Criminology and Justice Studies - A.A.S.

The Associate of Applied Science in Criminology and Justice Studies program provides a strong foundation for a career in criminal justice. With a focus on practical skills and real-world experience, this program prepares you for a wide range of entry-level positions in law enforcement, corrections and related fields.

Program Information for Criminology and Justice Studies - A.A.S.

Program Description

Program Description

Full Description

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminology and Justice Studies prepares graduates for para-professional positions in the field of criminal justice studies. The program can serve as a foundation for advanced study in several areas, including retail security, industrial security, forensics, law and corrections. Graduates typically seek employment in probation offices, social service agencies, courts, local law enforcement offices and crime labs.

The Criminology and Justice Studies major includes the following optional concentration:

  • The Peace Officers Training Academy concentration is open only to students admitted to the Kent State Basic Police Academy. The coursework covers the basics of defensive tactics, firearms, driving, traffic, patrol, civil disorders and first aid. In addition, students learn investigative methods and the fundamentals of policing, the criminal justice system, constitutional law and homeland security.

Students may declare the Criminology and Justice Studies major without a concentration. That course of study is ideal for students interested in the structure, functions and issues within the criminal justice system, as well as those who want a pathway to complete Kent State’s B.A. degree in Criminology and Justice Studies.

Admissions for Criminology and Justice Studies - A.A.S.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

Kent State campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, and the Twinsburg Academic Center, have open enrollment admission for students who hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.

Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the Coursework tab.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning a minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 47 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive English Program. For more information on international admission visit the admissions website for international students.

For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

Peace Officers Training Academy Concentration: Admission to this program is selective. Applicants must meet all admission criteria for acceptance into the Kent State Basic Police Academy. Criteria includes a valid driver’s license, high school diploma or GED, be age 20 or turning age 20 at time of enrollment, good physical condition and no felony or drug convictions or arrests for domestic violence.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Explain the structure and function of the criminal justice system, namely police, courts and corrections.
  2. Explain criminal law and how it intersects with and impacts society.
  3. Explain and compare the theories on crime, criminality and criminal justice practices.
  4. Communicate the experiences of marginalized populations within the criminal justice system.

In addition, graduates of the Peace Officers Training Academy concentration will be able to:

  1. Identify the components and legal processes of the criminal justice system, and apply basic criminal laws to various situations.
  2. Explain the different types of police procedures and their effective uses in law enforcement.
  3. Use ethical, analytical and critical-thinking skills toward situations typical to criminal justice settings.
  4. Safely and properly conduct a traffic stop and respond to a domestic disturbance, dispatched call or crime in progress.
  5. Properly carry out comprehensive criminal investigations and write various reports.
  6. Proficiently provide first aid at the level of a first responder.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
CRIM 12000INTRODUCTION TO JUSTICE STUDIES 3
CRIM 26704ISSUES IN LAW AND SOCIETY (KSS) 3
CRIM 27311VICTIMOLOGY 3
CRIM 33200CRIMINAL LAW 3
SOC 12050INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
UC 10001FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Composition3
Kent Core Mathematics and Critical Reasoning3
Kent Core Humanities and Fine Arts3
Kent Core Basic Sciences3
General Electives (total credit hours depends on earning 60 credits hour)7
Concentration Requirements
Choose from the following:25
Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration
Peace Officers Training Academy Concentration
Minimum Total Credit Hours:60

Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
CRIM 22300POLICE ROLE 3
CRIM 26701CORRECTIONS 3
CRIM 36702CRIMINOLOGY 3
CRIM 37311MINORITIES IN CRIME AND JUSTICE (DIVD) 3
or CRIM 37411 WOMEN IN CRIME AND JUSTICE (DIVD)
Criminology and Justice Studies (CRIM) Electives9
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
General Electives4
Minimum Total Credit Hours:25

Peace Officers Training Academy Concentration Requirements

Concentration Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
CRIM 22200INTERPERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY PROFESSIONALS 3
POTA 11001PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY I 6
POTA 11002PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY II 5
POTA 11003PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY III 6
POTA 11004PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY IV 5
Minimum Total Credit Hours:25

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
Roadmap

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Additional Requirements for Students Not Declaring a Concentration

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
CRIM 12000 INTRODUCTION TO JUSTICE STUDIES 3
CRIM 26704 ISSUES IN LAW AND SOCIETY (KSS) 3
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
General Elective 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Two
CRIM 22300 POLICE ROLE 3
SOC 12050 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
General Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Three
CRIM 33200 CRIMINAL LAW 3
Additional or Concentration Requirements 11-12
 Credit Hours14
Semester Four
CRIM 27311 VICTIMOLOGY 3
Additional or Concentration Requirements 9
General Elective 3-4
 Credit Hours15
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:60

Peace Officers Training Academy Concentration Requirements

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
CRIM 12000 INTRODUCTION TO JUSTICE STUDIES 3
CRIM 26704 ISSUES IN LAW AND SOCIETY (KSS) 3
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours13
Semester Two
CRIM 22200 INTERPERSONAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS FOR PUBLIC SAFETY PROFESSIONALS 3
SOC 12050 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours12
Semester Three
CRIM 27311 VICTIMOLOGY 3
CRIM 33200 CRIMINAL LAW 3
General Electives 7
 Credit Hours13
Semester Four
POTA 11001 PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY I 6
POTA 11002 PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY II 5
POTA 11003 PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY III 6
POTA 11004 PEACE OFFICERS ACADEMY IV 5
 Credit Hours22
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:60

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • Fully online (Peace Officers Training Academy concentration not offered)
    • Mostly online
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Ashtabula Campus
    • East Liverpool Campus
    • Geauga Campus
    • Salem Campus
    • Stark Campus
    • Trumbull Campus (Peace Officers Training Academy concentration)
    • Tuscarawas Campus
    • Twinsburg Academic Center

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Criminology and Justice Studies - A.A.S.

First-line supervisors of correctional officers

-7.8%

decline

48,700

number of jobs

$60,910

potential earnings

Miscellaneous first-line supervisors, protective service workers

1.6%

slower than the average

85,700

number of jobs

$52,650

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Associate of Arts

The Associate of Arts degree is a generalist program that provides students with the flexibility to explore a broad range of disciplines, including the arts, humanities and social sciences. This degree serves students who wish to experience a well-rounded education, plan to transfer into a bachelor’s degree program, or seek to enhance their career qualifications. With its adaptable structure, the program allows students to sample various subject areas or focus on a specific field of interest to meet their unique educational goals. In addition, students who complete this degree satisfy the full Kent Core requirement.

Program Information for Associate of Arts

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes

Program Learning Outcomes

Graduates of this program will be able to:

  1. Communicate effectively through written, oral, and visual presentations.
  2. Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills across disciplines.
  3. Recognize how varying societal and community perspectives shape knowledge across various disciplines.
  4. To utilize concepts and findings of the specific social and behavioral discipline to make informed decisions and predictions.

Admissions for Associate of Arts

Admissions

Coursework

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
Electives Chosen in Students' Area of Interest23
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
UC 10001FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Composition6
Kent Core Mathematics and Critical Reasoning3
Kent Core Humanities and Fine Arts9
Kent Core Social Sciences6
Kent Core Basic Sciences6-7
Kent Core Additional6
Minimum Total Credit Hours:60

Graduation Requirements

Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.000 2.000
Roadmap

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Elective 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Two
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
Semester Three
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
Semester Four
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Electives 8
 Credit Hours14
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:60

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • In person
  • Location:
    • Ashtabula Campus
    • East Liverpool Campus
    • Geauga Campus
    • Salem Campus
    • Stark Campus
    • Trumbull Campus
    • Tuscarawas Campus
    • Twinsburg Academic Center
    • Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil

Human Services - A.A.S.

Are you passionate about making a tangible difference in people's lives? The Human Services major provides comprehensive coursework and hands-on internships for you to gain expertise in case management, client advocacy and community resource coordination. This program meets the curricular requirements for various certifications, including Social Work Assistant and Chemical Dependency Counselor credentials. This associate degree serves as a solid foundation for immediate employment in diverse human services roles or as a stepping stone toward a bachelor's degree in related fields.

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Program Information for Human Services - A.A.S.

Program Description

Program Description

On This Page

Full Description

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Human Services is designed to prepare graduates for entry-level positions in a variety of human services agencies and includes applied courses in human services and joint university-agency supervised internships. The core courses provide a solid foundation in case management and client advocacy. This program is endorsed by the Ohio Coalition of Associate Degree Human Service Educators as authorized by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board and the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board as meeting the curricular requirements for the Social Work Assistant, Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant Preliminary and Renewable and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor.  

The program is designed to articulate fully to Kent State’s Bachelor of Social Work Degree. However, its coursework is also applicable to related behavioral science bachelor programs such as human development and family science,  psychology and sociology.

