Mar 10, 2025  
College Catalog 2025-2026 
    
College Catalog 2025-2026

Criminal Justice, AAS


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The Criminal Justice program prepares students for entry‑level positions in agencies identified within the system in the United States and offers opportunities to current practitioners for improvement of their skills, knowledge and abilities. Students will develop or improve skills and knowledge of criminal law, community policing, current issues in criminal justice, criminal procedures, as well as other facets of criminal justice. The Criminal Justice AAS Degree is offered in both the traditional and 100% online format.

You are strongly encouraged to work with a counselor, academic advisor, or faculty/department coordinator
Degree & Certificate Requirements  
Scroll down for Additional Program Information

 

Suggested sequence*:


Credit Hours Required: 62


Semester 1


Semester 2


Semester 4


*Course sequence may be modified to meet your needs


Criminal Justice - Additional Program Information


Program Options
Credential Title Credit Hours Required Notes/Certificate Descriptions
Associate of Applied Science   Criminal Justice 62  
Associate of Applied Science   Criminal Justice with Basic Police Academy 66  
Certificate   Basic Police Academy 15 The Basic Police Academy certificate prepares students for entry‑level positions in police agencies identified with the criminal justice system in the United States as well as offers opportunities to current practitioners for improvement of their skills, knowledge, and abilities. Students will develop or improve skills and knowledge of criminal law, current issues in policing, evidence and criminal procedures and investigation as well as other facets of law enforcement. 
Associate of Applied Science   Homeland Security 63  

 

Contact Information
Contact Title Name Phone E-mail Location
Professor Samantha Bowlin 586.286.2159 bowlins@macomb.edu Center Campus

Program Description:

Macomb Community College’s Criminal Justice Program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the American Criminal Justice System, focusing on the theories, practices, and legal foundations that define law enforcement, corrections, homeland security, the judiciary, and other related fields. Through a blend of academic instruction and practical application, students develop a strong foundation in criminal justice with a focus on ethical decision-making. This program is designed to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, homeland security and the courts or to continue their studies at a four-year institution.

Macomb Community College experienced faculty, real-world simulations, and community partnerships, the program emphasizes critical thinking, ethical reasoning, and effective communication. Graduates will be equipped with the skills needed to contribute positively to community safety and justice.

Macomb Community College’s Criminal Justice Program includes:

              Criminal Justice AAS Degree

              Criminal Justice with Basic Police Academy AAS Degree  

              Basic Police Academy Certificate

              Homeland Security AAS Degree

Program Outcomes:

Upon completion of this program, the student will be able to:

  1. Define and describe the structure of criminal justice systems.
  2. Compare and contrast ethical decision making in criminal justice settings.
  3. Analyze criminal justice issues to make informed decisions, and propose solutions based on logical reasoning.
  4. Describe diversity within the criminal justice system and its importance in ensuring fairness and justice for all community members.
  5. Engage in practical exercises and simulations to enhance skills for data collection, evidence gathering, and investigative procedures. 
  6. Define the importance of collaboration with community members and organizations to support public safety and community trust.  
  7. Define foundational concepts of criminal law, including key statues, case law, and legal precedents.

Requirements & Specific Information:

CRIM 2420 (Practicum): 

  • Highly recommended that students enroll in this course within the final two semesters of graduation or transfer. 
  • Must be categorized as a criminal justice, criminal justice with police academy, or homeland security major.
  • Approval by the Criminal Justice Practicum faculty. 

** Please Note: Additional expenses are to be met by the student including but not limited to: (1) drug screening and (2) a criminal background check. Additionally, practicum sites may have other requirements that must be met by the student. The practicum agency has the final right to screen, accept, reject, and/or terminate student participants. Students enrolled in this course are expected to follow the accepted code of ethics of the profession and adhere to the policies of the placement agency. 

Career Opportunities:

 

Transfer Pathways:


We Work Hard to Make Transferring Easy!

Macomb Community College is a great place to start if your goal is to earn a bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degree. Whether you are already considering a specific transfer destination/program or have not yet decided on a major, Macomb’s Office of Articulation and Transfer provides you with and helps you explore a variety of transfer options.

Transfer Opportunities

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