Legal Studies Department
Criminal Justice A.A.S*. Degree Program
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, prevention and corrections track, and 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 who can demonstrate completion of training from Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA). Three hours will substitute for either Law Enforcement in Society or Criminal Procedures and three hours will apply toward Criminal Justice electives. Financial Aid Scholarships are available for CMJS majors.
For more information about careers in the field of criminal justice or aspects of the criminal justice program visit the departmental website at:
www.nwacc.edu/academics/criminaljustice/index.htm.
First Semester (15 hours)
ENGL 1013 English Composition I 3
CMJS 2003 Law Enforcement in Society 3
CISQ 1103 Intro. to Computer Information 3
COMM 1313 Fund of Communication OR 3
COMM 2303 Bus & Professional Speaking 3
PSYC 2003 General Psychology 3
Second Semester (18-19 hours)
ENGL 1023 English Composition II 3
CMJS 2013 Intro. to Criminal Justice 3
PLSC 2003 American Government 3
AHSC 1023 First Responder 3
SOCI 2013 General Sociology 3
Related Electives 3-4
Third Semester (16-17 hours)
MATH 1204 College Algebra OR 4
MATH 1003 *Math for AAS General Education 3
CMJS 2023 Criminology 3
Related Electives 3-4
Criminal Justice Electives 6
Fourth Semester (15 hours)
CMJS 2033 Criminal Law 3
CMJS 2043 Criminal Procedures 3
SCWK 2233 Juvenile Delinquency 3
Criminal Justice Electives 6
Related Electives
SPAN 1003 Elementary Spanish I 3
SPAN 0013 **Conversational Spanish I OR 3
SPAN 0023 **Conversational Spanish II 3
PSYC 2043 Abnormal Psychology 3
ANTH 1013 Intro. Biological Anthropology 3
ANTH 1011L Intro. Biological Anthropology Lab 1
PLSC 2203 State & Local Government 3
Criminal Justice Electives
CMJS 2053 Criminal Justice Investigation 3
CMJS 2063 Probation and Parole 3
CMJS 2073 Police Administration 3
CMJS 2083 Corrections 3
CMJS 2093 Introduction to Forensic Anthropology 3
CMJS 2243 Fraud Examination 3
CMJS 2343 Crime Scene Investigation 3
CMJS 2443 Criminalistics: Intro to Forensic Science 3
Note: NWACC will award six hours of credit for students who can demonstrate completion of training from Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (ALETA). Three hours will substitute for Criminal Procedures and three hours will apply toward Criminal Justice electives.
(Not all courses are available each semester; consult catalog to aid in planning)
*MATH 1003 is non-transferable.
**Conversational Spanish courses are non-transferable
Terminal non-transfer degree.
Related Electives: Spanish I, 3; Conversational Spanish I or II, 3; Abnormal Psychology, 3; Biological Anthropology, 4; State & Local Government, 3.
Criminal Justice Electives: Criminal Investigations, 3; Criminology, 3; Probation & Parole, 3; Corrections, 3.
Paralegal Studies
This program is designed for paralegal professionals who assist attorneys in the research, investigation, document preparation, trial coordination, case management and writing responsibilities of a law firm, corporate legal department, or government law office or judicial agency.. Students interested in the program need excellent writing and communication skills, the ability to accept responsibility and take direction, and an aptitude for organizing legal ideas and factual materials.
The NWACC program supports the general principles of ethical legal practice, professional responsibility, and the prohibition against the unauthorized practice of law by nonlawyers. Students receive extensive training in legal ethics, including the mandate that paralegals work only under the supervision of attorneys and are prohibited by law from giving legal advice to the public.
