Criminal Justice Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree
Program Goals
- Equip students with essential criminal justice principles and practices.
- Offer credentials that enhance opportunities within law enforcement agencies.
- 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.
Admissions Requirement
In order to enroll in this degree, you must be a current or past student of the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA).
Program Description
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.
General Information
- Developmental coursework may be required in addition to the courses required for this degree and/or certificate(s).
- A [P] indicates that a prerequisite is required before the course can be taken. Refer to the prerequisites table listed below the degree plan or the course description in the College Catalog to determine the prerequisite.
General Requirements
- This degree requires successful completion of 60 credit hours.
- A minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average is required for graduation.
- Satisfaction of all financial obligations due to the college is required for graduation.
Residency Requirement
The student is required to complete a minimum of 15 semester hours in residence at SAU Tech for associate degrees and technical certificates and half of the credit hours required for certificates of proficiency as well as complete all other graduation requirements. Students who wish to pursue additional degrees must complete a minimum of 15 credit hours of difference between the degrees. Note: ALETA students who enroll for and received college credit during Basic Training has met the residency requirement.
ACTS Course Numbers
The Arkansas Course Transfer System (ACTS) contains information about the transferability of courses within Arkansas public colleges and universities. Students are guaranteed the transfer of applicable credits and equitable treatment in the application of credits for admissions and degree requirements.
Degree Plan
Semester I (12 hours)
Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) credit can be awarded for these courses to graduates of ALETA’s Basic Police Training.
Semester II (16 hours)
Semester III (16 hours)
Choose three (3) hours from these courses:
Semester IV (16 hours)
Choose three (3) hours from these courses: