Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice

The Associate of Arts Criminal Justice Louisiana Transfer presents historical and current criminal justice practices through a social lens in which students engage in critical thinking and problem-solving processes. An emphasis is placed on the three major components of the criminal justice system: police, courts, and corrections, and employment opportunities within these fields.

The Associate of Arts Louisiana Transfer (AA/LT) degree allows students to complete the first 60 hours of work toward a baccalaureate degree at a two-year or community college. Students who successfully complete a designated transfer associate degree program are eligible to enter a four-year public university as a junior, with all 60 hours (non-developmental) credits transferring to the receiving four-year university.

The below requirements are for students who enroll during the current academic year. See this year's program catalog for the recommended course sequence. Archived catalogs can be accessed for prior year academic requirements.

 

 

Academic Area

Public Protection & Safety

Manuel Hall 147

337-550-1308

Format

The courses and degree are available both in-person and hybrid formats. 

Apply now

Admissions information

request information

About the Associate of Arts Louisiana Transfer in Criminal Justice

What You'll Accomplish

  • Begin and complete a post-secondary education through online and hybrid degree courses, accelerated learning formats, and prior learning assessments
  • Take a variety of general education and major-specific courses as part of the Criminal Justice Associate degree program
  • Take courses delivered entirely online or with the option of attending select in-person courses in a hybrid format
  • Apply critical-thinking and analytical reasoning that connect criminal justice applications to a diverse society
  • Develop your knowledge and skills relevant to the field of criminal justice and public safety

Coursework Examples

In past projects, students have had the opportunity to:

  • Obtain Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) certifications in Fundamentals of Emergency Management, National Incident Management System, Emergency Planning, and Community Hurricane Preparedness
  • Investigate and present their academic research on contemporary issues facing local communities and the nation at-large
  • Participate as members of the LSUE Public Protection & Safety Program Advisory Committee
  • Design a security plan for a public service agency in the community
  • Critique an analytic report of criminal intelligence

Degree Requirements - 60 Total Required Credits

For additional detailed information on coursework, please visit the Academic Catalog Curriculum.

Total Credits Required: 60

  • Major Courses: 21
  • General Education Courses: 39

Major Courses

Lec. 3; Cr. 3

An examination of the history, organization, and function of the local, state, and federal agencies that make up the criminal justice system. The survey is organized around the three major components of the criminal justice system: police, courts, and corrections.

Articulation: Law Enforcement or Correctional Officer P.O.S.T. diploma or Accredited Academy diploma

Lec. 3; Cr. 3

A survey of the principles, structures, processes, and functions of American government with emphasis on the national government.

Lec. 3; Cr. 3

Police Process is a survey of critical issues fundamental to contemporary policing. Topics include role of the police—enforcement of laws and public service, and police department organization and management at the local, state, and federal levels. Additionally, the use of force, misconduct, ethics, and current events will be covered.

Articulation: Law Enforcement Officer P.O.S.T. certification or Accredited Academy diploma
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or better in CJ 1107 or permission from the Program Director of Public Protection & Safety or Dean, Health Sciences and Business Technology

Lec. 3; Cr. 3

Introduction to professional corrections; its historical and philosophical background and its modern development and relationship with other facets of criminal justice.

Articulation:Correctional Officer P.O.S.T. diploma or accredited Correctional Academy diploma.
Prerequisite(s): A grade of C or better in CJ 1107/CJ 1108 or have permission from the Program Director of Public Protection & Safety or Dean, Health Science and Business Technology.

Choose from a variety

Choose from a variety

For additional information on coursework, please visit the Academic Catalog Curriculum.

  • English Composition (6 hours)
  • Mathematics/Analytical Reasoning (6 hours)
  • Natural Sciences (9 hours)
  • Humanities (9 hours)
  • Social/Behavioral Science (6 hours)
  • Fine Arts (3 hours)

Job Market Outlook 

Use this employment data from across the country to help inform your decision making.  The default location is Louisiana, but adjust the location as you like.