2025-2026 Catalog

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Criminal Justice

Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) offers a structured Criminal Justice program designed to support both current and aspiring law enforcement professionals.The program facilitates career advancement and provides a pathway for potential completion of a bachelor's degree.

Graduates of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA) Basic Police Training will earn 11 college credit hours and be awarded a Certificate of Proficiency (CP) in Criminal Justice from SAU Tech.  The 11 hours will be accepted toward the requirements for a Technical Certificate (TC) in Criminal Justice.  In order to obtain the TC, students will be required to complete MATH1023-College Algebra or MATH 1063-Math Reasoning and ENGL1113-Composition I.  The remaining six hours needed to complete the TC will be awarded to ALETA graduates through SAU Tech’s credit for prior learning (CPL) program.

In order for ALETA graduates to obtain the Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, students will be required to complete the remaining 26 General Education hours as identified in the AS degree.  The 26 hours can also be accrued from an accredited institution of higher education.  The remaining hours required to complete the AS degree will be awarded to ALETA graduates via CPL.  The Law Enforcement Scholarship is available and covers tuition for the general education courses.  All General Education courses are available online.

 

Law enforcement personnel who completed ALETA training between 1990 and 1996 may enroll in a 1-credit hour course called Portfolio Development to receive credit for prior learning for the 28 credit hours and qualify for the scholarship. Students who attended ALETA since 1997 but did not receive the Technical Certificate may present a copy of their ALETA certificate to receive the 28 hours credit through prior learning and qualify for the scholarship.

 

Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA) graduates who receive the Technical Certificate in Criminal Justice can continue their college education by completing the required hours through SAU Tech’s Associate of Science degree.

Program Goals

  1. Equip students with essential criminal justice principles and practices.
  2. Offer credentials that enhance opportunities within law enforcement agencies.
  3. Ensure smooth transfer for students pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree.

Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

PLO 1.  Demonstrate clear and concise communication skills pertinent to criminal justice settings.

PLO 2.  Recognize and respect the diverse backgrounds and perspectives encountered in law enforcement.

PLO 3.  Apply analytical skills to assess situations and make informed decisions.

PLO 4.  Employ relevant technological tools and databases for research and operational purposes.

PLO 5.  Display knowledge and skills necessary for effective performance in criminal justice roles.