Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice Program Description

The curriculum for the degree in Criminal Justice is designed with a common core as the first year of the course work providing interdisciplinary education critical for law enforcement students.

The curriculum is designed to incorporate industry standard certificates and maximize transfer options for students into bachelor’s degree programs. Students may choose to attend the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy in the fourth semester. This is only an option and is not required, but most students on this degree track choose to attend.

Hocking College offers an associate degree in criminal justice, allowing students to select a concentration in either corrections or law enforcement. Students in law enforcement will have the option of taking the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Academy (POB) during their last semester at Hocking College, which will allow them to graduate with both an associate degree in criminal justice and their Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) certification*.

*Dependent on passing state test

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) are statements of what a student will be able to do when they have completed a program. They represent the knowledge and skills a program has determined are most important for students to gain from that program and include both the Success Skills (institutional outcomes) and Program Outcomes. SLOs are specific and measurable so the program can accurately assess the degree to which students have achieved each outcome, and they align with college and institution mission and values. Data on the achievement of SLOs is used to make improvements in the program and increase student success.

Hocking College Institutional Learning Outcomes

1) Demonstrate sound critical thinking, information literacy and technological competency in the production of academic writing and presentations

2) Apply the methods of mathematical, statistical or analytical reasoning to critically evaluate data, solve problems and effectively communicate findings.

3) Demonstrate an awareness of the social, political and economic forces which shape individuals, institutions and communities in the modern world.

4)Understand social justice and the diversities and complexities of the cultural and social world past and present and come to an informed sense of self and others.

5)Demonstrate a foundation of knowledge in the natural sciences based on theory and laboratory skills.

6) Cultivate ethical values, personal wellness and personal learning strategies in the development of the whole person, mind, body and spirit.

7) Integrate content material to application in the workforce and apply discipline specific knowledge and skills to successfully transfer or effectively meet the expectations of internships, workplace, volunteerism and/or entrepreneurship endeavors.

8) Utilize the ethical and professional application of current information technology and tools effectively.

Program Outcomes

The following outcomes are skills, behaviors, and attitudes cultivated in students seeking the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice with a major in Law Enforcement.

Describe the responsibilities and administrative competencies of each component of the criminal justice system.
Describe the U.S. constitutional rights of all citizens as they apply to the criminal justice system.
Students will be able to identify the 3 main approaches used to explain criminal behavior.
Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to use the Ohio Revised Code as a professional resource.
Students will be able to write complete, factual, accurate and concise reports which will aid other professionals in making informed decisions.
Students will be able to demonstrate proficiency in crime scene investigations.
Students will be able to characterize the importance of public relations as it relates to law enforcement.
Students will recognize the importance of physical fitness and wellness in law enforcement.

Retention Rates

Retention rates are determined by the office of Institutional Research utilizing the following criteria:

All registered fall/autumn students with registration status for the following fall/autumn.
Excludes special populations - College Credit Plus, Non Degree, Online Military and University Center.
Potential for upcoming fall/autumn excludes graduates from that fall/autumn, spring and summer terms.

Academic Year	Retention Rate
2017	61%
2018	39%

Graduation Rates

Graduation rates are determined by the office of Institutional Research. To ensure appropriate time for data collection, this report will be run and posted annually in the last week of September for the previous academic year. It should be noted that annual graduation rates may change as students continue to graduate. The following criteria will be utilized for the calculation of graduation rates:

Overall Program Completion Rate is defined as a percentage of the ratio:
All graduates of the program
_________________________________________________________________
All students with the program in their history of programs of study
For the purposes of reporting, the program completion rates are aggregated by academic year of entry.
A student is considered to have completed or graduated from a program or certificate by virtue of having been awarded the degree or certificate.
A student is considered to be undertaking activity in a program of study for the duration of time that they are in an active status in a program or certificate. This is defined by having a Program of Study with a status of ‘A’ during the duration of time they are taking coursework. Should a student move in and out of active status in a program of study while continuing to take coursework, we only take into account the student’s activity while the program has an active status for that particular program of study.

Academic Year	Graduation Rate
2017	22%

**New academic programs and curriculums being re-designed based on industry needs will have outcome data available after one complete graduation cycle.

What certifications will I receive in addition to my degree in Criminal Justice?

Students will have the opportunity to become certified in Mental Health First Aid and students that take the Peace Officer Basic Academy in their 4th semester will be eligible to sit for the Ohio Peace Officer Certification exam.

In my last semester, do I have to do the Ohio Peace Officer Basic Academy if I don't want to be a police officer?

No, you will have the option to either take the academy in your last semester here or you can take the 6 courses listed on your curriculum.

Am I required to wear a uniform in the Criminal Justice program?

You are not required to wear a uniform in the criminal justice program. However, if you decide to take the Peace Officer Basic Academy, you will be required to wear a uniform while in the academy.

Will my credits transfer for another university if I want to go on and get my bachelor's degree?

We have articulation agreements with Ohio University, Franklin University, and the University of Cincinnati. These schools will accept all of your credits that you take here and you will start as a Junior at their school. All other colleges will accept credits on a case-by-case basis.

For more information visit our transfer page.

What are the admission requirements for this degree?

All new students coming into the Criminal Justice Program must pass a 10-panel drug screen. In order to get into the Peace Officer Basic Academy, students must first pass a physical fitness test, background check, physical, and drug screen.

Criminal Justice