepares the student for positions in today’s complex law enforcement field and for completion of an AAS in Criminal Justice.

The Criminal Justice Certificate I, Law Enforcement Option, is tailored to support careers in the criminal justice field.

Total Credit Hours: 31

Program Requirements

Course Number Course Credits
CRMJ 1170Law Enforcement/Ethics,justice3
CRMJ 2010Use of Force3
CRMJ 2130Criminal Investigation I3
CRMJ 2420Juvenile Justice3
Additional CRMJ courses 

General Education Requirements
Writing Level I (WR1)/ORAL3 credits

MATH/APPM/LSCI

3 credits
UNST1 credits

Total Credit Hours:

Program Requirements

Course Number Course Credits

General Education Requirements:

The Criminal Justice Certificate II is designed to meet the needs of the student interested in the field of criminal justice and law enforcement. The magnitude and changing complexity of the criminal justice system and criminal activities in society require the foundational education provided in this certificate program to empower those in or entering the profession to respond to the changing demands on the criminal justice and law enforcement professional. The program provides a blend of core criminal justice classes. The program prepares the student in and for entry-level positions in today’s complex law enforcement environment and for completion of a Certificate I and/or an AAS in Criminal Justice.

Total Credit Hours: 15

Program Requirements

Course Number Course Credits
CRMJ 1020Intro to Policing3
CRMJ 2000Court Testimony and Report Writing3
CRMJ 2135Criminal Investigation II3
Additional CRMJ courses 

CAREER PATHS

Building a Future in Criminal Justice

Central Wyoming College Criminal Justice program provides diverse career paths for individuals pursuing criminal justice education. Graduates can embark on various rewarding professions, including:

Public Safety, Juvenile Justice, Corrections, Victim Assistance, Law Enforcement, Crime Prevention, Loss Prevention, Court Administration, Trial Process and Research and Policy Making

For those looking to further their education, transfer options to four-year colleges or universities are available, opening doors to advanced career opportunities in the criminal justice sector.

 

Read BUCKRAIL article here

Meet Your Professor

Associate Professor of Criminal Justice

Profile photo of Andrew Hanson

Andrew Hanson

Instructor of Criminal Justice