| Criminal Justice | |
| Type | Degree program |
|---|---|
| Degree | A.A. |
| Credits | 60 |
| Department | Department of Legal Studies |
| Division | Professional Studies |
| Institution | Oakridge College |
| Category | Academics & Programs |
Associate of Arts (A.A.)
Total Credits Required: 60
The A.A. in Criminal Justice is a 60-credit program designed for students who want a practical and academic foundation in criminal justice systems, public safety, court procedure, corrections, ethics, and community responsibility. This program is intended for students who are interested in law enforcement preparation, corrections, probation, court services, public safety work, or continued study in criminal justice, legal studies, or related public-service fields.
The program combines general education with foundational coursework in criminal justice, criminal law, courts, corrections, policing, report writing, ethics, crisis response, and supervised academic practice. Students complete studies in communication, social understanding, quantitative reasoning, and professional responsibility alongside department coursework focused on justice systems, public safety, procedure, and the responsibilities that come with public authority.
Together, these requirements are intended to prepare students for continued education in criminal justice, legal studies, public administration, or public safety pathways, as well as supervised entry-level roles that depend on judgment, communication, documentation, ethical conduct, and respect for proper procedure.
Program Structure
- Advanced English: 10 credits
- Social Sciences: 20 credits
- Ethics: 10 credits
- History: 10 credits
- One Free Elective: 10 credits
Graduation Requirements
- Completion of at least 60 credit hours
- Successful completion of all required departmental coursework
- Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0
- A grade of C or higher in all core program requirements
- Completion of the capstone or supervised practical requirement
Program Overview
The A.A. in Criminal Justice is intended for students seeking a focused justice and public-service foundation within Oakridge’s Department of Legal Studies. The program prepares students for further study in criminal justice, legal studies, public administration, public safety, or related fields while also supporting practical readiness for supervised entry-level roles in justice-adjacent environments.
Rather than presenting itself as law enforcement certification or a police academy credential, the degree provides a structured academic foundation in law, courts, corrections, public safety, ethics, documentation, and community responsibility. Within Oakridge’s Department of Legal Studies, this program serves students who want to understand the justice system seriously while developing the habits of discipline, restraint, fairness, accuracy, and reliability expected in criminal justice and public-service environments.