Criminal Justice

www.linnbenton.edu/criminal-justice

Oregon law enforcement agencies are facing a growing need to replace large numbers of retiring officers. In addition, the prison industry and areas of law enforcement such as crime analysis are predicted to expand in the 21st century. Law enforcement agencies commonly seek candidates who have a minimum of a two-year degree, and many give preference to candidates with four-year degrees. Students interested in a two-year degree should pursue the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Students interested in transferring and completing a four-year degree should consider the Associate of Arts, Oregon Transfer (AAOT) degree. We also offer a track within our Associate of Science (AS) degree in Sociology for students interested in transferring into the Crime and Justice option of the Sociology program at Oregon State University. Please see the catalog section for Sociology for more information, and talk to your advisor.

In addition, agencies look for candidates who can demonstrate they have the qualities necessary for success in the law enforcement field—candidates who:

• Can think critically, solve problems and construct quick, practical solutions.
• Have excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Are nonjudgmental about the diverse populations of people.
• Can pass stringent physical ability tests, background checks, and psychological assessments.

The Criminal Justice program can help prepare you to meet the requirements for employment in the highly competitive field of law enforcement and corrections. The program is designed to help you gain critical thinking and communication skills that will make you a competitive candidate for an exciting and rewarding career in law enforcement. You will have opportunities to form ties with local police agencies and gain experience with ethnic and cultural diversity through work at a local community service agency.

Both the AAS and the AAOT degrees described below are designed to be completed in two years, but this assumes that the entering student has tested into WR 121 English Composition.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students who successfully complete the Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice will:

• Communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
• Understand and properly apply criminal statutes.
• Recognize criminal conduct.
• Apply key U.S. Supreme Court cases to real-life situations.
• Present as a viable candidate for law enforcement/corrections work.
• Develop strategies for coping with the stressors associated with police/corrections work.
• Understand the role and procedures of the criminal court system.