Criminal Justice

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.

Criminal Justice - IAI Recommended Course Sequence

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Transfer Consideration

Students who have already chosen the university to which they plan to transfer should consult that institution's catalog or department advisor and an SVCC academic advisor in planning their program

Competitive Admissions

Community College students interested in completing bachelor's degrees in Criminal Justice and related majors are strongly encouraged to complete an Associate degree prior to transfer. Since admission is competitive, however, completion of these courses alone does not guarantee admission.

Criminal Justice (CJS) courses will be accepted in transfer by baccalaureate schools, but they may or may not substitute for professional coursework required for the major. The courses will be accepted as general electives if not accepted as core or elective courses in the major.

Since admission is competitive, completing the recommended courses does not by itself guarantee admission.

Special Consideration

Students should be knowledgeable in the use of computers, i.e., be able to negotiate an operating system; access the Internet; and use word processing, database and spreadsheet software.

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

Course #	Course Title	Hours
**	Mathematics	3 Hours
CJS101	Intro to Criminal Justice	3 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 None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI CRJ 901LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
* CJS130	Criminal Investigation	3 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 None3 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
ENG101	Composition I	3 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 hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C1 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
FYE101	First Year Experience	1 Hour
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 None1 Semester hoursLectureLab Hours 1 lecweek
PSY103	Introduction to Psychology	3 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 None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI S6 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek

 

Second Semester - 16 Hours

Course #	Course Title	Hours
	Fine Arts	3 Hours
	Personal Development	1 Hour
* CJS135	Criminal Law	3 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 hoursLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
ENG103	Composition II	3 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 hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C1 901RLectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
PSC163	Am Government & Politics	3 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 None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI S5 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
SOC111	Introduction to Sociology	3 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 None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI S7 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek

 

Third Semester - 16-17 Hours

Course #	Course Title	Hours
	Humanities	3 Hours
***	Life Science	3-4 Hours
	Personal Development	1 Hour
CJS120	Introduction to Corrections	3 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 None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI CRJ 911LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
CJS208	Juvenile Delinquency	3 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 hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI CRJ 914LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek
COM131	Intro to Oral Communication	3 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 None3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI C2 900LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek

 

Fourth Semester - 16-17 Hours

Course #	Course Title	Hours
***	Physical Science	3-4 Hours
	Humanities / Fine Arts	3 Hours
	Personal Development	1 Hour
	Electives	3 Hours
CIS109	Introduction to Computers	3 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-Keyboarding3 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI BUS 902LectureLab Hours 2 lec 2 labweek
CJS238	Criminology	3 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 1113 Semester hoursIllinois Articulation Initiative IAI CRJ 912LectureLab Hours 3 lecweek

 

Footnotes

* Western Illinois University recommends completion of CJS 101, 130, 135 and 208. Other CJS courses transfer as elective credit.

** Transfer institution will determine most appropriate mathematics course(s).

*** One lab science required.