Overview
The Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree from the University of the Virgin Islands will provide you with the crucial criminal justice knowledge needed to enter the Criminal Justice field.
- WHAT WILL I LEARN IN THE ASSOCIATE OF ARTS – CRIMINAL JUSTICE ONLINE PROGRAM?
At the completion of the Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program , you will have a fundamental understanding of what is needed to be successful in the criminal justice field. You will be able to exhibit applicable knowledge in investigations, juvenile justice, law enforcement and corrections.
- WHAT CAREERS CAN I PURSUE WITH AN ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF ARTS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE?
Careers in loss prevention and security are applicable when obtaining your associate’s degree in criminal justice. Depending on your experience you could also become a supervisor, Sergeant or higher member of the police force. - HOW LONG IS THE ASSOCIATE OF ARTS – CRIMINAL JUSTICE ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM?
The Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice online degree program from start to finish is designed to be completed within 24 months. However , it could take less time depending on how much transfer credit you receive and how many classes you take every term. The total program credit hours are 61. - HOW MUCH WILL THE ONLINE ASSOCIATE OF ARTS – CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE PROGRAM COST?
Learn more about our tuition and fees here.
When Can I Start?
Courses begin every eight weeks, so we’re ready when you are. Contact us at online@uvi.edu to learn more about our accredited degree programs, financial assistance opportunities or enrollment process.
Associate of Arts – Criminal Justice Online Program Outcomes
After successfully completing UVI’s 100% online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice program, you will be able to:
- Explain the various causes of crime using criminal justice theories, practices and processes to a multicultural population
- Compare and contrast historical and contemporary police functions, issues and responses to crime
- Describe the nature and function of corrections, its services, practices and institutions
- Apply fundamental concepts of the administration of justice
curriculum
PROGRAM CORE:
| UVI Online Course No : | Course Name : | Credits : | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CJU 1100 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 | |
| This course provides an overview of the components and processes of the criminal justice system. Particular emphasis is placed on aspects of the system including the nature of crime, victim assistance, policing, courts and adjudication, punishment, sentencing and incarceration alternatives, and corrections. Class material will include an overview of career opportunities. | |||
| CJU 1120 | Introduction to Criminology | 3 | |
| This course examines the study of criminology by exploring the biological, psychological, sociological, and economic theories of crime. The “traditional theories” of criminology are examined along with contemporary theories. Topics covered are: what is criminology; patterns of crime; research methods and theory development; biological, psychological, and sociological roots of crime; crimes against persons and property; white collar and organized crime; drug abuse and crime; technology and crime; criminology and social policy; and the future of criminology. | |||
| CJU 2250 | Juvenile Justice I | 3 | |
| The study of criminal and delinquent behavior including its variations, ramifications, explanations and measures of prevention, control and treatment. | |||
| CJU 3110 | Police Systems & Practices | 3 | |
| This course provides a comprehensive and realistic introduction to modern policing in our society. Through the utilization of real-world examples grounded in evidence-based research, this course helps students think critically about the many misconceptions of police work and understand best practices in everyday policing. The course addresses important law enforcement topics that include discussions of discretion, police use of force, and tough ethical and moral dilemmas—giving students a deeper look into the complex issues of policing to help them think more broadly about its impact on society. The goal of this course is to instill within the student a well developed understanding of the complex role of police in our society, an appreciation of the challenges of policing, and an ability to differentiate fact from fiction relating to law enforcement. | |||
| CJU 3130 | Correction Systems & Practices | 3 | |
| The objective of this course is to provide students with an overview of our past and present corrections system, the evolving manner in which inmates have been treated, and the controversies that still remain in the corrections system today. Students will be expected to utilize critical thinking skills to participate in discussion, and to contribute their opinions and thoughts to the class. By the end of the semester, students should be more knowledgeable about the corrections system and its participants, as well as be aware of the different perspectives of various members of society. | |||
| Total Program Core | 15 | ||
| Total Program Electives (100-200 Level) | 3 | ||
| Open Electives | 12 | ||
| General Education | |||
| SSS 1000 | Student Success Seminar | 1 | |
| In this course, students will develop effective strategies and insights necessary for success in the online academic environment. The course provides an introduction and orientation to the nature of University education and available resources. Topics included will assist students to obtain the necessary skills in resilience, information literacy, communication, support networks, and career development. | |||
| COM 1190 | Interpersonal Communication & Leadership Skills | 3 | |
| An introduction to interpersonal communication and to leadership skills basic to all disciplines. Specific areas include an examination of the communication process and the role that perception plays in the formation of verbal and nonverbal messages. Emphasis will be placed on demonstrating the relationship of interpersonal skills with basic communication skills central to promoting excellence in leadership. | |||
| ENG 1200 | English Composition I | 3 | |
| English Composition is the intermediate writing course in the University’s composition offerings. It develops critical thinking, investigative research, and coherent ideas through the writing of analytical, literary and critical essays and the close reading of texts. | |||
| ENG 2010 | Research & Applied Writing | 3 | |
| ENG 2010 is the capstone course in the University-wide writing requirements. It is designed to ensure student competency with the principles and practice of effective writing. This course will prepare students to achieve proficiency in the use of standard writing formats for communication in the various disciplines offered in the University, including research, report writing, argumentation, technical writing, critical writing and other professional-level writing skills. Prerequisites: ENG 1200 | |||
| PHI 2000 | Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| Students examine the basic principles of critical thinking with an emphasis on the use of criteria to evaluate issues; the development of extensive experience in constructing, analyzing, evaluating, and presenting oral and written arguments. Students discover different ways of knowing and exploring philosophical concepts through a variety of interdisciplinary literatures and apply these concepts in the study of contemporary issues of society in everyday contexts, especially as promulgated in the mass media. | |||
| Humanities | 6 | ||
| Social Science Electives | 6 | ||
| Math Electives (Math 1 and Math 2) | 8 | ||
Program Snap Shot |
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| Total Program Core Credits | 15 | ||
| Total General Education Credits | 13 | ||
| Total Electives | 33 | ||
| Program total | 63 | ||
Career Outlook
Earn a criminal justice degree and pursue a career in detection, apprehension, detention and other police-related career opportunities.
Potential career paths and positions include:
The median wage in 2016 for Loss Prevention Managers was $104,970.1
The median wage in 2016 for First Line supervisors of Police and Detectives was $84,840.2
The median wage in 2016 for Security Managers was $104,970. 3
1 https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-9199.08#WagesEmployment
2 https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-1012.00#WagesEmployment
3 https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-9199.07#WagesEmployment
Employers can include:
- Corporate Security Manager
- Director Security Management
- Market Asset Protection Manager
- Loss Prevention Manager
- Front-Line Supervisor (Police and Detectives)
More Information
The Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree from the University of the Virgin Islands will provide you with the crucial criminal justice knowledge needed to enter the Criminal Justice field.
At the completion of the Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program, you will have a fundamental understanding of what is needed to be successful in the criminal justice field. You will be able to exhibit applicable knowledge in investigations, juvenile justice, law enforcement and corrections.
