|
Criminal Justice Department: Frequently Asked Questions
Criminal Justice Home | Academy
| Crime Analysis | Criminal
Justice Program | Refresher Academy
| Faculty | FAQs
Criminal Justice Program
Crime Analysis Program
Criminal Justice Program
Why choose the Arapahoe Community College Criminal Justice Program over other programs?
Arapahoe Community College’s Criminal Justice Program provides a quality of instruction and curriculum not often expected at a community college. Our instructors are leaders in the criminal justice system and they have chosen to teach. It’s the combination of their work and educational experience that sets our program out. Our curriculum is designed with students and students’ needs in mind. The Criminal Justice Department is very well-respected both in the law enforcement community and among 4-year educational institutions. Whether you choose to work immediate after completing your Associate degree or to transfer to a program to complete your Bachelor degree, you’ll be ready!
This is my first semester in the CRJ program. What courses should I take?
To make sure Criminal Justice is the right field for you, start by taking CRJ 110, Introduction to Criminal Justice. This course will give you an overview of the system and introduce you to the various players throughout the system. From there, you should take your 100-level courses before embarking on your 200-level courses. Our 100-level courses are designed to give you the solid educational foundation you’ll need to succeed in your 200-level courses.
I plan to transfer to a four-year program. Will someone work with me to get the most from my ACC education?
Yes! Whether you choose to meet with the Criminal Justice department advisor (303.797.5980) or someone in general advising (303.797.5651), we are here to help. In addition, some questions about what a 4-year institution will or will not accept can only be answered by representatives of that institution.
I do not plan to be a police officer. Is ACC’s criminal justice program still the right one for me?
Yes! The Criminal Justice Department at ACC takes a systemic approach to criminal justice education. Throughout this program, you will look at the various components of the system (policing, courts and corrections) and see how they interact. Many other career paths are featured in our courses! Whether you want to become a victim advocate, lawyer or probation officer, the Criminal Justice program is a great place to start your career.
I work full time and cannot afford to go to school full time. Does your program present options for a working student?
Yes! The Criminal Justice program is very aware of students’ needs to take courses at times that fit their busy life schedule. We offer classes during the day, in the evening, online and hybrid (a combination of lecture and online). Course offerings are rotated each semester so if the course you are looking for is not available this semester, wait for the next semester and it’ll likely be offered at the time of day you need.
Crime Analysis Program
What is a certificate program? Is that the same as IACA certification?
A certificate program is a course of study that does not reach the level for that of conferring a degree. The Crime Analysis program offers students the choice between a certificate and an Associate degree. If you already have an Associate, Bachelor or Master degree, then the better option would be the certificate. If not, then the Associate of General Studies would be best, where the crime analysis courses would become the electives for the degree.
IACA certification for crime analysts is not the same as ACC Crime Analysis program. This certification is obtained after an analyst has been working in the field to demonstrate his/her commitment to crime analysis. The IACA certification occurs through a written exam. To find out more, please contact IACA at www.iaca.net
I plan to transfer to a four year program. Are crime analysis courses transferable?
If you choose to pursue an Associate of General Studies and you obtain your degree, your coursework would likely be transferable to a 4-year institution as electives. In Colorado, there is an agreement that students can transfer 60 credits from a community college to a 4-year institution. For more information, please contact the Criminal Justice department advisor or someone in the advising office for more details.
What if I already have a Bachelor or Master degree or what if I’ve been a law enforcement officer for many years, do I have to take CRJ 110 and CRJ 125 again?
Frankly, it depends. We work hard to honor previous coursework, which is based on two methods by which students can obtain credit for courses focusing on current (and previous) work experience. Contact the department advisor to discuss having your transcripts evaluated or credit granted for prior learning opportunities.
How do I sign up for this program? How much does it cost?
Signing up for the crime analysis certificate program is just like signing up for any other course here at ACC. You must start by applying to the college and completing the appropriate tests. (If you have ACT or SAT scores, have an Associate, Bachelor or Master degree, that information can replace the need for the computerized placement scores.) Tuition and fees apply to this program.. Please see the Tuition and Fees Web page for the current academic year’s rates for tuition and fees.
What job opportunities are available with this certificate? Are they limited to just police departments?
Crime analysis is gaining prominence in law enforcement agencies across the country because crime analysts help law enforcement do more with fewer resources. At this time, most crime analysts do work in local or state law enforcement agencies. (At the federal level, related work is called intelligence analysis.) If you are already outside of Colorado or willing to relocate, crime analysts job openings are much more available.
Can I work and still complete the internship phase of the certificate?
The internship consists of 300 hours of work experience within the field. Depending on your work responsibilities and the agency with which you complete your internship, yes, it is possible, though not recommended, to accomplish both. If you are currently a crime analyst and are completing this certificate, it is possible for you to complete your internship at your agency. Contact the criminal justice department advisor at 303.797.5980 for more information about how the internship works.
Criminal Justice Home | Academy
| Crime Analysis | Criminal
Justice Program | Refresher Academy
| Faculty | FAQs |
