CriminalJusticeAS

North Hennepin Associate of Science degree program in Criminal Justice provides students with a broad analysis of the relationship between law and society as well as a thorough examination of the interrelationships, functions and operations of the different components of the criminal justice system. It is designed to transfer to a four year institution and provide preparation for a variety of entrylevel positions in state, county, and municipal law enforcement agencies.

The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice is designed to articulate to:

  • Metropolitan State University B.A. in Criminal Justice degree
  • Kaplan University B.S. in Criminal Justice degree
  • Concordia University St. Paul B.A. in Criminal Justice degree

 

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2019 - 2020

  • Curriculum

    Program Courses
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    Course Subject: HLTH         Course Number:1060
    Course Title:Drugs and Health      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:This course examines how drugs will relate with and affect holistic health, with a focus on the physiological, sociological and psychological effects these drugs may have on an individual and their relationships. The emphasis of this course is on the basic tools and information needed to understand and interact with individuals who may have problems with chemicals. It is designed to provide current information regarding the various drugs in society today.
    		Drugs and HealthView-HLTH 1060n/a3
    Course Subject: PHIL         Course Number:1020
    Course Title:Ethics      Goal Areas:06,09       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course will introduce students to both the methods and issues connected with thinking about morality and ethical systems. Moral skepticism will also be examined. The aim of this class is to allow students to be more aware of their own ethical modes of thinking and the diversity of ways morality enters into human lives.
    		EthicsView-PHIL 102006,09 3
    Course Subject: POLS         Course Number:2130
    Course Title:Constitutional Law      Goal Areas:05       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course will acquaint students with the content of the United States Constitution and its amendments; its interpretations within political, social, and historical contexts; and will examine the reasoning process in major judicial decisions.Prerequisite: Soc 1710 or PolS 1100
    		Constitutional LawView-POLS 213005 3
    Course Subject: SOC         Course Number:1710
    Course Title:Introduction to Criminal Justice      Goal Areas:05       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course covers the history, organization, and function of the criminal justice system in the United States. Topics include foundations of crime and justice, victimization, crime statistics and the extent of crime, police issues, court systems, corrections, and future trends. Note: Sociology 1110 recommended prior to taking this course.
    		Introduction to Criminal JusticeView-SOC 171005 3
    Course Subject: SOC         Course Number:1720
    Course Title:Police and Community      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:This course addresses the affective-oriented aspects of contemporary law enforcement. Topics include crime prevention, police community relations, ethical decision-making, cultural diversity, bias-motivated crimes, domestic abuse, problem solving, volunteerism, and interpersonal communications. Note: SOC 1110, Introduction to Sociology, recommended before taking this class.
    		Police and CommunityView-SOC 1720n/a3
    Course Subject: SOC         Course Number:1730
    Course Title:Juvenile Justice      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:This course analyzes the juvenile justice system and its historical and philosophical development, including theories of social causes and effects of delinquency. Students will learn strategies for working with juveniles and for preventing and investigating delinquency. The course provides a working knowledge of Minnesota statutes pertaining to juveniles through the study of case law, report writing, skills exercises, and simulation.
    		Juvenile JusticeView-SOC 1730n/a3
    Course Subject: SOC         Course Number:2730
    Course Title:Introduction to Corrections      Goal Areas:05       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course examines corrections as a major component of the criminal justice system in the United States. Topics may include programs, practices and critical issues. Prerequisite: Soc 1710 or Consent of Instructor
    		Introduction to CorrectionsView-SOC 273005 3
     