Professional Licensure Disclosure

This program is designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio. If you plan to pursue licensure or certification in a state other than Ohio, please review state educational requirements for licensure or certification and contact information for state licensing boards at Kent State's website for professional licensure disclosure.

Admissions for Human Services - A.A.S.

Admissions

Admission Requirements

The university affirmatively strives to provide educational opportunities and access to students with varied backgrounds, those with special talents and adult students who graduated from high school three or more years ago.

Kent State campuses at Ashtabula, East Liverpool, Geauga, Salem, Stark, Trumbull and Tuscarawas, and the Twinsburg Academic Center, have open enrollment admission for students who hold a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.

Some programs may require that students meet certain requirements before progressing through the program. For programs with progression requirements, the information is shown on the Coursework tab.

International Students: All international students must provide proof of English language proficiency (unless they meet specific exceptions to waive) by earning a minimum 71 TOEFL iBT score, minimum 6.0 IELTS score, minimum 47 PTE score or minimum 100 DET score, or by completing the ELS level 112 Intensive English Program. For more information on international admission visit the admissions website for international students.

For more information on admissions, contact the Regional Campuses admissions offices.

Coursework

On This Page

Program Requirements

Major Requirements

Major Requirements (courses count in major GPA)
HDF 24011INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND FAMILIES (DIVD) 3
HSRV 11000FOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN SERVICES 3
or SWK 24140 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK
HSRV 11001GROUP METHODS IN HUMAN SERVICES 3
HSRV 11002SURVEY OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES 3
HSRV 21000DYNAMICS OF HELPING RELATIONSHIPS 3
HSRV 21001ASSESSMENT METHODS IN HUMAN SERVICES 3
HSRV 21002COMMUNITY SUPPORTIVE CASE MANAGEMENT AND ADVOCACY IN HUMAN SERVICES 3
HSRV 21003SOCIAL WELFARE IN HUMAN SERVICES 3
or SWK 25248 SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY
HSRV 21092INTERNSHIP IN HUMAN SERVICES I (ELR) 13
HSRV 21192INTERNSHIP IN HUMAN SERVICES II (ELR) 13
Additional Requirements (courses do not count in major GPA)
COMM 15000INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN COMMUNICATION (KADL) 3
ENG 20002INTRODUCTION TO TECHNICAL WRITING 23
or ENG 21011 RESEARCH WRITING (KCMP)
PSYC 11762GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
SOC 12050INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
UC 10001FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Composition3
Kent Core Mathematics and Critical Reasoning3
Kent Core Humanities and Fine Arts3
Kent Core Basic Sciences3
Technical Electives, choose from the following: 39
IT 11000
INTRODUCTION TO OFFICE PRODUCTIVITY APPS
SWK 24146
PERSPECTIVES ON BEHAVIOR AND ENVIRONMENT I
SWK 25100
SOCIAL WORK IN RURAL SETTINGS
SWK 34140
PRACTICE CONTENT FOR SOCIAL WORK I
SWK 35120
SOCIAL WORK IN MENTAL HEALTH SETTINGS
SWK 35121
SOCIAL WORK IN SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER SETTINGS
SWK 35122
SOCIAL WORK IN CHILD WELFARE SETTINGS
SWK 35123
SOCIAL WORK AND TRAUMA-INFORMED CARE
SWK 35124
SOCIAL WORK PERSPECTIVES ON AGING
SWK 35125
INTERPROFESSIONAL APPROACHES TO SUICIDE PREVENTION
SWK 24147
PERSPECTIVES ON BEHAVIOR AND ENVIRONMENT II
SWK 25195
SPECIAL TOPICS IN SOCIAL WORK
SWK 34141
PRACTICE CONTENT FOR SOCIAL WORK II
Allied Health Sciences (AHS) courses
Counselor Education and Supervision (CES) courses
Criminology and Justice Studies (CRIM) courses
Early Childhood Education (ECED) courses
Early Childhood Education Technology (ECET) courses
Educational Psychology (EPSY) courses
Gerontology (GERO) courses
Health Education (HED) courses
Human Development and Family Science (HDF) courses
Human Services (HSRV) courses
Nursing (NURS) courses
Office Technology (OTEC) courses
Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) courses
Psychology (PSYC) courses
Public Health (PH) courses
Sociology (SOC) courses
Foreign Language courses
Minimum Total Credit Hours:64
1

Students will be required to complete the equivalent of 315 internship hours each semester.

