Criminal Justice (CJAAS)
Award: Associate in applied science degree
Program location: South Omaha Campus, Online
This degree provides practical knowledge of the criminal justice system and operations. Study focuses on local, state, and federal law enforcement, judicial processes, corrections, homeland security, private security, and network security/computer forensics. The degree also explores the criminal justice system’s role within society.
Employment opportunities exist in a variety of local, state, and federal law enforcement, corrections, and security fields. Examples include police officer, deputy sheriff, county detention officer, correctional officer, and loss prevention specialist. Individuals considering a degree or employment in a criminal justice profession must be aware of strict employment qualifications. Factors that usually disqualify candidates from employment include a criminal record (e.g., theft, assault, murder), history of drug abuse, significant psychological/personal disorders, physiological disorders, neuromuscular dysfunction, and dishonesty. Criminal justice agencies carefully scrutinize candidates in order to select those who maintain the public’s trust and confidence at all times.
Graduation Requirements
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General education
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27.0
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Major requirements
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45.0
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Course track offerings
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26.0–27.0
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Total credit hours required
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98.0–99.0
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In addition to police careers, the Criminal Justice program also leads to the following opportunities:
911 dispatcher
defense attorney
game warden
state trooper
court bailiff
district attorney
prison guard
U.S. marshal
crime lab specialist
FBI agent
probation/parole officer
criminal justice professor
forest ranger
secret service