Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Criminal Justice

The Associate in Arts (AA), Emphasis in Criminal Justice provides students with the first two years of a four-year curriculum for students who intend to earn a bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice and pursue a graduate degree in a related field. With a bachelor's degree, students may pursue advancement in several fields including local and federal law enforcement, the courts, corrections, security, and investigations. With a graduate degree, students may pursue employment in several areas including criminal justice professors, lawyers, judges, and statisticians. An Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Administration of Justice Studies as well as six related Certificates of Completion (CCLs) are available.

Details

Field of Interest
Behavioral Science and Human Services
Degree Type
Associate in Arts (AA)
Academic Plan
Associate in Arts, Emphasis in Criminal Justice (DEG)
Academic Plan Code
8144
Total credits required
60-64
Catalog Year
2025-2026
Effective Term
Fall 2025
Notes

Students must earn a grade of C or better in all courses within the program.

This emphasis is intended to align with the degree requirements for the following transfer partners:

ASU (College of Public Service and Community Solutions), Criminology and Criminal Justice, BS

ASU (College of Public Service and Community Solutions), Public Service and Public Policy (Criminology), BS

ASU (Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions), Criminology and Criminal Justice (Policing), BS

NAU, Criminology and Criminal Justice, BS

PC, Public Safety Administration, BAS

RSC, Public Safety Administration, BAS

Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information: ASU , NAU .

Students at any Maricopa Community College may need to complete courses at more than one of our colleges.

What You'll Learn
  • Apply fundamental criminal justice principles to situations related to the criminal justice system.
  • Communicate orally, visually and in writing precisely, appropriately, and effectively to varied audiences.
  • Apply foundational principles in criminal justice ethics to analyze real life and hypothetical decision-making situations.
  • Communicate in the language common to the criminal justice system.
  • Utilize technology to collect, analyze and communicate data.
  • Demonstrate techniques and skills for developing and maintaining a collaborative and inclusive environment.
  • Synthesize multiple sources of information to support decision making.
  • Apply relevant knowledge, skills, and habits of mind to seek career opportunities in the field.
Required Courses
Course # Course Title Credits
Credits: 4-15
FYE101 Introduction to College, Career and Personal Success (1) OR
FYE103 Exploration of College, Career and Personal Success (3) 1-3
Consult with an academic, faculty, or program advisor to select 3 to 12 credits of coursework from the following. Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information about your transfer-specific requirements.
AJS109 Substantive Criminal Law 3
AJS113 Criminal Justice Crime Control Policies and Practices 3
AJS200 Current Issues in Criminal Justice 3
AJS212 Juvenile Justice Procedures 3
AJS225 Criminology 3
AJS230 The Police Function 3
AJS240 The Correction Function 3
AJS270 Community Relations 3
AJS275 Criminal Investigation I 3
Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC)
AGEC-A Credits: 35-44

A single course with an [HU], [SB], [L], or [SG]/[SQ] designation may also be used to satisfy the Oral Communication, Critical Reading, or Awareness Area ([C], [G] and/or [H]) requirement(s).

First-Year Composition [FYC] Credits: 6
ENG101 First-Year Composition (3) OR
ENG107 First-Year Composition for ESL (3) AND
ENG102 First-Year Composition (3) OR
ENG108 First-Year Composition for ESL (3) 6
Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] Credits: 3
Any approved general education course in the Literacy and Critical Inquiry [L] area.
Mathematics [MA] Credits: 3-6
MAT140 College Mathematics (5) OR
MAT141 College Mathematics (4) OR
MAT142 College Mathematics (3) OR
MAT145 College Mathematics with Review (5) OR
MAT146 College Mathematics with Review (6) OR
Higher approved general education course in the Mathematical Applications [MA] area (3-6) 3-6
Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS] Credits: 3
Any approved general education course in the Computer/Statistics/Quantitative Applications [CS] area.
Humanities, Arts and Design [HU] Credits: 6
AJS123 Ethics and the Administration of Justice (3)
AND
Any approved general education courses in the Humanities, Arts and Design [HU] area. (3) 6
Recommend selecting a course that satisfies the Global [G] or Historical [H] awareness area.
Social-Behavioral Sciences [SB] Credits: 6
AJS101 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3)
AND
Any approved general education courses in the Social-Behavioral Sciences [SB] area. (3) 6
May be met by AJS200, AJS225, AJS270, or PAD200 in Required Courses.
Recommend AJS/EMT/FSC258 Victimology and Crisis Management in Public Safety
Natural Sciences [SG]/[SQ] Credits: 8
Any approved general education course in the Natural Sciences (Quantitative) [SQ] area (4) AND
Any approved general education course in the Natural Sciences (Quantitative) [SQ] area or the Natural Sciences (General) [SG] area (4). 8
Recommended:
FOR105 Forensic Science: Physical Evidence 4
FOR106 Forensic Science: Biological Evidence 4
Awareness Areas Credits: 0-6
These requirements may be shared with Core Requirements.
Cultural Diversity in the US [C] Credits: 0-3
Any approved general education course with the Cultural Diversity in the U.S. [C] designation.
Recommended:
AJS/EMT/FSC258 Victimology and Crisis Management in Public Safety 3
Historical/Global Awareness [H]/[G] Credits: 0-3
Any approved general education course with the Historical [H] or Global [G] awareness area designation.
MCCCD Additional Requirements
MCCCD Additional Requirements Credits: 0-6
Courses in this area may also be applied to the AGEC Core Requirements. To minimize total credits required for degree and maximize transferable credits, it is recommended that courses be selected that meet more than one requirement wherever possible.
Oral Communication Credits: 0-3
COM100 Introduction to Human Communication (3) OR
COM110 Interpersonal Communication (3) OR
COM225 Public Speaking (3) OR
COM230 Small Group Communication (3) 3
Critical Reading Credits: 0-3
CRE101 College Critical Reading and Critical Thinking (3) OR
Equivalent as indicated by assessment (0) 0-3
General Electives
Course # Course Title Credits
Credits:
Select additional courses 100-level or higher to complete a minimum of 60 semester credits but no more than a total of 64 semester credits. Consult with an AJS faculty advisor, program director, and/or academic advisor to identify coursework that best aligns with academic and professional goals.
Students may be required to complete a language course at the elementary or intermediate level or demonstrate proficiency through this level as indicated by assessment. Refer to the MCCCD University Transfer Partner website for more information.

At Maricopa, we strive to provide you with accurate and current information about our degree and certificate offerings. Due to the dynamic nature of the curriculum process, course and program information is subject to change. As a result, the course list associated with this degree or certificate on this site does not represent a contract, nor does it guarantee course availability. If you are interested in pursuing this degree or certificate, we encourage you to meet with an advisor to discuss the requirements at your college for the appropriate catalog year.

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