Virginia College's Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program is designed to prepare you for a career in law enforcement, security, corrections, or courts. It could also be used to help professionals advance in the field. Continue reading for more information about the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program.

    <h2 id="section---FrequentlyAskedQuestions">Frequently Asked Questions</h2> <h3 id="section---WhatKindOfProgramIsIt"> What Kind of Program Is It?</h3> <p>As a student of Virginia College's Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program, you will have the opportunity to develop a basic understanding and knowledge of techniques, procedures, and practices used in various criminal justice systems. Program coursework covers corrections, juvenile justice, criminal law, forensic science, report writing, court systems, and security. Policing theories and history are also covered. The Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice is offered online and at some Virginia College locations. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreThePrerequisites">What Are the Prerequisites?</h3> <p>Before enrolling in Virginia College's Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program, you should have an interest or possibly some experience in law, law enforcement, or security. Applicants to Virginia College programs should have a high school diploma or GED. </p> <h3 id="section---WhatAreTheCourseRequirements">What Are the Course Requirements?</h3> <p>Completion of 96 quarter credit hours is required to earn the Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice from Virginia College. This total includes 48 credits in the criminal justice concentration area, eight credits in concentration area electives, and 40 credits in general education and foundation courses. General education classes are taken in humanities, communications, social sciences, and mathematics. </p> <p><u>Foundation Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><th>Course Code</th><th>Course Name</th></tr> <tr><td>AOM 1010</td><td> Keyboarding</td></tr> <tr><td>AOM 1100</td><td> Word Processing</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 1010</td><td> Learning Framework</td></tr> <tr><td>EDU 1020</td><td> Career Exploration/Planning</td></tr> </table><p><u>Concentration Courses</u> </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td>CRJ 1010</td><td> Introduction to Criminal Justice</td></tr> <tr><td>CRJ 1050</td><td> Criminal Procedure</td></tr> <tr><td>CRJ 1400</td><td> Introduction to Corrections</td></tr> <tr><td>CRJ 1500</td><td> Courts in America</td></tr> <tr><td>CRJ 1600</td><td> Criminal Justice Ethics</td></tr> <tr><td>CRJ 2000</td><td> Investigative Report Writing</td></tr> <tr><td>CRJ 2010</td><td> Criminology</td></tr> <tr><td>CRJ 2030</td><td> Juvenile Justice</td></tr> <tr><td>CRJ 2050</td><td> Police in America</td></tr> <tr><td>CRJ 2490</td><td> Business, Corporate, and Industrial Security</td></tr> <tr><td>CRJ 2900</td><td> Introduction to Forensic Science</td></tr> <tr><td>LGA 1800</td><td> Criminal Law</td></tr> </table><h3 id="section---WhatCouldIDoAfterIGraduate"> What Could I Do After I Graduate?</h3> <h4 id="section---CareerOpportunities">Career Opportunities</h4> <p>Graduation from Virginia College's Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program could prepare you for entry-level positions in law enforcement agencies, corporate or private security, or criminal court systems. You could be involved in investigations, juvenile justice, corrections, or criminology. Possible job positions include: </p> <ul><li>Paralegal </li><li>Police officer </li><li>Security officer </li><li>Corrections officer </li></ul><h4 id="section---AdvancedDegrees">Advanced Degrees</h4> <p>Though the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program can qualify you for many types of entry-level jobs, some companies might require a bachelor's degree to begin or advance in this field. </p> <p>Bachelor's degree options include: </p> <ul><li>Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice </li><li>Bachelor of Science in Criminology </li><li>Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration </li></ul><p><i>Advanced degrees may not be offered at Virginia College, and credits may not be transferable.</i></p>