Criminal Justice Transfer Pathway A.S. Degree

Career Description

This transfer pathway degree applies to those interested pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, and other areas of the justice system. This is a non-peace officer licensure track.

Program Information

The Criminal Justice Transfer Pathway provides students with a valuable opportunity to complete an Associate of Science degree that seamlessly transfers to designated bachelor’s degree programs within the Minnesota State university system. While designed to prepare students for law enforcement roles, this pathway also supports students pursuing non-licensed peace officer tracks and careers in the broader Criminal Justice System. This includes individuals interested in working in criminal justice administration, practicing law, or engaging in political advocacy and public policy. The curriculum allows students to transfer into bachelor’s programs, such as Criminal Justice, with junior-year status, ensuring that all credits apply directly to their chosen degree. Minnesota State universities that accept these transfer credits include Bemidji State University, Metropolitan State University, Minnesota State University Mankato, Minnesota State University Moorhead, Southwest Minnesota State University, St. Cloud State University, and Winona State University.

Program Outcomes

Graduates will be able to:

• Analyze the structure, processes, and relationships between Minnesota Peace Officers and the correctional system, while evaluating their broader social and institutional contexts. 
• Demonstrate awareness of diversity and cultural differences, applying maturity, ethics, compassion, and adaptability in addressing the needs of clients and communities. 
• Interpret and apply theories, laws, policies, and practices related to juvenile delinquency and deviant behavior, while evaluating their social and ethical impacts. 
• Understand and explain the roles and interactions of the legislative, judicial, and executive branches in the creation and enforcement of criminal law. 
• Demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication, and analyze leadership roles and the effects of racial oppression, as they intersect with gender, class, sexuality, disability, and other social identities. 
• Prepare to engage as ethical public servants, with a focus on protecting communities and respecting the constitutional rights of all citizens.

Special Program Requirements

In addition to the program requirements, students must meet the following conditions in order to graduate:

• Students must achieve a grade of “C” or higher in all courses required in the program;
• College Cumulative GPA Requirement: cumulative grade point average (GPA) of credits attempted and completed at CLC must be at least 2.0;
• College Technical Core GPA Requirement: cumulative GPA of credits attempted and completed towards the technical core of the diploma or degree must be at least 2.0; and
• Residency Requirement: students must complete 25% of their credits at Central Lakes College.

Transfer Opportunities

This transfer pathway in Associate of Science in Criminal Justice will transfer to the following majors: • Bemidji State University: Criminal Justice- Law Enforcement Emphasis • Metropolitan State University: Criminal Justice, B.A. • Minnesota State University, Mankato: Criminal Justice, B.S. • Minnesota State University, Moorhead: Criminal Justice, B.A. • St. Cloud State University: Criminal Justice, B.A.

Employment Statistics

For more information regarding employment statistics, career salary information and estimated job growth, follow the resource links below:

https://apps.deed.state.mn.us/lmi/ces/
http://www.bls.gov/ooh/home.htm
Salary information from indeed.com