    Program Electives
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    Program Electives - 5 credits (CIS1101 or CSCI1000, not both)
    Course Subject: CIS         Course Number:1101
    Course Title:Business Computer Systems I      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:This course develops computer and digital literacy and emphasizes its importance in today's businesses and society. Through hands-on experience students will gain an understanding of computer concepts, capabilities and applications and be able to implement this knowledge in their professional and personal lives. Computer applications covered include word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, databases, windows/operating system, e-mail use and management, folder and file organization and use of the Internet. Computer concepts covered include understanding computers and mobile devices, how a computer works, managing files, computer and mobile device hardware components, digital safety and security, application programs, input and output devices, digital storage options, ethical practices and Internet basics. Hands-on experience will be provided on computers in the Windows environment using the Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. Knowledge of the keyboard is recommended for this course. Check with your instructor for the software edition that will be used.
    		Business Computer Systems I orView-CIS 1101n/a3
    Course Subject: CSCI         Course Number:1000
    Course Title:Computer Basics      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:The students will get hands-on experience with an operating environment (the current version of Microsoft Windows) and Windows-based applications which include spreadsheets, word processors and presentation packages. The course enables students to use computers to process information and communicate using e-mail and World Wide Web.
    		Computer Basics orView-CSCI 1000n/a3
    Course Subject: ECON         Course Number:1050
    Course Title:Economics of Crime      Goal Areas:05,09       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course covers economics theories of crime and justice. Crime topics include: illegal drug markets, violent crime, nonviolent crime, and international crime. Economic theories and concepts such as rationality, efficiency, supply, and demand are used. The course includes international and historical comparisons of enforcement techniques from both an economic efficiency framework and an ethical perspective.
    		Economics of Crime orView-ECON 105005,09 3
    Course Subject: EXSC         Course Number:1010
    Course Title:Physical Fitness      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:2

    Course Description:This course is designed to provide cardiovascular and strength enhancement through participation in an aerobic super circuit program. Selected strength training and cardiovascular equipment will be utilized as well as personalized heart rate zones and monitoring. A pre-assessment of ones current level of fitness will aid in the ability to set goals, and a post-assessment will determine improvement/s, as well as areas needing continued emphasis. Healthy lifestyle information will also be presented in order to make fitness and wellness a lifelong goal. This course can be repeated for credit.
    		Physical Fitness orView-EXSC 1010n/a2
    Course Subject: HLTH         Course Number:1600
    Course Title:Emergency Medical Responder      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:3

    Course Description:The course provides training in emergency medical care for persons who are apt to be responding to accidents. The course emphasizes the development of skills in patient assessment and emergency medical procedures. The goal is to prepare you for work in the emergency medical arena as a first responder. The course will provide you with the information needed to make competent decisions regarding medical and trauma patients.
    		Emergency Medical Responder orView-HLTH 1600n/a3
    Course Subject: POLS         Course Number:1140
    Course Title:State and Local Politics      Goal Areas:05,09       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course studies the operation and structure of state governments including executive, legislative, judicial functions as well as elections and policy formation, with an emphasis on Minnesota.
    		State and Local Politics orView-POLS 114005,09 3
    Course Subject: PSYC         Course Number:1165
    Course Title:Psychology of Adjustment      Goal Areas:05,07       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course is an in-depth look at the processes of normal human adjustment and their application in the student's life adjustment. A component of the course is diversity and dealing with diversity, specifically the development and changing group identities in the U. S.; an examination of the individual and institutional processes of unequal power between groups; an examination of the students' attitudes, behavior and beliefs about diversity, stereotyping, prejudice, bias and racism and bigotry; and experience in developing the necessary communication skills for living and working in a diverse society. Other topics may include goal setting and change processes, self-awareness and identity, physical and psychological health, stress and coping, interpersonal relationships and communication, emotions and motivation, social interactions, psychological growth and development, meaning and values, and decision making.
    		Psychology of Adjustment orView-PSYC 116505,07 3
    Course Subject: SOC         Course Number:1990
    Course Title:Sociology Special Topics      Goal Areas:n/a      Credits:1-4

    Course Description:This course will provide flexibility in offering an in-depth review of topics of immediate importance and topical interest. These topics will go beyond the introductory courses in examining specific aspects of the subject matter.
    		Sociology Special TopicsView-SOC 1990n/a1-4
     
    General Education Courses
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    Course Subject: COMM         Course Number:1110
    Course Title:Principles of Interpersonal Communication      Goal Areas:01,07       Credits:3

    Course Description:This introductory course looks at communication in one-to-one relationships in friendships, families, the workplace, and elsewhere. Students will be challenged to discover and assess their own communication strengths and weaknesses as they define and discuss what it means to be a competent interpersonal communicator. Course content includes both theory and practice (skill development).
    		Principles of Interpersonal CommunicationView-COMM 111001,07 3
    Course Subject: COMM         Course Number:1310
    Course Title:Intercultural Communication      Goal Areas:07,08       Credits:3

