Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Criminal Justice
Offcanvas
The Associate in Arts (AA), Emphasis in Criminal Justice provides students with the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students who intend to earn a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and pursue a graduate degree in a related field. With a bachelor's degree, students may pursue advancement in several fields including local and federal law enforcement, the courts, corrections, security, and investigations. With a graduate degree, students may pursue employment in several areas including criminal justice professors, lawyers, judges, and statisticians. An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Administration of Justice Studies as well as six related Certificates of Completion (CCLs) are available.
Details
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.
- Apply fundamental criminal justice principles to situations related to the criminal justice system. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS113, AJS123, AJS200, AJS212, AJS225, AJS230, AJS240, AJS270, AJS275, PAD100, PAD200)
- Communicate orally, visually and in writing precisely, appropriately, and effectively to varied audiences. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS113, AJS123, AJS200, AJS212, AJS225, AJS230, AJS240, AJS270, AJS275, ENG215, ENG216, ENG217, HRM160, PAD100, PAD200, REC120, SWU171, [C], [CS], [FYC], [G], [H], [HU], [L], [MA], [SB], [SG], [SQ], (COM), (CRE))
- Apply foundational principles in criminal justice ethics to analyze real life and hypothetical decision-making situations. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS113, AJS123, AJS200, AJS212, AJS225, AJS230, AJS240, AJS270, AJS275, PAD100, PAD200, SWU171, [CS], [MA], [SG], [SQ])
- Communicate in the language common to the criminal justice system. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS113, AJS123, AJS200, AJS212, AJS225, AJS230, AJS240, AJS270, AJS275, ENG215, ENG216, ENG217, PAD100, PAD200, [FYC], (COM), (CRE))
- Utilize technology to collect, analyze and communicate data. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS113, AJS123, AJS200, AJS212, AJS225, AJS230, AJS240, AJS270, AJS275, PAD100, PAD200, [CS], [FYC], [MA], [SG], [SQ], (COM), (CRE))
- Demonstrate techniques and skills for developing and maintaining a collaborative and inclusive environment. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS113, AJS123, AJS200, AJS212, AJS225, AJS230, AJS240, AJS270, AJS275, HRM160, PAD100, PAD200, REC120, SWU171, [C], [G], [H], [HU], [SB], (COM))
- Synthesize multiple sources of information to support decision making. (AJS101, AJS109, AJS113, AJS123, AJS200, AJS212, AJS225, AJS230, AJS240, AJS270, AJS275, ENG215, ENG216, ENG217, PAD100, PAD200, SWU171, [C], [CS], [FYC], [G], [H], [MA], [SG], [SQ], (COM), (CRE))
- Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field. (FYE101, FYE103)
Successful completion of this degree may lead to employment in a variety of different occupations and industries. Below are examples of related occupations with associated Arizona-based wages* for this degree. Education requirements vary for the occupations listed below, so you may need further education or degrees in order to qualify for some of these jobs and earn the related salaries. Please visit with an academic advisor and/or program director for additional information. You can click on any occupation to view the detail regarding education level, wages, and employment information.
Bailiffs
$40,180 Show expanded career information for Bailiffs
Correctional Officers and Jailers
$45,070 Show expanded career information for Correctional Officers and Jailers
Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
$62,670 Show expanded career information for Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
$88,140 Show expanded career information for Detectives and Criminal Investigators
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
$98,610 Show expanded career information for First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Intelligence Analysts
$88,140 Show expanded career information for Intelligence Analysts
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
$100,330 Show expanded career information for Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
Judicial Law Clerks
$63,860 Show expanded career information for Judicial Law Clerks
Lawyers
$126,600 Show expanded career information for Lawyers
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
$68,060 Show expanded career information for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Police Identification and Records Officers
$88,140 Show expanded career information for Police Identification and Records Officers
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
$56,120 Show expanded career information for Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Public Safety Telecommunicators
$46,880 Show expanded career information for Public Safety Telecommunicators
Security Guards
$33,600 Show expanded career information for Security Guards
Statisticians
$97,450 Show expanded career information for Statisticians
Transit and Railroad Police
$71,000 Show expanded career information for Transit and Railroad Police
* Career and wage information provided by Pipeline AZ using data, reports, and forecasts which are generated using government data sources. Sources
The following is the suggested course sequence by term. Please keep in mind:
- Students should meet with an academic advisor to develop an individual education plan that meets their academic and career goals. Use the Degree Progress Report Tool in your Student Center to manage your plan.
- The course sequence is laid out by suggested term and may be affected when students enter the program at different times of the year.
