Criminal Justice

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School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety

Program information is available from the School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety office at (505) 224-4111 or Academic Advisement and Career Development (505) 224-4321 or from Program Director/Chair at (505) 224-4201.

cnm.edu/depts/hwps/progs

Program Description

The number of careers in the field of Criminal Justice continues to expand. This includes careers in both the public and private sectors. These careers include Law Enforcement, Adult Corrections, Juvenile Correction, Adult and Juvenile Probation and Parole, Private Investigations, and Security. Security careers include private and personal security, commercial security, industrial security, public security, retail, information and Homeland Security. The U.S. Department of Labor projects continued job growth in all of these fields. The Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice provides the education needed for entry level employment in the career field. It may also help the student achieve promotion after gaining employment.

The program offers a varied schedule of courses to meet the students’ needs, including traditional classes at varied times at the different campuses, on-line courses, an investigations lab, a computer lab with interactive learning programs, and intern programs with local agencies. This program may begin with dual enrollment for high school students via the Pathways programs. Students are instructed by faculty who have vast experience in all aspects of criminal justice and are readily available to help students. Students may tailor their studies to concentrate in the area of their interest. The program also prepares the students in critical thinking and work-place skills employers demand. The program will also provide students with a sense of professionalism and community service necessary for a career in Criminal Justice.

Special Requirements

Students are required to purchase the textbooks required for all courses.

Students with a criminal background may have limited employment opportunities in the Criminal Justice career field. Students should contact employing agencies or firms for hiring and employment practices. Contact the School of HWPS, (505) 224-4111, for more information. All HWPS career and technical programs required for graduation must be taken for a traditional grade of A, B, or C and completed with that grade. For courses offered only for Credit/No Credit, a grade of CR must be earned. Many agencies require applicants to be in good health and physical conditioning.

Career and Educational Opportunities

Many careers at the state and Federal level require a minimum of a 4 year Bachelor’s Degree. The Criminal Justice courses from CNM are transferable to the 4 year colleges and universities in New Mexico which have a CJ degree. A copy of the transfer matrix is located on the New Mexico Department of Higher Education home page. The CNM Criminal Justice program also has several articulation agreements with state colleges and universities where our graduates may transfer the degree over as the first two years of study for a 4 year degree. Students who graduate from an accredited state law enforcement or corrections academy may receive up to 22 hours of course credit in the core curriculum.

Transfer and articulation agreement information is available at cnm.edu/transferout.

Exit competencies (see Program Exit Competencies ) for this program of study are available at cnm.edu/exitcomp.

For the graduation policy refer to the Moving On  section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in my CNM.

Students should see an academic advisor to customize their educational plans. Students must meet prerequisites by placement scores or specific course work. Please see Course Descriptions for prerequisite(s) information.

See  Prerequisite Requirement Guide   for Accuplacer score equivalencies.

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