General Education Associate of Arts (A.A.) Degree (Criminal Justice)
Program Goal
- The program will provide students the opportunity to expand knowledge of morality and ethics.
- The program will provide students the opportunity to develop skills to communicate effectively.
- The program will provide an opportunity for students to become knowledgeable and proficient in the use of information technology.
- The program will provide opportunities for students to acquire the necessary skills to think critically.
- The program will provide the opportunity for students to develop mathematical skills
Program Learning Outcomes (PLOs)
- Applied Ethics - The applied ethics outcome involves two major components: (1) understanding principles of normative and non-normative ethical theories; and 2) applying these principles in decision-making activities including case studies and contemporary issues. Most character is explored in all its dimensions: virtues and vices, commitments and attitudes, personal relationships, and community involvement, in addition to right and wrong conduct.
- Communication (oral and written) - The communication competency will enhance students' written and oral communication skills. Students will examine and show competency through the use of different types of communication appropriate in professional and academic settings. Students will assess what communication is appropriate for certain audiences and ethical issues that arise from communicating with others. Students will be able to effectively communicate through oral and written communication methods.
- Critical Thinking - Critical thinking outcome is defined as a set of skills and strategies for making reasonable decisions about what we do and believe. These skills and strategies include understanding the use of thought and language, recognizing the most common logical fallacies, and using the essential skills of deductive and inductive argument analysis and evaluation. Students must demonstrate practical applications of critical thinking in academic disciplines.
- Mathematical Reasoning - Mathematical outcome enables students to efficiently process data and to learn new material in fields inside and outside of mathematics. Students will develop a knowledge base that allows logical reasoning and valid problem-solving techniques that can be applied in the student's personal and professional careers.
- A Historical, Cultural, Social and Global Perspective –
- Understand the complexities of the human experience in reference to sociological, cultural, Historical, geographical, psychological, political, and/or economic events issues, and points of view.
- Demonstrate a familiarity with the body of knowledge in the social science fields.
- Acquire an appreciation for the art, history, politics, and philosophies of their own and other cultures.
- Acquire the basic abilities within the social sciences to identify multiple perspectives, assess problems and advance solutions, and pursue inquiry and report results and/or opinions.
Transfer Options
- Columbia College
- Purdue Global University
- Southern Arkansas University
- BS Criminal Justice
- BS Cyber Criminology
- University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
- BS Organizational Leadership
Program Description
The Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree is designed to allow students the opportunity to obtain the first two years of college credits toward meeting most of the General Education requirements and some of the prerequisite requirements of a four-year baccalaureate degree. This degree plan was created to provide for ease of transfer to criminal justice related programs at four-year universities.
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.
- All degree-seeking students are required to take Student Success.
- 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.
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 (18 hours)
Semester II (16 hours)
Choose three (3) hours from these courses:
Choose three (3) hours from these courses:
Semester III (13 hours)
Choose three (3) hours from these courses:
Choose three (3) hours from these courses:
Semester IV (13 hours)
Choose three (3) hours from these courses:
Total Credit Hours: 60