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Associate in Arts Degree with a Concentration in Criminal Justice (624)

The concentration in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement prepares students to transfer to four-year universities to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and/or Law Enforcement.

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Transfer Consideration

Competitive Admissions

Special Consideration

Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College

• Academic Advising, 815-835-6354
• Dr. Stephen F. Miko, Professor, Criminal Justice, 815-835-6256

Minimum Total Credit Hours - 65 Hours

Suggested Course Sequence

First Semester - 16 Hours

• *Mathematics 3 Semester hour(s)

• CJS101 - Intro to Criminal Justice ( 3 Semester Hours)

  The course examines the history, development, and philosophy of the American criminal justice system. It includes discussions of the types of agencies involved in the administration of criminal justice and policies and procedures followed by those agencies, using a general career-oriented approach. Specific lectures include those topics such as criminal law, criminal offenses and offenders, and agencies responsible for the prevention and control of crime. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): CRJ 901 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• **

  CJS130 - Criminal Investigation ( 3 Semester Hours)

  The guidelines and requisites for criminal investigators are defined and developed through a general orientation examining both preliminary and supplementary criminal investigations. Specific types of crime are examined in terms of statutory elements, modus operandi, evidence development and collection, sources of information, interview and interrogation, suspect identification, reporting and courtroom presentation and procedure. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• ENG101 - Composition I ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course (1) develops awareness of the writing process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and editorial strategies; (3) stresses the variety of uses for writing; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in reading, thinking, and writing. Prerequisite: Required placement score on approved English placement test, high school unweighted GPA of 3.0 or higher, or a grade of C or higher in ELA 099. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• FYE101 - First Year Experience ( 1 Semester Hours)

  The focus of this course is how to be successful in college. Study skills, goal setting, academic planning, time and money management, and information research skills are among the core topics included in this course. Within a supportive environment, students will share their college experiences and develop connections with fellow students and SVCC staff. Prerequisite: None 1 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 1 lec/week

• PSY103 - Introduction to Psychology ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This course is designed to introduce the student to major concepts, theories, principles, and research in the field of psychology. This course will survey the scientific study of human and animal characteristics and behavior. Major topics from biological, behavioral, cognitive, personality, developmental, abnormal, and social psychology theory and research will be emphasized. Universal characteristics and individual differences will be explored Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S6 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Second Semester - 16 Hours

• Fine Arts 3 Semester hour(s)
• Personal Development 1 Semester hour(s)
• **

  CJS135 - Criminal Law ( 3 Semester Hours)

  The factors relevant to resolution and decision in the bringing forth of criminal charges are developed within the adversary system. The basic principles of criminal liability are reviewed laying the foundation for considering specific offenses against property, habitation, and persons. Special consideration is given to the criminal law within Illinois. Prerequisite: CJS 101 is recommended but not required. 3 Semester hour(s) Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• ENG103 - Composition II ( 3 Semester Hours)

  An advanced course in essay writing with emphasis on formal research, ENG 103 serves to develop a proficiency in the collection and selection of data as applied to the completion of a formal research paper. In addition, students receive instruction in logic and reasoning, including the fundamentals of argumentative and persuasive writing. Prerequisite: A grade of C or higher in ENG 101 or its equivalent or consent of instructor. 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C1 901R Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• PSC163 - Am Government & Politics ( 3 Semester Hours)

  Students will examine American constitutional foundations and democratic values, explore the role of public opinion and the character of the political process, and understand the role of the media and interest groups in policy-making. Students will gain an understanding of how the major branches of the federal government work, and improve skills in evaluating and analyzing current public policy issues. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S5 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• SOC111 - Introduction to Sociology ( 3 Semester Hours)

  Students will be introduced to the perspective, concepts, and methods of sociology. Emphasis will be given to how the groups that make up our society function. The forces that hold groups together or cause them to change will be explored while the students examine how they learn to play roles within the family, school, religion, peer groups, and in other social settings. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): S7 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Third Semester - 16-17 Hours

• Humanities 3 Semester hour(s)
• ***Life Science 3-4 Semester hour(s)
• Personal Development 1 Semester hour(s)

• CJS120 - Introduction to Corrections ( 3 Semester Hours)

  The course is an introduction and analysis of punishment, custody, and rehabilitation as administered by law enforcement, courts, and corrections. It includes an overview of the history, evolution, and philosophy of the United States correctional system. The operation and administration of institutional and non-institutional settings, and issues of constitutional law related to corrections will also be examined. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): CRJ 911 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• CJS208 - Juvenile Delinquency ( 3 Semester Hours)

  The course is an analysis of the social and psychological factors of delinquent behavior. The practical application of theories, causation, prevention and rehabilitation is considered with regard to programs. The role of the juvenile police, corrections, and probation officers is considered, as well as a look at the Illinois Juvenile Court Act. Prerequisite: None (CJS 101 is recommended.) 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): CRJ 914 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

• COM131 - Intro to Oral Communication ( 3 Semester Hours)

  The oral communication course combines communication theory with the practice of oral communication skills. The course: (1) develops awareness of the communication process; (2) provides inventional, organizational, and expressive strategies; (3) promotes understanding of and adaptation to a variety of communication contexts; and (4) emphasizes critical skills in listening, reading, thinking, and speaking. Prerequisite: None 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): C2 900 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Fourth Semester - 16-17 Hours

• ***Physical Science 3-4 Semester hour(s)
• Humanities/Fine Arts 3 Semester hour(s)
• Personal Development 1 Semester hour(s)
• Electives 3 Semester hour(s)

• CIS109 - Introduction to Computers ( 3 Semester Hours)

  This introductory course consists of the study of computer hardware, software, operating systems, communications, networking, Internet, systems and program development life cycles and their role in business decision making. The use of Internet, multimedia, security, and ethics will be emphasized throughout the course. In addition, laboratory experience will be gained with a survey of Microsoft Windows and business computer software applications programs in word processing, electronic spreadsheets, database management, presentation graphics, and Internet. Prerequisite: None. Students having no experience with computers are encouraged to first take CIS 100-Keyboarding 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): BUS 902 Lecture/Lab Hours: 2 lec, 2 lab/week

• CJS238 - Criminology ( 3 Semester Hours)

  The course is an analysis of the theories of criminology. Crime in relation to physical and psychological factors, to cultural areas, to the family and to other social institutions will be examined. Consideration is given to professional crime and white collar crime. Prerequisites: SOC 111 3 Semester hour(s) Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI): CRJ 912 Lecture/Lab Hours: 3 lec/week

Footnotes

• *Transfer institution will determine most appropriate mathematics course(s).
• ** Western Illinois University recommends completion of CJS 101, 130, 135 and 208. Other CJS courses transfer as elective credit.
• ***One lab science required.