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Program Description

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.

Admissions

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.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning a minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 47 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive English Program. For more information on international admission visit the admissions website for international students.

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.

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

1. Explain the structure and function of the criminal justice system, namely police, courts and corrections.
2. Explain criminal law and how it intersects with and impacts society.
3. Explain and compare the theories on crime, criminality and criminal justice practices.
4. 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:

1. Identify the components and legal processes of the criminal justice system, and apply basic criminal laws to various situations.
2. Explain the different types of police procedures and their effective uses in law enforcement.
3. Use ethical, analytical and critical-thinking skills toward situations typical to criminal justice settings.
4. Safely and properly conduct a traffic stop and respond to a domestic disturbance, dispatched call or crime in progress.
5. Properly carry out comprehensive criminal investigations and write various reports.
6. Proficiently provide first aid at the level of a first responder.

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration

Peace Officers Training Academy Concentration Requirements

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