Possible Placement Requirements (these hours will not transfer to a four-year institution):
ACSK 0013 Prealgebra 3
ACSK 0023 Beginning Algebra* 3
ACSK 0103 Intermediate Algebra* 3
ACSK 0003 Preparing for College Reading 3
ACSK 0033 College Reading* 3
ACSK 004V Foundations of Writing
ACSK 0053 Beginning Writing* 3
ACSK 0063 Intermediate Composition 3
ACSK 0073 Study Skills 3
First Semester 16 hrs
ENGL 1013 English Composition I 3
CISQ 1103 Intro. to Computer Information 3
COMM 1313 Fundamentals of Speech 3
LEGL 1043 Intro. To Law 3
LEGL 1104 Legal Research 4
Second Semester (15-16 hours)
MATH 1204 College Algebra OR 4
MATH 1003 Math for AAS Majors Math 3
PLSC 2003 American Government OR 3
HIST 2003 History of the American People to 1877 OR 3
HIST 2013 History of the American People 1877 to Present 3
ENGL 1023 English Composition II 3
CMJS 2033 Criminal Law OR 3
CMJS 2043 Criminal Procedures OR 3
LEGL 2823 Evidence 3
LEGL 2133 Torts 3
Third Semester (16 hours)
PSYC 2003 General Psychology OR 3
SOCI 2013 General Sociology 3
LEGL 2323 Civil Litigation 3
LEGL 1133 Legal Writing 3
LEGL 2382 Legal Ethics 2
LEGL 2033 Real Estate Law 3
LEGL 2252 Family Law 2
Fourth Semester (15-16 hours)
LEGL 2643 Contracts 3
LEGL 2753 Wills, Trusts and Probate 3
LEGL 2772 Business Organizations 2
LEGL 2822 Trial Practice 2
Elective - Select from Group A or B below - Consult catalog 2/3
Elective - Select from Group C 3
Total hours 62-64
GROUP A - Paralegal Electives
LEGL 29LV Paralegal Internship 1-6
LEGL 2162 Employment Law 2
LEGL 2712 Bankruptcy 2
LEGL 2143 Administrative Law 3
LEGL 2153 American Constitutional Law 3
LEGL 2622 Oil and Gas Law 2
LEGL 2173 Evidence 3
GROUP B - Criminal Justice Electives
CMJS 2723 Criminal Law 3
CMJS 2043 Criminal Procedures 3
CMJS 2013 Intro to Criminal Justice 3
CMJS 2023 Criminology 3
GROUP C - General Education Electives
Foreign language, natural or physical science, history, sociology,
Political science, humanities or English
15 hours must be earned at NWACC to graduate
Education and Wellness Department
Early Childhood Education A.A.S.* Degree Program
The Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education is designed to serve as a degree program for students who wish to acquire skills and knowledge necessary to succeed as an entry level employee in the child care industry. Students learn about family relations, foundations and theories of early childhood education, creative experiences for the young child, nutrition for children and the basics of child care administration. The program is designed to give the student skills needed to gain employment in the rapidly growing child care industry. Financial Aid Scholarships are available for CHED majors.
The employment rate of CHED graduates is 100%, and 22 students received either Child Development Associate or Child Care Development Specialist Credentials during 2000-01.
First Semester (15 hours)
ENGL 1013 English Composition I 3
PSYC 2003 General Psychology 3
CISQ 1103 Intro to Computer Information 3
CHED 1003 Foundations and Theories in
Early Childhood Education 3
AHSC 1023 First Responder 3
Second Semester (16 hours)
ENGL 1023 English Composition II 3
PSYC 2103 Human Growth and Development 3
CHED 2033 Child Development 3
BIOL 1544 Principles in Biology I 4
CHED 1033 Creative Experiences 3
Third Semester (18-19 hours)
CHED 1004 Child Guidance/Lad 4
CHED 2023 Curriculum for Early Childhood Education 3
CHED 1024 Infant & Toddler Development 4
BIOL 1014 General Biology II/Lab 4
MATH 1204 College Algebra OR 4
MATH 1003 **Math for AAS General Education OR 3
MATH 1103 Survey of College Math 3
Fourth Semester (15 hours)
HLSC 2103 Nutrition in Health 3
SOCI 2043 Marriage and Family 3
CHED 2043 Child Development Practicum 3
CHED 2053 Administration of Child Care 3
Related Elective 3
Total hours 64-65
Related Electives are:
SCWK 2133 Social Work; SOCI 2033 Social Problems; SCWK 2633 Child Welfare
Upon showing appropriate documentation, students who have obtained CDA certification will receive credit for CHED 2043, Child Development Practicum. CDA-certified students will also have waived a 3-hour elective.
