Skip to main contentSkip to main navigationSkip to footer content

Criminal Justice-Law Enforcement
Associate in Applied Science (081)

This program prepares students for careers in law enforcement agencies such as municipal police departments, county sheriffs' departments, state police and private security concerns. The program includes general education courses and provides an emphasis on criminal justice courses and supportive social science courses.

Nature of Work and Employment

Law enforcement majors pursue careers as municipal police officers, sheriffs' deputies, state troopers and private security guards. The job market in law enforcement is closely tied to legislation to fund it. If funding of tax supported law enforcement does not meet society's demand for law enforcement, growth will occur in the market for trained personnel in private security. 

Special Considerations

Law enforcement students should cultivate their communications skills. Much of effective law enforcement is based on the communication skills of arresting officers. Students should also be aware of the strength and agility standards required of applicants by law enforcement agencies in Illinois. The College offers a wide range of physical education courses and a super circuit fitness center for those who are concerned about meeting these requirements. Younger students should seriously consider studying for a bachelor's degree as the job market for law enforcement majors is competitive. Previous criminal record and felony convictions can negatively impact the opportunity to gain employment in the field.

Follow this link for career information.

Program Contacts at Sauk Valley Community College

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

 

Total Hours Required - 61 Hours

Major Field Requirements - 27 Hours

Course # Course Title Hours
CJS Elective (CJS250 Recommended) 3 Hours
CJS130 Criminal Investigation 3 Hours
CJS200 Ethics in Criminal Justice 3 Hours
CJS231 Criminal Evidence & Procedure 3 Hours
CJS232 Police and Patrol Operations 3 Hours
CJS233 Community Policing 3 Hours
CIS109 Introduction to Computers 3 Hours
PSC163 Am Government & Politics 3 Hours
PSY103 Introduction to Psychology 3 Hours

 

Criminal Justice Core Courses - 15 Hours

Course # Course Title Hours
CJS101 Intro to Criminal Justice 3 Hours
CJS120 Introduction to Corrections 3 Hours
CJS135 Criminal Law 3 Hours
CJS208 Juvenile Delinquency 3 Hours
CJS238 Criminology 3 Hours

 

General Education Requirements - 18 Hours

Course # Course Title Hours
Communications ( ENG101 Required and One of the following: COM131, ENG103, ENG 111) 6 Hours
Humanities / Fine Arts 3 Hours
Social / Behavioral Science (SOC111 Required) 3 Hours
Physical / Life Science 3 Hours
Mathematics (MAT106 or Higher Required) 3 Hours

 

SVCC Degree Requirement - 1 Hour

Course # Course Title Hours
FYE101 First Year Experience 1 Hour

Suggested Program

First Semester - 16 Hours

Course # Course Title Hours
Mathematics (MAT106 or Higher) 3 Hours
CJS101 Intro to Criminal Justice 3 Hours
CJS120 Introduction to Corrections 3 Hours
CJS130 Criminal Investigation 3 Hours
ENG101 Composition I 3 Hours
FYE101 First Year Experience 1 Hour

 

Second Semester - 15 Hours

Course # Course Title Hours
CIS109 Introduction to Computers 3 Hours
CJS232 Police and Patrol Operations 3 Hours
COM131 Intro to Oral Communication 3 Hours
- OR -
ENG111 Bus/Technical Communication 3 Hours
- OR -
ENG103 Composition II 3 Hours
PSC163 Am Government & Politics 3 Hours
SOC111 Introduction to Sociology 3 Hours

 

Third Semester - 15 Hours

Course # Course Title Hours
Humanities / Fine Arts 3 Hours
CJS200 Ethics in Criminal Justice 3 Hours
CJS208 Juvenile Delinquency 3 Hours
CJS233 Community Policing 3 Hours
PSY103 Introduction to Psychology 3 Hours

 

Fourth Semester - 15 Hours

Course # Course Title Hours
Physical / Life Science 3 Hours
CJS135 Criminal Law 3 Hours
CJS231 Criminal Evidence & Procedure 3 Hours
CJS238 Criminology 3 Hours
CJS Elective (CJS250 - Criminal Justice Practicum Recommended) 3 Hours