    Course Description:The influence of culture is an especially important and sensitive issue facing us today. A person's culture strongly influences his/her identity, beliefs, expectations, and communication style. This course explores communication across culture as defined by nationality, gender, and ethnicity while concentrating on effective use of communication in all of these areas.
    		Intercultural CommunicationView-COMM 131007,08 3
    Course Subject: ENGL         Course Number:1202
    Course Title:College Writing II      Goal Areas:01       Credits:2

    Course Description:This class focuses on the research process, textual analysis of primary and secondary sources, rhetorical strategies for argument and persuasion, and successful integration of sources into a longer academic paper utilizing MLA (or other, as appropriate) documentation format. The class may be disciplinary, interdisciplinary, or topical in content, as noted on the class registration site.
    		College Writing IIView-ENGL 120201 2
    Course Subject: PSYC         Course Number:1150
    Course Title:General Psychology      Goal Areas:05       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course provides an overview of topics in psychology. Topics may include history of psychology, research methods, physiological psychology, sensation and perception, consciousness, learning, memory, motivation and emotion, personality, stress and coping, abnormal behavior, therapy, and social psychology. Students are strongly encouraged to check with an advisor to determine if this is the appropriate course for their degree/program. You must meet perquisites or obtain instructor permission to take this course.
    		General PsychologyView-PSYC 115005 3
    Course Subject: SOC         Course Number:1110
    Course Title:Introduction to Sociology      Goal Areas:05,07       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course is a study of social and cultural aspects of human behavior. Topics include society and culture, roles and norms, groups and organizations, deviance, inequality, social and cultural change, and research methods.
    		Introduction to SociologyView-SOC 111005,07 3
    Course Subject: SOC         Course Number:1130
    Course Title:Social Problems/Deviance      Goal Areas:07,09       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course examines issues and concerns in the modern world such as population, global warming, the environment, natural resources, terrorism, poverty, racism, sexism, mental illness, drug abuse, crime, sexual assault, prostitution and suicide. Social policies designed to deal with those issues are also considered. Prerequisite: Soc 1110
    		Social Problems/DevianceView-SOC 113007,09 3
    Course Subject: SOC         Course Number:1750
    Course Title:Families in Crisis      Goal Areas:05       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course analyzes the dimensions and dynamics of family dysfunctions. Topics may include, domestic abuse, child abuse and protection, vulnerable adults, peace officer response to crime victims, Americans with Disabilities Act as it relates to peace officers, mental health, poverty, homelessness, and the substance abuse as related to family issues. Prerequisite: Soc 1110
    		Families in CrisisView-SOC 175005 3
    Course Subject: SOC         Course Number:2210
    Course Title:Social Inequality      Goal Areas:05,07       Credits:3

    Course Description:This course considers the social history, current conditions, and future prospects of minority groups in the United States. Topics include racism, sexism, prejudice, discrimination, affirmative action, and other related issues and social policies. Prerequisite: Soc 1110
    		Social InequalityView-SOC 221005,07 3
    College Writing I
    Course Subject: ENGL         Course Number:1200
    Course Title:Gateway College Writing      Goal Areas:01       Credits:4

    Course Description:This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
    		Gateway College Writing orView-ENGL 120001 4
    Course Subject: ENGL         Course Number:1201
    Course Title:College Writing I      Goal Areas:01       Credits:4

    Course Description:This class provides extended practice in critical reading, writing, and thinking skills. Students will develop an effective writing process and work to achieve college-level competence in reading and responding to texts, visuals, events, and ideas in a variety of written formats, with an emphasis on the academic essay. Audience awareness, interpretation and analysis, logical reasoning, and persuasive and argumentative skills will be developed. MLA style documentation of primary sources will be included.
    		College Writing IView-ENGL 120101 4
     
    MnTC Electives
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    Natural Sciences or Mathematics/Logical Reasoning (Goal Area 3 or 4) - 4 credits: ANTH1020(3), BIOL1000(4), BIOL1001(4), BIOL1002(4), BIOL1030(4), BIOL1101(4), BIOL1102(4), BIOL1120(3), BIOL1130(4), BIOL1140(4), BIOL1160(4), BIOL1200(4), BIOL1350(3), BIOL1360(4), BIOL1610(1), BIOL1650(1), BIOL2020(4), BIOL2030(4), BIOL2100(4), BIOL2111(4), BIOL2112(4), BIOL2360(4), CHEM1000(4), CHEM1010(4), CHEM1030(4), CHEM1061(4), CHEM1062(4), GEOG1010(3), GEOL1010(2), GEOL1020(2), GEOL1030(2), GEOL1040(2), GEOL1110(4), GEOL1120(4), GEOL1130(4), GEOL1150(4), GEOL1160(4), GEOL1850(3), GEOL1851(1), MATH1010(3), MATH1031(3), MATH1032(3), MATH1080(3), MATH1090(4), MATH1130(3), MATH1140(3), MATH1150(3), MATH1160(4), MATH1170(4), MATH1180(5), MATH1190(5), MATH1200(3), MATH1221(5), MATH1222(5), MATH2010(3), MATH2220(5), MATH2300(4), MATH2400(4), NSCI1000(4), NSCI1010(1), NSCI1020(1), NSCI1030(1), NSCI1050(4), NSCI1060(3), NSCI1061(1), NSCI1070(3), NSCI1071(1), NSCI1110(4), NSCI1120(4), PHIL1050(3), PHYS1000(4), PHYS1030(4), PHYS1050(4), PHYS1060(3), PHYS1061(1), PHYS1070(3), PHYS1071(1), PHYS1120(4), PHYS1140(3), PHYS1201(5), PHYS1202(5), PHYS1400(3), PHYS1410(1), PHYS1450(3), PHYS1460(1), PHYS1601(5), PHYS1602(5)
    The Humanities and Fine Arts (Goal Area 6) - 3 credits: ARBC1030(3), ART1040(3), ART1101(3), ART1102(3), ART1160(3), ART1170(3), ART1270(3), ART1301(3), ART1302(3), ART1310(3), ART1320(3), ART1340(3), ART1341(3), ART1361(3), ART1362(3), ART1401(3), ART1402(3), ART1770(3), ART1810(1), ART1820(2), ART2180(3), ART2190(3), ART2300(2), ART2611(3), ART2612(3), ART2640(3), ART2740(1), ART2750(1), ART2780(1), ART2781(1), ART2782(1), ART2800(1), ART2820(1), ART2860(1), ART2900(1), ART2970(1), ENGL1150(3), ENGL1250(2), ENGL1400(3), ENGL1450(3), ENGL1900(3), ENGL1950(3), ENGL2010(3), ENGL2020(3), ENGL2030(3), ENGL2270(3), ENGL2300(3), ENGL2310(3), ENGL2320(3), ENGL2330(3), ENGL2340(3), ENGL2350(3), ENGL2360(3), ENGL2370(3), ENGL2380(3), ENGL2390(3), ENGL2450(3), ENGL2460(3), ENGL2550(3), ENGL2560(3), ENGL2580(3), ENGL2590(3), ENGL2900(3), ENGL2950(3), GCST1030(3), GERM1030(3), INTD1030(3), MUSC1130(1), MUSC1160(1), MUSC1170(1), MUSC1180(1), MUSC1200(3), MUSC1220(3), MUSC1241(3), MUSC1242(3), MUSC1300(3), MUSC1320(1), MUSC1350(3), MUSC1500(2), MUSC1501(2), MUSC1502(2), MUSC1510(1), MUSC1560(1), MUSC1600(2), MUSC1610(1), MUSC1800(2), MUSC1801(2), MUSC1802(2), MUSC1810(1), MUSC1830(1), MUSC1850(1), MUSC1860(1), MUSC1870(1), MUSC2010(2), MUSC2170(3), MUSC2180(3), MUSC2241(3), MUSC2242(3), MUSC2970(1), PHIL1010(3), PHIL1020(3), PHIL1030(3), PHIL1040(3), PHIL1060(3), PHIL1220(3), SPAN1030(3), SPAN2201(5), SPAN2202(5), TFT1200(3), TFT1210(3), TFT1250(3), TFT1260(3), TFT1270(3), TFT1280(3), TFT1310(3), TFT1320(3), TFT1350(3), TFT1500(3), TFT1510(3), TFT1520(3), TFT1531(3), TFT1532(3), TFT1540(3), TFT1600(1), TFT1610(1), TFT2010(3), TFT2500(3), TFT2950(1)
     
    NHCC Residency and GPA
    CoursesTitlesCourse OutlinesGoal AreasCredits
    15 Credits must be earned at NHCC
     
                                   Total Credits Required60
    Notes: A cooperative agreement between North Hennepin Community College and Metropolitan State University exists for students earning the A.S. degree in Criminal Justice who intend to transfer to Metropolitan State to pursue their B.A. degree in Criminal Justice.

