Crime Scene
Area of Study

Criminal Justice

This program is designed give students experiences through hands-on course work. Provide exposure to the inner workings of the criminal justice system through field trips, advanced technological applications, mock crime scenes, and guess speakers from within the field. 

Criminal Justice Designation

TOTAL CREDITS
60
CIP:
240101
BANNER:
CRJT
Associate of Arts

Criminal Justice covers a wide range of career and professional fields including law enforcement, investigations, corrections, probation, parole, and administration of justice to name a few.

Career opportunities are generally available from small rural communities to metropolitan areas, and everywhere in between. This Degree with Designation prepares students to transfer to four- year colleges and universities provided they complete all aspects of the degree.

Written Communication

Total Credits 6
Course Number Course Title Credits Details
ENG121ENG1021
English Composition I:GT-CO1 3

Emphasizes planning, writing, and editing/revisions of compositions, coupled with development of critical and logical thinking skills. This course includes a minimum of five compositions that stress analytical, evaluative, and persuasive/argumentative writing. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO1 category. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English. (3-0)

and

ENG122ENG1022
English Composition II: GT-CO2 3

Expands and refines the objectives of English Composition I. Emphasizes critical/logical thinking and reading, problem definition, research strategies, and writing analytical, evaluative, and/or persuasive papers that incorporate research. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-CO2 category. Prerequisite: Successful completion of ENG1021 or ENG1031 with a "C" grade or better. (3-0)

OR you can take ENG1022 and a GT-CO3 course.

Oral Communication

Total Credits 3

Choose one of the following courses listed below. 

Course Number Course Title Credits Details
COM115COM1150
Public Speaking 3

Combines the basic theory of speech communication with public speech performance skills. Emphasizes on speech delivery, preparation, organization, support, audience analysis, and delivery. (3-0)

COM125COM1250
Interpersonal Communication: GT-SS3 3

Examines the communication involved in interpersonal relationships occurring in family, social, and career situations. Relevant concepts include self-concept, perception, listening, nonverbal communication, and conflict. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. (3-0)

Mathematics

Total Credits 3-4

Take one 3 or 4 credit GT-MA1 course, prefer MAT1260. 

Arts and Humanities

Total Credits 6

Take two GT courses from two different categories from AH1, AH2, AH3 or AH4.

History

Total Credits 3

Take one GT course from the HI1 category.

Social and Behavioral Sciences

Total Credits 6
Course Number Course Title Credits Details
SOC101SOC1001
Introduction to Sociology I: GT-SS3 3

This course examines the basic concepts, theories, and principles of sociology, including topics of culture, race, class, gender, sexuality, social groups, and deviance through a local and global lens. Analyzes and interprets socio-historic as well as contemporary issues by using critical thinking skills and linking individual experiences to social structures. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English. (3-0)

Natural and Physical Sciences

Total Credits 8

Program Requirements

Total Credits 9
Course Number Course Title Credits Details
CRJ110CRJ1010
Introduction to Criminal Justice: GT-SS3 3

Introduces the basic components of the criminal justice system in the United States. Concepts of crime, crime data, victimization, perspectives, and views of crime, theory, and law are discussed. Particular attention to the criminal justice process, interaction and conflict between criminal justice agencies, and current criminal justice issues are examined. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category.  (3-0)

CRJ145CRJ1045
Correctional Process 3

Examines the history of corrections in America from law enforcement through the administration of justice, probation, prisons, correctional institutions, and parole. This course examines the theories, rationales for punishment, and the political system in which corrections, as a component part of the criminal justice system, needs to operate. The course emphasizes legal, sociological, psychological, and other interdisciplinary approached that effect the operation of a correctional system. (3-0)

CRJ125CRJ1025
Policing Systems 3

Examines policing in the United States, including historical foundations, emerging issues, and the relationship between law enforcement and the community. The various types of law enforcement agencies, their administrative practices, and the behavior of those involved in the delivery of police services are examined from the perspective of democratic values, racial and ethnic diversity, and societal perceptions of police effectiveness. Career requirements, including current and future trends, are also presented. (3-0)

Program Requirements

Total Credits 6

Choose two of the following courses:

Course Number Course Title Credits Details
CRJ127CRJ1027
Crime Scene Investigation 3

Focuses on basic procedures in crime scene management to include photography and preparing initial reports and sketches. Includes processing evidence and related criminalistic procedures. Covers interviewing suspects, witnesses, and victims to include the recording of identifications and descriptions. Incorporates lab and lecture. (3-0)

CRJ135CRJ1035
Judicial Function 3

Provides an overview of the structure and function of the dual American judicial system and the behavior of actors (judges/justices, lawyers, law clerks, interest groups, etc.) within the system. Emphasis is placed on the organization and administration of state and federal courts, criminal court procedures, juries, selection of judges, decision-making behavior of juries, judges and justices, and the implementation and impact of judicial policies. (3-0)

CRJ205CRJ2005
Principles of Criminal Law 3

Focuses on common law and statutory law crimes, the Model Penal Code, elements defining crimes and penalties, defenses to criminal accusations, and definitions and distinctions between criminal and civil law. (3-0)

