Criminal Justice, A.A.S.

The A.A.S. degree in criminal justice offers a curriculum which provides a focused education, preparing the student to pursue a career after graduation from Casper College. In so doing, it also attempts to develop the qualities that are desirable for employment in the criminal justice fields: communication capabilities, intelligence, tolerance, self-discipline, and respect for constitutional values. It also develops professional qualities within those students currently employed with a criminal justice agency, and it provides a general knowledge about the successes and failures of America’s criminal justice system. The A.A.S degree is not designed for those students who anticipate pursuing a baccalaureate degree after graduation from Casper College. The A.A.S. degree requires fewer general education classes in the areas of math, English and science than does the A.A. degree.

NOTE: Criminal justice employment will almost always require the applicant to complete and pass a thorough background investigation. Students majoring in criminal justice should be aware that criminal history, substance abuse, mental illness, and significant financial problems may render them unemployable in a criminal justice agency. Likewise, students should make every effort to safeguard their reputations while attending college. Many criminal justice agencies also have physical fitness requirements that candidates for certain positions must be able to pass. In addition, some agencies have maximum age standards for entry level positions.