School of Business & Technology

Criminal Justice

“Good intentions are not enough. Being a good person begins with being a wise person. Then when you follow your conscience, you will be headed in the right direction.” --U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia

The U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia Criminal Justice Institute was designed for students who wish to pursue a career in criminal justice as well as students who wish to further their education through a baccalaureate degree in the field of criminology. The mission of Arkansas State University Mountain Home is reflected in the U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia Criminal Justice Institute, which is to lead through educational opportunities by promoting lifelong learning, an enhanced quality of life, academic accessibility, and diverse experiences.

The Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice is designed to enhance your qualifications for employment in various criminal justice environments such as law enforcement, courts, corrections, public safety, loss prevention, or private protective services or investigations. It should be noted that some positions may require additional academy training and experience. Prior Learning Credit may be awarded to those students who have completed applicable course work at the Arkansas Police Academy.

A.S. vs. A.A.S. If you are wanting to examine criminal justice in depth and would like to continue your studies into criminology or other advanced areas of study, you should consider associate of science (A.S.) If you are ready to get to work in your community the A.A.S. may be all you need. In any case, don’t worry over which degree type, the A.S. and A.A.S. are very similar and almost all classes can count toward either option.