CRJ209CRJ2009
Criminal Investigation I 3

Covers the function of the preliminary investigation at a crime scene to include securing the scene, crime scene searchers, police drawings, and recognition and collection of evidence. (3-0)

CRJ231CRJ2031
Introduction to Forensic Science: Criminalist 3

Exploration of the fundamentals of forensic science that are essential for gathering evidence at the crime scene and analyzing it in the crime laboratory. (3-0)

CRJ235CRJ2035
Delinquent Behavior 3

Focuses on the adolescent who violates social and legal norms and the consequences for the individual and society. Emphasizes the social and psychological factors influencing individual delinquent patterns. (3-0)

CRJ236CRJ2036
CRJ Research Methods 3

Focuses on the formulation of research questions covering crime and justice, research designs, data collection, and the interpretation and reporting of these data in criminological and justice-system settings. Course content also includes experimental and non-experimental research designs, probability and non-probability sampling techniques, and construction of scales and indexes for research purposes. (3-0)

CRJ257CRJ2057
Victimology 3

Demonstrates to the student the role the crime victim plays in the criminal justice system. The traditional response that a crime victim receives from the system will be studied and the psychological, emotional and financial impact these responses have on victimization will be analyzed. (3-0)

CRJ268CRJ2068
Criminal Profiling 3

Examines the theories of crime causation in relationship to criminal profiling. Studies include the investigation of serial killers, their motivations, behaviors, and identification of psychological and sociological explanations related to criminal acts. (3-0)

CRJ230CRJ2030
Criminology 3

Provides an introduction to the study of crime, understanding the causes of crime, and examines, theoretical frameworks and theories to explain criminal behavior. Examination of the nature of crime, crime victimization, crime patterns, types of crime, crime statistics, and criminal behavior is also included. (3-0)

Electives

Total Credits 9-10

Choose three of the following courses:

Course Number Course Title Credits Details
ANT212ANT2315
Introduction to Forensic Anthropology with Lab: GT-SS3 4

Covers the basic principles of forensic anthropology, an applied field within the discipline of biological anthropology. The course includes the study of the human skeleton, practical application of biological anthropology and archaeology, and judicial procedure, as they relate to the identification of human remains within a medico-legal context. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SC1 category. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English and Quantitative Literacy Math (3-2)

COM217COM2220
Group Communication: GT-SS3 3

Examines group communication theories with an emphasis on leadership and group behaviors. The course provides opportunities for group participation. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. (3-0)

COM225COM2250
Organizational Communication 3

Focuses on the role of communication theory and skills as they apply to business and organizational settings. Topics include organizational and leadership models, effective communication skills with peers, superiors, and subordinates, environmental factors impacting communication, and interviewing skills. (3-0)

PSC111PSC1011
American Government: GT-SS1 3

Includes the background of the U.S. Constitution, the philosophy of American government, general principles of the Constitution, federalism, and civil liberties. Examines public opinion and citizen participation, political parties, interest groups, the electoral process, and the structure and functions of the national government. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS1 category. (3-0)

PSC125PSC1025
American State and Local Govt: GT-SS1 3

Emphasizes the structure and function of state, county, and municipal governments including their relations with each other and with national government. Includes a study of Colorado government and politics. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS1 category. (3-0)

PSY207PSY2770
Introduction to Forensic Psychology 3

Provides an overview of forensic psychology. This course explores both current research and practice in police psychology, criminal psychology, victimology, correctional psychology, and the interface of psychology and the courts. This course facilitates an understanding of the numerous careers related to forensic psychology and how to prepare for them. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English. (3-0)

PSY217PSY2107
Human Sexuality: GT-SS3 3

Surveys physiological, psychological, and psychosocial aspects of human sexuality. Topics include relationships, sexual identity, and sexual health. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English. (3-0)

PSY226PSY2221
Social Psychology: GT-SS3 3

Focuses on the behavior of humans in a wide variety of social settings and the social influences humans have on each other in those settings. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English. (3-0)

PSY249PSY2552
Abnormal Psychology: GT-SS3 3

Examines abnormal behavior and its classification, causes, treatment, and prevention. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English. (3-0)

SOC231SOC2031
The Sociology of Deviant Behavior: GT-SS3 3

Critically examines various deviant categories and societal reactions to deviance affecting diverse populations. Examines how sociologists study deviance and the theories they use to explain it. Explains the ways social institutions define deviance and attempt to control, change, or treat those deviant behaviors, attitudes, and conditions. This is a Statewide Guaranteed Transfer course in the GT-SS3 category. Prerequisite: College Readiness in English. (3-0)

Degree & Certificate Options

Criminal Justice Designation

Associate of Arts
60 Credits

Criminal Justice

Certificate
16 Credits

Faculty

Chad Borgmann
Criminal Justice
970-521-6704
E.S. French- 104C
Sterling
Chad Borgmann
Celeste Delgado-Pelton
Chair Liberal Arts and Academic Opportunity
970-521-6754
E.S. French- 104A
Sterling
Celeste Delgado - Pelton

Staff

Rebeka Laible
Administrative Assistant II
970-521-6671
E.S. French-104
Sterling
Rebeka Laible