Associate of Applied Science | 63 credits minimum

Institute of Public Safety and Criminal Justice
Miller Campus PSET 270
General Information 801-957-4073
Program Information 801-957-5330
Program Website
Academic and Career Advising

Program Faculty
Assistant Professors - Chris Bertram, M.B.A., M.A., Antonette Gray, PhD (ABD), M.A., Dr. Anthony J. Nocella II, and Brett Terpstra, M.P.A.

Program DescriptionThe Department of Criminal Justice is part of the Institute of Public Safety at Salt Lake Community College and is located at the Larry H. Miller Campus in the Public Safety Education and Training Center (9750 South 300 West Sandy, Utah 84070). The Department is one of the largest and most comprehensive undergraduate programs in the field of criminal justice and criminology in the United States. Our mission is to provide students with an outstanding, cutting-edge, well-rounded, liberal arts, professional education that provides the skills, networking, and knowledge required to be successful within the field of criminal justice and criminology.

Two degrees are offered in the program: an associate of science degree for students who plan to transfer to a four-year program, and an associate of applied science degree for students who plan to go directly into the field. Transfer students should check with an advisor in selection of General Education and elective options to coordinate with the appropriate academic track at the transfer institution.

Career Opportunities
A Criminal Justice education prepares students for a career and higher education options included, but Criminal justice is one of the largest domestic industries in the United States, consequently criminal justice and criminology is one of the fastest growing fields of study, with a high success rate of graduates finding jobs within the field. With this highly sought-after degree by the global work force, students find professional career opportunities in, but not limited to, law enforcement, drug rehabilitation counseling, law, academia, public administration, business administration, nonprofit administration, legal observation, human rights, corrections, lobbying, politics, homeland security, probation and parole, youth mentorship, legal aid, social work, therapy, agency management, program coordination, criminal investigation, judge and courts, prison education, suicide prevention, ballistics, crime journalism, blood spatter analysis, computer forensics, latent print examination, crime laboratory analysis, crime laboratory technician, crime scene investigation, crime scene photography, forensics pathology, victim and survivor advocacy, counterterrorism, human security, novelist, community organizer, corrections, and criminal psychology.

Licensure Information
The Criminal Justice program alone does not lead to professional licensure. This program prepares students for application and transfer to other programs of study that could eventually lead to professional licensure. Professional licensure requirements vary from state-to-state. Here is one suggested website for researching state licensure requirements: License Finder sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor. If you have difficulty finding the licensure requirements for your state or intended profession, please contact your academic advisor or SLCC’s state authorization coordinator for help.

Transfer/Articulation Information
Students who complete an AAS degree in Criminal Justice can still transfer their courses to the university where they may apply towards major course requirements or electives depending on the institutional review. Students who complete an AS degree in Criminal Justice at SLCC may satisfy pre-major courses and transfer more easily to other Criminal Justice programs across the State of Utah. The following institutions offer degrees in Criminal Justice: Utah State University, Utah Valley University, Weber State University, Southern Utah University, and Dixie State University.

If transferring to the University of Utah, Criminology Majors should take CJ 2470, (SS) SOC 1010, (SS) PSY 1010 & 2300, (AI) POLS 1100, (SS) ANTH 1010 & 2220, (SS) FHS 1500, and (QL) MATH 1040. 

If transferring to Utah Valley University, Criminal Justice Majors should take CJ 1300, CJ 2330, and (QL) MATH 1040.  Forensic Science Majors should take (QL) MATH 1050.

If transferring to Weber State University, students should take CJ 1300, CJ 2300, (QL) MATH 1040, (SS) PSY 1010 or (SS) SOC 1010.

Math and other general education selections will vary depending on emphasis – especially for Forensic Science programs.

Estimated Cost for Students
Tuition and student fees: http://www.slcc.edu/student/financial/tuition-fees.aspx
Books: $5-200 per class. Open Educational Resources (OER) options are available for many courses.

Estimated Time to Completion
Time to completion is 4 semesters based on a full-time minimum of 15-18 credits per semester. Less than 15 credits per semester will increase time to completion.

Program Student Learning Outcomes	Related College-Wide Student Learning Outcomes
	1 - Acquire substantive knowledge 2 - Communicate effectively 3 - Develop quantitative literacies 4 - Think critically & creatively 5 - Become a community engaged learner 6 - Work in professional & constructive manner 7 - Develop computer & information literacy
Acquire substantive knowledge about the criminal justice system, criminal laws, procedures, and practices.  Develop an understanding of crime reporting, crime scene processing, forensics, and the wide variety of crimes and why they are committed.	1, 3, 4, 7
Show the ability to research and critically evaluate crimes, crime statistics, and criminal activities.  Process available information and communicate through verbal presentations and written reports the results and opinions of the information gleaned.	1, 2, 4, 7
Understand the roles of those working in the criminal justice system, the challenges encountered, and the issues faced by those who go through the system.  Enhance the awareness of these problems and develop the knowledge to be engaged in the community and positive change.	1, 2, 4, 5
Understand the relationships and connections within and between the agencies and functions of the different parts of the criminal justice system.	1, 2, 6