2

It is recommended that students planning to enroll in a bachelor's degree take ENG 21011.

3

The following are recommendations for completing technical electives:

  1. HED 32530 or PSYC 41364 if preparing for licensure in chemical dependency counseling;
  2. HDF 24012, HDF 25512 and HDF 34031 if planning to enroll in the B.S. degree in Human Development and Family Studies;
  3. PSYC, SOC or SWK or foreign language courses if planning to enroll in the bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology or social work.

Graduation Requirements
Minimum Major GPA Minimum Overall GPA
2.500 2.000
Roadmap

Roadmap

Roadmap

This roadmap is a recommended semester-by-semester plan of study for this program. Students will work with their advisor to develop a sequence based on their academic goals and history. Courses designated as critical (!) must be completed in the semester listed to ensure a timely graduation.

Plan of Study Grid
Semester OneCredits
HSRV 11000
or SWK 24140
 FOUNDATIONS OF HUMAN SERVICES
or INTRODUCTION TO SOCIAL WORK
3
HSRV 11001 GROUP METHODS IN HUMAN SERVICES 3
HSRV 11002 SURVEY OF COMMUNITY RESOURCES 3
PSYC 11762 GENERAL PSYCHOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
UC 10001 FLASHES 101 1
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours16
Semester Two
COMM 15000 INTRODUCTION TO HUMAN COMMUNICATION (KADL) 3
ENG 20002
or ENG 21011
 INTRODUCTION TO TECHNICAL WRITING
or RESEARCH WRITING (KCMP)
3
HDF 24011 INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS AND FAMILIES (DIVD) 3
HSRV 21003
or SWK 25248
 SOCIAL WELFARE IN HUMAN SERVICES
or SOCIAL WELFARE POLICY
3
SOC 12050 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY (DIVD) (KSS) 3
Technical Elective 3
 Credit Hours18
Semester Three
HSRV 21000 DYNAMICS OF HELPING RELATIONSHIPS 3
HSRV 21001 ASSESSMENT METHODS IN HUMAN SERVICES 3
HSRV 21092 INTERNSHIP IN HUMAN SERVICES I (ELR) 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
 Credit Hours15
Semester Four
HSRV 21002 COMMUNITY SUPPORTIVE CASE MANAGEMENT AND ADVOCACY IN HUMAN SERVICES 3
HSRV 21192 INTERNSHIP IN HUMAN SERVICES II (ELR) 3
Kent Core Requirement 3
Technical Electives 6
 Credit Hours15
 Minimum Total Credit Hours:64

Program Delivery

Program Delivery

  • Delivery:
    • Mostly online
  • Location:
    • Ashtabula Campus
    • Salem Campus

Examples of Possible Careers and Salaries for Human Services - A.A.S.

Community and social service specialists, all other

11.7%

much faster than the average

105,200

number of jobs

$46,770

potential earnings

Social and community service managers

17.0%

much faster than the average

175,500

number of jobs

$69,600

potential earnings

Social and human service assistants

16.8%

much faster than the average

425,600

number of jobs

$35,960

potential earnings

Notice: Career Information Source
* Source of occupation titles and labor data comes from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook. Data comprises projected percent change in employment over the next 10 years; nation-wide employment numbers; and the yearly median wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less.

Proposal Information

The Call for Proposals is Now Closed

All session proposals must address one or more of the following topics: emotional and behavioral health, academics, research methods, and/or application in practice. Sessions that focus on the learning and behavioral health of students internationally are strongly encouraged. 

Registration

Registration is Closed

All participants and discussants must register for the conference.

Cost of Registration: $100 USD for members of CEC DEBH, $150 USD for nonmembers.

Registration is limited. Preference will be given to attendees who are presenting. 

Registration officially closes March 31, 2024.

No refunds will be given after March 31, 2024. Contact KentState_FlorenceConference@kent.edu with questions. 

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Published Summit Proceedings

All presentations will be accompanied by a manuscript (15 pages double spaced, excluding references) that summarizes the work presented. Each manuscript will be preceded by a 1-2 page introduction written by the discussant. Manuscripts will be compiled in a bound volume.  The published volume will be organized into 4 sections that mirror the summit organization as follows: research methods, behavior, academics, and applications in practice. Draft manuscripts are due prior to the conference. All submitted manuscripts will be reviewed by the primary editorial team prior to publication.

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