| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-07-08 | - |
| 2024-08-26 | - |
| 2024-10-14 | - |
| 2024-12-02 | - |
| 2025-01-27 | - |
| 2025-03-17 | - |
| 2025-05-12 | - |
Program Overview
New England College's online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice offers a comprehensive foundation in the field, preparing graduates for careers in law enforcement, corrections, law, and social work. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical application, fostering critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to public service. With a flexible format and experienced faculty, the program provides a supportive learning environment for students to succeed in the criminal justice profession.
Program Outline
Analysis of Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice Online at New England College:
Degree Overview:
Overview:
This online associate degree program provides a strong foundation in criminal justice, preparing graduates for diverse career paths, including law enforcement, corrections, law, and social work.
Objectives:
The program aims to equip graduates with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, fostering critical thinking, communication skills, ethical decision-making, and a commitment to public service.
Description:
This program adopts a multidisciplinary approach, blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. Students gain insights into various aspects of the criminal justice system, exploring topics such as crime causation, policing, victimology, and corrections. The curriculum also emphasizes ethical considerations and social justice principles.
Outline:
Program Content:
This program delves into core criminal justice areas, including:
- Criminology: Examining the nature, causes, and consequences of criminal behavior.
- Criminal Law: Exploring the legal framework governing criminal offenses and procedures.
- Corrections: Investigating the various correctional systems and practices, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration.
- Juvenile Justice: Investigating the unique challenges and legal considerations related to juvenile delinquency.
- Law Enforcement: Delving into the roles and responsibilities of law enforcement agencies and personnel.
Structure:
Students complete a combination of required and elective courses, totaling 60 credits.
- Required Courses: These courses provide a foundational understanding of criminal justice concepts and principles. Examples include Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminology, Criminal Law, Criminal Procedure, Corrections, and Juvenile Justice.
- Elective Courses: These courses allow students to tailor their program to specific interests and career aspirations. Options include Abnormal Psychology, Juvenile Delinquency, Homeland Security, Terrorism, and White-Collar Crime.
Course Schedule:
The program utilizes a flexible format, offering multiple term starts throughout the year. Courses are delivered in a 7-week format, enabling students to complete their degree at an accelerated pace.
Individual Modules with Descriptions:
The program consists of individual modules covering specific topics within the criminal justice field. Some examples include:
- CRJ 205: Criminology: This module examines the various theories of crime causation, including biological, psychological, and sociological perspectives.
- CRJ 301: Criminal Law: This module explores the fundamental principles of criminal law, includingactus reus, mens rea, and different types of offenses.
- CRJ 305: Corrections: This module investigates the history, philosophy, and practices of correctional systems, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration strategies.
Assessment:
Assessment Methods:
Students' understanding and application of criminal justice concepts are evaluated through various methods, including:
- Exams: Assessing knowledge and comprehension of key concepts.
- Essays and Research Papers: Encouraging in-depth analysis and critical thinking.
- Case Studies and Simulations: Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.
- Group Projects and Presentations: Fostering teamwork and communication skills.
Assessment Criteria:
Assessments are evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Accuracy of knowledge and understanding
- Critical analysis and application of concepts
- Effective communication and writing skills
- Originality and creativity
- Ethical considerations and social responsibility
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program employs diverse teaching methods to engage students and promote active learning. These include:
- Interactive lectures
- Class discussions and debates
- Group projects and case studies
- Simulations and role-playing exercises
- Guest speaker presentations
- Online learning tools and resources
Faculty:
The program boasts a team of experienced and dedicated faculty members with extensive practical and academic expertise in the criminal justice field. They bring real-world insights and a passion for teaching into the classroom, ensuring a stimulating learning environment.
Unique Approaches:
The program utilizes a unique "learning community" model, fostering collaboration and interaction between students and faculty. It also offers opportunities for practical application through internships, field trips, and service-learning projects.
Careers:
Career Paths:
This program prepares graduates for a wide range of career opportunities in the criminal justice and legal sectors. These include:
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Correctional Officer
- Probation Officer
- Parole Officer
- Security Officer
- Private Investigator
- Forensic Scientist
- Crime Analyst
- Paralegal
- Legal Assistant
- Social Worker
- Victim Advocate
Other:
The program offers several unique features and benefits, including:
- Flexible online format, allowing students to balance their education with other commitments.
- Accelerated 7-week courses, enabling faster completion of the degree.
- Access to a dedicated career services team to assist with job search and professional development. Through its rigorous curriculum, experienced faculty, and career-focused approach, the program equips graduates with the knowledge, skills, and experience to succeed in diverse professional settings.