  • Program Outcomes

    Develop a foundation of essential knowledge about the cultural, social, and natural worlds, including:

    • demonstrating knowledge of history, current issues, concepts, organization, philosophies and theories in the field of criminal justice.
    • demonstrating an understanding of local ordinances, State Statutes and Federal Law, the purpose and function of police, courts, and corrections.
    • demonstrating an understanding of the judicial review process, political, cultural and social forces which impact the police, courts, corrections, suspects, victims, and other parties involved in the criminal justice system.

    Develop intellectual and practical skills, including:

    • communicating appropriately and effectively in work situations.
    • obtaining and refining the necessary skills in interpersonal communication, mathematics, basic crime statistics, as the skills are related to public contact and employment in the criminal justice system.
    • utilizing the intellectual and practical skills necessary to represent a private or public agency in a professional manner
    • developing the writing and public speaking skills necessary to communicate in small and large groups to prepare employment and further education.

    Demonstrate personal and social responsibility, including:

    • identifying career opportunities in criminal justice and the skills and attributes that employers are seeking and creating an understanding that employers often require continued higher education, citizenship, and service to others for initial placement and promotion.
    • comparing and contrasting traditional, developing and future trends and ideas in criminal justice.
    • developing a basic understanding of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, sexual orientation, gender identification, and social class as related to criminal justice issues. This basic understanding should lead to tolerance, valuing differences, and leading to the acceptance of others.

    Demonstrate integrative and applied learning, including:

    • articulating the history and application of Criminal Justice with respect to Law Enforcement, as well as its relationship to the other social sciences.
    • analyzing complex material, including constitutional law, State and Federal court rulings and having the ability to read and understand basic criminal justice related and court documents.
    • applying concepts used in the Criminal Justice profession.

    Upon completion of the program the student will prepared to transfer to a baccalaureate program.

  • Career Opportunities

    Information on careers, including salary and employment outlook data, is available on the iseek and Bureau of Labor Statistics websites: www.iseek.org and www.bls.gov.

  • Transfer Information

    If you are planning on transferring to another institution, follow the guidelines available on our transfer resources web page to help you plan the process: Transfer Information

  • Degree Information

    The Associate of Science (A.S.) degree is intended for students whose primary goal is to complete the credentials for a specific career and/or prepare for transfer to complete a bachelorandrsquo;s degree at a college or university with whom North Hennepin Community College has an articulation agreement. The A.S. degree provides a balance of general education courses and the required scientific, professional or technical courses in the degree program.

    A student shall:

    • Earn a minimum of 60 semester credits as required in the program, with a grade point average of 2.00 (C) or above in courses taken at North Hennepin Community College. Specific programs may have additional requirements or a higher minimum grade point average.
    • Earn a minimum of 15 semester credits at North Hennepin Community College. A student must complete at least 50% of career specific courses at North Hennepin Community College.
    • Earn 30 credits in at least 6 Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC) goal areas.
    • Earn 30 professional/technical credits.
    • Have four years to complete the graduation requirements as published in the catalog in effect at the time of their initial enrollment. Students taking more than four years to complete their graduation requirements may follow any catalog published during the fouryear period preceding their graduation.

    Completion of an A.S. degree fulfills the Goal Area 2 requirement of the Minnesota Transfer Curriculum (MnTC).

    Developmental Courses Some students may need preparatory course(s) in Math and/or English. Courses numbered below 1000 will not apply toward a degree.

    Equal Opportunity Employer and Disability Access Information North Hennepin Community College is a member of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and an equal opportunity employer and educator. This document is available in alternative formats to individuals with disabilities by calling 7634930555 or through the Minnesota Relay Service at 18006273529.

  • Accreditation

    North Hennepin Community College is accredited by the:
    Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
    30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400
    Chicago, IL 60602-2504
    1-800-621-7440