University Catalog

Criminal Justice Concentration (Associate of Arts in General Studies)

Vision Statement

The Criminal Justice studies program at UMFK offers a two-year degree (Associate of Arts) in Criminal Justice. The degree program is designed to academically-prepare students with the professional skills to seek employment or advancement in the criminal justice system and with various law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, regional, and local levels. Many students have been employed as police officers, deputy sheriffs, state troopers, game wardens, as well as federal officers in Customs, Border Patrol, FBI, and other agencies.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Criminal Justice studies program at UMFK is to educate students about law enforcement and the criminal justice system. The two-year program is designed to develop intellectual curiosity, analytical skills, and academic scholarship, and to prepare students for professional employment opportunities in the criminal justice field.

Program Description/Goals

The Criminal Justice Concentration degree gives the two-year student the opportunity to take courses relevant to various careers in law enforcement. The degree also may serve as an in-service program for law enforcement officers. The degree can also be earned completely online, and it may be used as a gateway to the Bachelor of Science in Rural Public Safety Administration. To gain a competitive edge in the law enforcement field, it is recommended that a student earn the Rural Public Safety Administration Bachelor of Science degree. All credits earned in the Associate’s Degree will count toward the Bachelor’s degree.

Student Learning Outcomes

UMFK Criminal Justice graduates will be able to:

1. analyze, synthesize and generate knowledge in their chosen field of study (analysis);
2. analyze a fact situation and determine options and solutions (analysis);
3. reason critically and make informed decisions (analysis);
4. conduct independent research (synthesis);
5. absorb new bodies of knowledge and understand the relationship and impact of the new body of knowledge on existing knowledge (synthesis); and
6. be effective communicators using multiple mediums (oral, written, electronic) individually and collectively (articulation).

Recommended Support Courses

*Required core courses for consideration should you pursue the Bachelors of Science in Rural Public Safety Administration degree

Program Requirements

Techniques for Assessment

Students are assessed in all classes using various means including written and oral assignments, quizzes, midterm and final exams, and research projects. Courses also may utilize case studies, term papers, and team projects and presentations to enhance the students understanding and knowledge. Graduates are required to complete an alumni survey and provide feedback regarding the quality and effectiveness of the education received.

Suggested Course Sequencing

Fall Semester Freshman Year

Spring Semester Freshman Year

Fall Semester Sophomore Year

Spring Semester Sophomore Year

NOTE: For a full printable PDF of the catalog, please visit the Catalog Archive page here.