Criminology and Justice Studies
Kent State University’s Associate of Arts in Criminology and Justice Studies is an online program that provides a foundational understanding of criminal behavior, law enforcement, and the justice system. This degree is ideal for those looking to enter the field of criminal justice or pursue further education in criminology and law.
Criminology and Justice Studies Associate’s Degree Program Overview
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminology and Justice Studies prepares graduates for para-professional positions in the field of criminal justice studies. The program can serve as a foundation for advanced study in several areas, including retail security, industrial security, forensics, law and corrections. Graduates typically seek employment in probation offices, social service agencies, courts, local law enforcement offices and crime labs.
The Criminology and Justice Studies major includes the following optional concentration:
- The Peace Officers Training Academy concentration is open only to students admitted to the Kent State Basic Police Academy. The coursework covers the basics of defensive tactics, firearms, driving, traffic, patrol, civil disorders and first aid. In addition, students learn investigative methods and the fundamentals of policing, the criminal justice system, constitutional law and homeland security.
Students may declare the Criminology and Justice Studies major without a concentration. That course of study is ideal for students interested in the structure, functions and issues within the criminal justice system, as well as those who want a pathway to complete Kent State’s B.A. degree in Criminology and Justice Studies.
Program Learning Outcomes
Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Explain the structure and function of the criminal justice system, namely police, courts and corrections.
- Explain criminal law and how it intersects with and impacts society.
- Explain and compare the theories on crime, criminality and criminal justice practices.
- Communicate the experiences of marginalized populations within the criminal justice system.
In addition, graduates of the Peace Officers Training Academy concentration will be able to:
- Identify the components and legal processes of the criminal justice system, and apply basic criminal laws to various situations.
- Explain the different types of police procedures and their effective uses in law enforcement.
- Use ethical, analytical and critical-thinking skills toward situations typical to criminal justice settings.
- Safely and properly conduct a traffic stop and respond to a domestic disturbance, dispatched call or crime in progress.
- Properly carry out comprehensive criminal investigations and write various reports.
- Proficiently provide first aid at the level of a first responder.
Criminology and Justice Studies Associate’s Degree Program Admissions Requirements
The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.
Kent State campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, and the Twinsburg Academic Center, have open enrollment admission for students who hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.
Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the Coursework tab.
For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.
Peace Officers Training Academy Concentration: Admission to this program is selective. Applicants must meet all admission criteria for acceptance into the Kent State Basic Police Academy. Criteria includes a valid driver’s license, high school diploma or GED, be age 20 or turning age 20 at time of enrollment, good physical condition and no felony or drug convictions or arrests for domestic violence.
Important Dates
Program Courses
Program Requirements
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA) | ||
| CRIM 12000 | INTRODUCTION TO JUSTICE STUDIES | 3 |
| CRIM 26704 | ISSUES IN LAW AND SOCIETY (KSS) | 3 |
| CRIM 27311 | VICTIMOLOGY | 3 |
| CRIM 33200 | CRIMINAL LAW | 3 |
| SOC 12050 | INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) | 3 |
| Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA) | ||
| UC 10001 | FLASHES 101 | 1 |
| Kent Core Composition | 3 | |
| Kent Core Mathematics and Critical Reasoning | 3 | |
| Kent Core Humanities and Fine Arts | 3 | |
| Kent Core Basic Sciences | 3 | |
| General Electives (total credit hours depends on earning 60 credits hour) | 7 | |
| Concentration Requirements | ||
| Choose from the following: | 25 | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 60 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA) | ||
| CRIM 22300 | POLICE ROLE | 3 |
| CRIM 26701 | CORRECTIONS | 3 |
| CRIM 36702 | CRIMINOLOGY | 3 |
| CRIM 37311 | MINORITIES IN CRIME AND JUSTICE (DIVD) | 3 |
| CRIM 37411 | WOMEN IN CRIME AND JUSTICE (DIVD) | |
| Criminology and Justice Studies (CRIM) Electives | 9 | |
| Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA) | ||
| General Electives | 4 | |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 25 | |
| Code | Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA) | ||
| CRIM 22200 | INTERPERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY PROFESSIONALS | 3 |
| POTA 11001 | PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY I | 6 |
| POTA 11002 | PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY II | 5 |
| POTA 11003 | PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY III | 6 |
| POTA 11004 | PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY IV | 5 |
| Minimum Total Credit Hours: | 25 | |
Criminology and Justice Studies Associate’s Degree Program Tuition and Fees
Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
$335.57 Lower Division Courses $393.35 Upper Division Courses | $1,006.71 Lower Division Courses $1,180.05 Upper Division Courses | $14,800 full-time1 |
Non-Ohio Residents
| Per Credit Hour | Per 3-Credit Course | Approximate Tuition Cost |
$345.57 Lower Division Courses $403.35 Upper Division Courses | $1,036.71 Lower Division Courses $1,210.05 Upper Division Courses | $15,400 full-time2 |
1The flat-rate semester fee of $3,692.65 for LOWER division courses applies to full-time Ohio resident undergraduate students taking between 12-18 credit hours per semester. The approximate full-time tuition for Associate degrees is calculated at 4 semesters using the lower division course flat rate.
2The flat-rate semester fee of $3,692.65 for LOWER division courses applies to full-time non-Ohio resident undergraduate students enrolled in a fully online degree program and taking between 12-18 credit hours per semester, PLUS a surcharge of $10 per credit hour of actual credit hours taken (between 12-18 semester credits or $120-$180). The approximate full-time tuition for Associate degrees is calculated at 4 (15 hour) semesters using the lower division course flat rate and $150 surcharge.
For part-time semesters: The $335.57 per-credit-hour tuition rate for LOWER division courses and $393.35 for UPPER division courses applies to part-time Ohio resident undergraduate students, PLUS a $10 per-credit-hour surcharge for non-Ohio resident undergraduate students, taking fewer than 12 credit hours per semester.
An additional Distance Learning fee for all students enrolled in a distance learning course is $15 per credit hour. Program tuition and costs are estimated and subject to change.
Actual tuition costs may vary based on a student’s chosen academic plan. For a complete listing of tuition rates for approved online programs, please contact Kent State’s Financial, Billing & Enrollment Center at 330-672-6000 or via our website Contact Us link.
The total program costs are estimates and are not final or binding. Program costs are based on standard fees, but fees may vary based on the actual classes taken. Kent State University disclaims any liability arising from the use of or reliance upon these program cost estimates by any person. Program costs are subject to change without notice.
Careers
- -7.8% decline
- 48,700 number of jobs
- $60,910 potential earnings
- 1.6% slower than the average
- 85,700 number of jobs
- $52,650 potential earnings
Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.
Related Reading from the Kent State Online Blog