- Initial course placement is determined by current district placement measures and/or completion of 100-200 level course and/or program requirements.
- Degree and transfer seeking students may be required to successfully complete a MCCCD First Year Experience Course (FYE) within the first two semesters at a MCCCD College. Courses include FYE101 and FYE103. Course offerings will vary by college. See an academic, program, or faculty advisor for details.
Full-time Sequence
Full-time status is 12 credits to 18 credits per semester.
Awareness Areas |
---|
|
Term 1
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AJS101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | Critical course Gateway course | SB | 3 | |
AJS123 | Ethics and the Administration of Justice | HU | 3 | ||
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 3 | |||
ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | Critical course | FYC or FYC | 3 | |
MAT14+ | College Mathematics | OR Higher approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area | MA | 3–6 | |
FYE101 or FYE103 |
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 | |||
Second Language or Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Term 2
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230 |
Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication | COM Requirement | SB or SB or L or SB | 3 | |
ENG102 or ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 | ||
CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking | OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment | L | 0–3 | |
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 3 | |||
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 3 | |||
Second Language or Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Term 3
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CS | Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application | CS | 3 | ||
SG or SQ | Natural Sciences General | Recommend FOR105 or FOR106. | SG | 4 | |
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 3 | |||
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 3 | |||
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 3 | |||
Second Language or Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Term 4
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | Recommend selecting a course that satisfies the Global [G] or Historical [H] awareness area. | HU | 3 | |
SQ | Natural Sciences Quantitative | Recommend FOR105 or FOR106. | SQ | 4 | |
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 3 | |||
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 3 | |||
Second Language or Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Part-time Sequence
Part-time status is 11 credit hours or less.
Awareness Areas |
---|
|
Term 1
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AJS101 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | Critical course Gateway course | SB | 3 | |
ENG101 or ENG107 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | Critical course | FYC or FYC | 3 | |
FYE101 or FYE103 |
Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success or Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success | 1–3 |
Term 2
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
AJS123 | Ethics and the Administration of Justice | HU | 3 | ||
ENG102 or ENG108 |
First-Year Composition or First-Year Composition for ESL | FYC or FYC | 3 |
Term 3
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CRE101 | College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking | OR Equivalent as indicated by assessment | L | 0–3 | |
MAT14+ | College Mathematics | OR Higher approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area | MA | 3–6 | |
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 3 |
Term 4
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
COM100 or COM110 or COM225 or COM230 |
Introduction to Human Communication or Interpersonal Communication or Public Speaking or Small Group Communication | COM Requirement | SB or SB or L or SB | 3 | |
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 3 |
Term 5
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 3 | |||
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | CS | 3 | ||
Second Language or Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 101 Level or Elective | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Term 6
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
HU | Humanities, Fine Arts & Design | Recommend selecting a course that satisfies the Global [G] or Historical [H] awareness area. | HU | 3 | |
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | L | 3 | ||
Second Language or Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 102 Level or Elective | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Term 7
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
CS | Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application | CS | 3 | ||
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 3 | |||
Second Language or Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 201 Level or Elective | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Term 8
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
SQ | Natural Sciences Quantitative | Recommend FOR105 or FOR106. | SQ | 4 | |
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 3 | |||
Second Language or Elective |
Second Language Requirement, 202 Level or Elective | See your program advisor to determine if your transfer option requires language proficiency |
Term 9
Course Number | Course Name | Requisites | Notes | Area | Credits |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
SG or SQ | Natural Sciences General | Recommend FOR105 or FOR106. | SG | 4 | |
Transfer Option | Transfer Option | 3 |
Gateway Course = Generally the first major-specific course in a pathway.
Critical Course = A course that is highly predictive of future success in a pathway.
- C = Cultural Diversity in the US
- CS = Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Application
- FYC = First Year Composition
- G = Global Awareness
- H = Historical Awareness
- HU = Humanities, Fine Arts, and Design
- L = Literacy & Critical Inquiry
- MA = Mathematics
- SB = Social-Behavioral Sciences
- SG = Natural Sciences General
- SQ = Natural Sciences Quantitative
Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.
Course Sequence total credits may differ from the program information located on the MCCCD curriculum website due to program and system design.
View MCCCD’s official curriculum documentation for additional details regarding the requirements of this award (https://aztransmac2.asu.edu/cgi-bin/WebObjects/MCCCD.woa/wa/freeForm10?id=190024).
At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.
The pathway map presented above is for the current catalog year and is the intended pathway map for new students. All previous catalog years for this pathway map are available at the link below.
Previous catalog years for Associate in Arts (AA) in Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Criminal Justice