The Criminal Justice Associate in Applied Science degree program has been designed in response to the need for professionally trained and competent criminal justice practitioners. Generally, three groups of students are served: those who plan to seek employment in public or private agencies immediately upon completion of the two-year degree; those already employed in the system who have a desire for further education in order to qualify for professional advancement; and those who intend to pursue advanced studies in criminal justice, criminology, or other curricula at four-year institutions.

The Criminal Justice certificates are designed to prepare students for positions where more diverse education is required. Generally, two groups of students are served: those who already have a degree in another discipline and wish to take courses in criminal justice; and those who need to upgrade their education in criminal justice and prepare for advancement within their current positions that do not require an associate degree.