Justice Studies - Criminal Justice
Associate in Applied Science Degree (A.A.S.)

An introduction to the major institutions of justice in society. Topics include justice in a free society, the police, courts, correctional services, the balance of individual rights and public order, law and public policy, and factors affecting the future of the justice system.

This course examines the nature and importance of communication within the criminal justice system. Students develop report writing skills and an understanding of the impact report writing has on the investigation and prosecution of crime, as well as on the administration of justice.

Prerequisite or Corequisite: JUS100

An introduction to the methods and body of rules by which criminal law functions in a free society. Topics include the collection and handling of evidence in a crime, police procedure in regard to search and seizure, emergency police searches, vehicle searches, confessions, and arrest and interrogation procedures.

Prerequisite: JUS100

An introduction to the study of criminal law. Students will learn about general categories of criminal law (felonies and misdemeanors) and the various defenses to criminal charges (alibi, justification, excuse, conspiracy, and legal insanity).

Prerequisite: JUS100

An introduction to the fundamental concepts underlying technology in criminal justice. Topics include the concepts of technology, tactical information, strategic information, the application of technology in criminal justice to improve operational efficiency and effectiveness, in order to implement community policing, situational crime prevention, and resource allocation.

Prerequisites: CIS115, JUS100

Allows students to work in a position related to their course of study. Students integrate the skills and knowledge learned through their academic experiences and participate in focused online discussions and special online projects.

Prerequisite: BUS226

An introduction to the history and traditions of American policing. Examines the role of the police in advancing justice in a democratic society. Topics include law enforcement operations and strategies such as profiling, organizational structure, community affairs, the police use of force, and various major concerns in public policy.

An introduction to the various causes of crime in a free society. Considers factors such as free will, biology, and other possible causes, such as DNA, nutrition, hormones, and subcultures of violence.

Explores the nature and scope of business, examines its component parts, and describes how businesses are organized and managed. Students will learn about the various internal and external forces that comprise our business and economic system.

Explores career development opportunities and strategies. Stresses entry-level job requirements and upward career paths. Covers resume writing skills, interviewing techniques, and the importance of professionalism. Continues the student's orientation to Berkeley College’s computer framework, which includes content collection and compiling a professional e-portfolio.

An introduction to computer technology with an emphasis on applications. Students learn how to use software packages, such as Microsoft Windows, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel. Includes an orientation to Berkeley College’s computer framework, which includes Blackboard, content collection, and portfolio development.

Hands-on experience with well-known database management software applications, such as Microsoft Access. Topics include an introduction to database programming, multiple database files, query files, reports, and the planning, development, and implementation of database systems. 

Prerequisite: CIS115

An introduction to expository writing through a comprehensive survey of forms of composition. Students are taught to use words with precision and strengthen their understanding and application of grammatical and rhetorical principles. Students are encouraged to appreciate and incorporate the principles of academic and professional writing.

Strengthens the writing, reading, and interpretive abilities introduced in ENG105. Encourages students to develop an appreciation and understanding of various works of literature and utilize literature to enhance critical thinking and writing.

Prerequisite: ENG105

Designed to help students improve oral communication skills. Emphasis is placed on identifying good and poor speech habits, techniques for improving speech, oral interpretation, effective speech planning and delivery, and interpersonal communication.

Prerequisite: ENG106

Introduction to the study of ethics and moral philosophy, including its historical development, the major figures within that history, and some of the ethical and moral issues that face us today. Introduces students to the ideas of great thinkers throughout history and encourages students’ own thinking on various ethical and moral issues.

An introduction to the study of sociology. Examines the social institutions that shape and influence the behavior of the individual and groups in society, with emphasis on examining contemporary social problems. Topics include the foundation of the study of human social life, theories and methods of sociology, and basic sociological concepts.

An introduction to the basic principles of psychology and their direct application to the understanding of human behavior. Topics include human development, learning, memory, thinking, intelligence, creativity, motivation, emotion, adjustment, perception, abnormal behavior, and therapy.

An introduction to the application of science to law. Students are introduced to the field of forensic science through a hands-on approach to its applications to criminal investigations, with clear explanations of the techniques, abilities, and limitations of the modern crime laboratory and crime-scene analysis.