CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREES OFFERED

• The Associate of Applied Science degree program in Criminal Justice is considered appropriate for persons preparing for employment in many municipal, state and private police agencies as well as persons considering employment in local, state, federal, and private correctional facilities. The associate degree also is a stepping stone for those students who plan to go on for a bachelor's degree. The objective of the degree program is to provide students with an understanding of the process by which justice is distributed in our society, the function and operation of the criminal justice system (law enforcement, criminal courts and corrections) and the role of individuals in the allocation of justice.  
• The associate degree in criminal justice has three tracks: a law enforcement track, a prevention and corrections track, and a forensic sciences track. Students may choose one of the three tracks as an area of emphasis. This emphasis will be fulfilled by completing the 12 hours of criminal justice electives. All students are required to complete the core courses. Core courses for an associate degree include CMJS 2013, 2023, 2033, and 2043. Additional courses are to be taken from areas of social and behavioral sciences as well as Math and English. The total number of hours required for completion of the associates degree is 63. Students may complete the degree in four semesters if they average 16 hours per semester.
• NWACC will award six hours of credit for students can demonstrate completion of training from Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA). Three hours will be substituted for either for Law Enforcement in Society or Criminal Procedures; three hours will apply toward Criminal Justice electives.