*Terminal, non-transfer degree.
**MATH 1003 is non-transferable
The Associate of Arts in Teaching
The AAT is designed to deliver the first two years of teacher education curriculum leading to licensure with an emphasis in one of the following: (1) middle school math and science, (2) middle school language arts and social science, or (3) early childhood education (program pending approval Summer, 2005). Successful completion of the AAT degree provides efficient transition into teacher education programs leading to teacher licensure. Students must pass the CAAP exam and the Praxis I prior to graduation.
Studies who wish to complete this degree should complete the requirements for the degree plan and should meet the following criteria for graduation: (1) A cumulative GPA of 2.65; (2) a successful score on the Praxis I; and (3) production of a pre-professional portfolio. The exit portfolio should contain the following components: (a) a current resume; (b) the student’s philosophy of education*; (c) a reflective journal that describes the 30-hour field experience*; (d) letters of recommendation; (d) a current transcript; (f) proof of research capability, such as the identification of ten (10) Internet sites that pertain to an educational topic or a teaching field; (g) auxiliary components including copies of state curricular frameworks, article critiques that review current educational issues from professional sources, and book reviews pertinent to educational issues.*
Students must (1) make application for admission in the Life Development Center and (2) complete application with the program coordinator, Office of Teacher Education, BH 2028. See Dr. Regina M. Ryel or Jo Davis.
*required assignments for successful completion of CIED 1001 Introduction to Education.
Degree Plan for the Associate of Arts in Teaching
Common College Core:
English Composition (Choose 2 classes for 6 hours)
ENGL 1013 Composition I * AND 3
ENGL 1023 Composition II * OR 3
ENGL 1013H Composition I, Honors AND 3
ENGL 1023H Composition II, Honors 3
Mathematics
MATH 1204 College Algebra* 4
Science 8 hours
BIOL 1544 Principles of Biology I * OR 4
BIOL 1544H Principles of Biology I, Honors* 4
PHSC 1034 Physical Science for Teachers OR 4
PHYC 2004 Intro. to Physical Science 4
Fine Arts/Humanities 6 hours
ENGL 2213 Survey of World Literature I * OR 3
ENGL 2223 Survey of World Literature II* 3
ARHS 1003 Art Appreciation * OR 3
MUSI 1003 Music Appreciation * 3
Communications
COMM 1313 Fundamentals of Communication 3
Social Science 9 hours
PLSC 2003 American Government* 3
WCIV 1003 Western Civilization I * OR 3
WCIV 1013 Western Civilization II * 3
HIST 2003 History of American People - 1877* 3
HIST 2013 Hist. of American People 1877 to Present* OR 3
HIST 2003H History of American People - 1877 Honors* 3
HIST 2013H History of American People 1877To Present Honors* 3
State Minimum Core Sub-total 36 hours
Education
CIED 1001 Practicum, Introduction to Education* 1
CIED 1002 Introduction to Education * 2
ETEC 2003 Educational Technology
(K-12 Computing Skills) 3
Total Common Core 42 hours
Specialization Tracks
AAT in Teaching Middle School:
Math/Science
Mathematics (Choose 1 class.) 3-4 hours
College Trig, PreCalculus, Survey of Calculus OR higher
MATH 1213 Plane Trigonometry 3
MATH 1285 Pre-Calculus 5
MATH 2043 Survey of Calculus 3-4
