Associate of Applied Science Transfer Degree in Criminal Justice

Bellevue College

The AAS-T combines technical courses required for job preparation and college-level general education courses. These degrees are designed for the dual purpose of immediate employment and preparation for the junior year in a Washington state bachelor of applied science (BAS) degree program. The AAS-T degree generally will not be accepted in transfer-in preparation for bachelor of arts or bachelor of science degrees although the general education component of the degree will be accepted in transfer.

The Associate in Applied Science-T in Criminal Justice provides students with knowledge of the criminal justice system (law enforcement, court system, and corrections) and stages of the criminal justice process. The curriculum includes coursework in criminal justice and criminology, law enforcement and criminal justice ethics, criminal and constitutional law, and written, verbal, and nonverbal communications. The degree prepares students either for immediate employment or for transfer to a bachelor’s degree program. Career pathways include the Washington State Patrol, municipal and county law enforcement agencies, federal agencies, law practice, corrections, private investigations, security, and social service agencies.

Learning Outcomes

Degree recipients should possess the skills & abilities described below:

Apply basic investigative techniques for developing solutions to crime problems

Use critical thinking skills to understand and analyze verbal, non-verbal and cultural communications in the field of criminal justice

Define, explain and contrast the basic sociological, economical and physiological theories relating to the causation of crime

Demonstrate how the theories relating to the causation of crime, law building and law enforcement reflect the historical context of times and culture in which they were developed

Explain and analyze different social, legal and political responses to criminal behavior

Define and explain the different philosophies of policing and determine which philosophy a police department is utilizing by analyzing process, programs and organizational structure

Define and explain the ethics and ethical paradoxes that face criminal justice professionals

Define and explain the basic precepts of criminal law as it applies in the state of Washington

Define and explain the major reform movements which have substantially impacted the policing profession in America