The Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice is designed for students with Criminal Justice backgrounds, as well as for high school graduates and those returning to school. The program prepares students who are interested in employment in law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, and private security. The degree plan is broadly interdisciplinary in nature, embracing the study of humanities, law, and natural, social, and behavioral science. The curriculum seeks to balance theoretical inquiry with applied knowledge. This degree is available online in its entirety.

Special Information

Students seeking employment with a New Mexico law enforcement agency or those seeking correctional certification should be advised that their eligibility for employment may be affected by a felony conviction. It is suggested that students seeking employment with a New Mexico agency contact the specific agency regarding minimum qualifications. Students should also be advised that a felony conviction may affect their agency placement during an internship.

Transferring the Criminal Justice Discipline Module

Consistent with the requirements of Statute 21-1B-4, the Higher Education Department and state higher education institutions have developed several discipline modules that consist of an agreed-upon number of hours and courses, including the general education core of approximately sixty-four hours applicable to a specific discipline. The courses listed in each discipline matrix, including the general education core, are transferable and shall count toward fulfilling degree requirements at four-year institutions in New Mexico.  Equivalent courses within these modules are identified with common course numbers as an easy reference point to guarantee transfer.   The New Mexico Common Course equivalent numbers for the criminal justice module courses listed below (where applicable) are in parentheses following the course title and can also be found following the course  descriptions in the back of this catalog.  Students wishing to transfer to another college or university should consult an advisor there to see a list of common course equivalencies at that institution.

General Education Requirements (16-17 credits)

COMM 101 Interpersonal Communication or

COMM 102 Public Speaking.............................................................. 3

ENG 102* English Composition.......................................................... 3

ENG 104* English Composition and Research or

ENG 233* Technical and Professional Writing I................................... 3

MATH 107* Intermediate Algebra or

MATH 110* College Algebra.......................................................... 3-4

HPE Physical Education Activity.......................................................... 1

PSY 101 Introductory Psychology....................................................... 3

Related Requirements (16 credits)

CIS 120* Introduction to Applications Software.................................. 4

PSCI 102 American National Government or

PSCI 202 Intro to State and Local Government................................... 3

SOC 101 Introductory Sociology........................................................ 3

SOC 212 Contemporary Social Issues................................................ 3

ELECTIVE....................................................................................... 3

Select from ART, DNC, ENG/Lit, HUM, MUS, PHIL, REL, THTR.

Program Requirements (36 credits)

CRJU 102 Introduction to Criminal Justice (NMCCN CRJI 1113)............... 3

CRJU 103 Introduction to Policing (NMCCN CRJI 2103).......................... 3

CRJU 110 Introduction to the Correctional System (NMCCN CRJI 2303)... 3

CRJU 141 Criminal Investigations...................................................... 3

CRJU 201 Criminology...................................................................... 3

CRJU 213 Criminal Law (NMCCN CRJI 2053) or

CRJU 214 Criminal  Procedures......................................................... 3

CRJU 242 Victimology...................................................................... 3

CRJU 243 Juvenile Justice (NMCCN CRJI 2603)..................................... 3

ELECTIVES.................................................................................... 12

Select from the following list:

CRJU 203 Probation and Parole

CRJU 213 Criminal Law (NMCCN CRJI 2053)

CRJU 214 Criminal Procedures

CRJU 241 Police and Community Relations

CRJU 245 Crime and the Media

CRJU 246 Understanding Gangs

CRJU 260 Organized Crime

CRJU 262 Terrorism

CRJU 264 Criminal Justice and the Courts (NMCCN CRJI 2503)

CRJU 265 Multicultural Law Enforcement

CRJU 268 Workshop in Criminal Justice

CRJU 290* Co-op in Criminal Justice

CRJU 293 Topics in Criminal Justice

CRJU 297* CRJU Internship

Total credits required for an Associate of Applied Science in

Criminal Justice..................................................................... 68-69

*Courses require prerequisites.