Math for Teachers 6 hours
MATH 2213 Math Structures I 3
MATH 2223 Math Structures II 3
Science (Choose 1 class.) 3 -4 hours
GEOG 1003 Physical Geography 3
GEOG 1123 Human Geography 3
GEOL 1114 General Geology 3
GEOL 1134 Environmental Geology 3
PHSC 2004 Intro. to Physical Science 3
PHSC 1073 Survey of Meteorology 3
PHYS 1034 Physics for Elementary Teachers 4
Social Science 6 hours
HIST 2053 History of Arkansas 3
PSYC 2003 General Psychology 3
Total hours for ATT Math/Science 60-63 hours
AAT in Teaching Middle School:
Language Arts/Social Sciences
Language Arts 9 hours
ENGL 2223 Survey of World Literature from 1650 3
ENGL 2313 Survey of American Literature I 3
ENGL 2323 Survey of American Literature II 3
Social and Behavioral Science 9 hours
WCIV 1013 World Civilization II 3
HIST 2013 Hist. of American People 1877 to Present 3
PSYC 2003 General Psychology 3
Geography 3 hours
GEOG 1003 Physical Geography OR 3
GEOG 1123 Human Geography OR 3
GEOG 2203 Developed Nations 3
Total hours for AAT - Language Arts/Social Science 63 hours
AAT P-4 Education Track
*(Pending Summer 2005 approval)
Mathematics 6 hours
MATH 2213 Math Structures I 3
MATH 2223 Math Structures II 3
Geography 3 hours
GEOG 1003 Physical Geography OR 3
GEOG 1123 Human Geography OR 3
GEOG 2203 Developed Nations 3
P-4 Preparation 8 hours
HLSC 1002 Wellness Concepts 2
XXXX XXX3 Child Development 3
(Pending Division Approval)
Directed Elective
CHED 1003 Foundations & Theories 3
Social Science 6 hours
HIST 2053 History of Arkansas 3
PSYC 2003 General Psychology 3
Total hours for AAT P-4 63 hours
*Check the College Catalog for Prerequisites/Co-requisites
Before Enrolling in this Class
The Technical Certificate Program for Paraeducators of Special Needs Learners
This 30-credit hour technical certificate program is designed to deliver the curriculum for classroom assistants and instructional aides working or those seeking to work in the K – 12. Fifteen (15) hours of college core courses articulate directly into the Associate of Arts in Teaching degree. Fifteen (15) hours include applied courses which will provide a practical approach to working with all students, particularly those with special needs. For more information, contact Dr. Regina M. Ryel at 479.619.2247 or rryel@nwacc.edu, Dr. Jerry Vervack at 619.4149 or lrichardson@nwacc.edu, the Office of New Student Admissions at 479.619.4386, or the Learner Development Center at 479.619.4324.
College Core Courses (15 Credit Hours)
ENGL 1013 Composition I OR 3
ENGL 1013H Composition I, Honors 3
CIED 1001 Practicum: Introduction to Education* 1
CIED 1002 Introduction to Education* 2
ETEC 2003 Educational Technology
(K-12 Computing Skills) 3
PSYC 2003 General Psychology OR 3
COMM 1313 Fundamentals of Communications 3
The Paraeducator Academy (12 Credit Hours Minimum)
CIED 1013 Teaching Exceptional Learners 3
CIED 1023 Classroom Management for Special Needs
Learners (grades 4-12) OR 3
CHED 1004 Child Guidance/Lab (grades K-3) 4
CIED 1033 The Paraeducator’s Role in the Classroom 3
CHED 2033 Child Development 3
Specialization Track: (3 Credit Hours)
CIED 2013 Disability Awareness and Self-Advocacy 3
CIED 2023 Literacy for Special Needs Learners 3
CIED 2033 Integrated Curriculum for LEP Learners 3
CHED 1003 Foundations and Theories 3
CHED 1033 Creative Experiences 3
Total 30 hours