Criminal Justice
Gain the tools needed to pursue a career in law enforcement, corrections or private security while earning your Associate in Applied Science degree. Whether you want to enter the workforce upon graduation, transfer to a four-year college or brush up your skills as a trained professional, our Criminal Justice program will set you on the right path.
Through field experience and simulation labs, you’ll gain real on-the-job training and exposure to be fully prepared for a career in criminal justice. Take advantage of specialized training offered in your field through seminars and independent study. If you’re currently employed in law enforcement, you may choose to enhance your education with in-service training courses specially designed for you to complete your academic training.
Start your career in criminal justice with the skills and experience of a specialist. Whether you choose to work as a correctional officer, police officer, security guard or loss prevention specialist, you’ll establish the foundational knowledge and experience needed to thrive right here at Iowa Lakes.
Before enrolling in the program, determine if you meet the minimum hiring standards for the state where you will be seeking employment. Iowa standards are located in Section 550, Chapter I of the Iowa Administrative Code.
Faculty Contact
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Christopher Gerstbrein Professor | Criminal Justice Program Co-Coordinator 712-362-7981 | cgerstbrein@iowalakes.educreate new email |
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Sonja Fagre Assistant Professor | Criminal Justice Program Co-Coordinator 712-362-7986 | sfagre@iowalakes.educreate new email |
Program Details
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Curriculum
Term 1
CRJ 100 – Intro to Criminal Justice
Survey of the American criminal justice system, the early, middle and late stages of the criminal justice system are analyzed within the framework of law and research.
CRJ 201 – Juvenile Delinquency
Juvenile justice system is examined from historical constitutional and operational perspectives. Theories concerning juvenile delinquency are explored.
COM 753 – Technical Communications†
This course is designed to prepare students for the oral and written communication situations in the working world. The major areas of study include technical communication principles, oral communications, composing technical documents, and using Standard English. Writing projects require the use of a word processing program; therefore, computer experience is recommended.
ENG 105 – Composition I
Emphasis on expository and argumentative writings including a review of usage and mechanics.
Prerequisites: Satisfactory score on the ACT, Accuplacer, ASSET,COMPASS as determined by Iowa Lakes policy
PEH 225 – Healthy Lifestyles Management
Living a healthy lifestyle, a basic overview of fitness activities, the health benefits of fitness activities, nutrition and stress. Each unit contains basic information, choices and application toward establishing a healthier lifestyle.
Choose either COM 753 or ENG 105
Plus Math: 3 credits
Term 2
CRJ 200 – Criminology
Scientific study of the nature and causes of criminal behavior and social deviance.
CRJ 214 – Survival Spanish for Criminal Justice
This program is designed to provide non-Spanish-speaking criminal justice students and police officers with functional skills in Spanish. Spanish phrases, commands, and questions practical to daily police and corrections work are covered. No prior knowledge of Spanish necessary.
CRJ 218 – Field Experience I
This course is designed to provide preparation to students for on-the-job experience in a criminal justice related field. The student will also learn certain requirements within the criminal justice profession. This class prepares you for Field Experience II, student internship.
Prerequisites: CRJ 100 – Intro to Criminal Justice
CSC 110 – Intro to Computers
CSC-110 is an introductory course that surveys a variety of topics to include history, hardware, software, terminology, communications, computer ethics, and societal impact of computers. In addition to computer literacy, students will complete hands-on modules using operating systems, word processing, database, presentation, and spreadsheet software; such as Microsoft Office programs.
PEA 143 – Physical Conditioning I
This is an introductory course designed to provide the physical fitness basic skills to assist students in their preparation for the minimum physical fitness requirements in Criminal Justice field.
PEA 146 – Phys. Fitness I
Develops an individual wellness program with emphasis on cardiovascular and muscular fitness and provides the student with periodic fitness evaluations.
PEA 187 – Weight Training I
Lecture and laboratory course designed to cover the basic principles and skill techniques involved in weight training.
SPC 122 – Interpersonal Communications
Examines how humans communicate in one-on-one situations through personal and professional relationships.
Choose PEA 143, PEA 146 or PEA 187
Plus CRJ Elective: 3 credits
Term 3
CRJ 219 – Field Experience II
Continuation of CRJ 218 Field Experience I. This is an internship course. Speak with instructor or see syllabus for prerequisites.
Prerequisites: CRJ 218 – Field Experience I
Term 4
CRJ 123 – Service Learning Project
This course provides the student with the opportunity to become engaged in a community service project.
CRJ 130 – Criminal Law
This course examines the elements of criminal law. Including the categories of crime by type, defenses, and individuals involved. The course also includes the historical development of criminal law.
Prerequisites: CRJ 100 – Intro to Criminal Justice
CRJ 207 – Drug Use and Abuse
Designed to help the student understand sociological aspects of drug use, abuse and treatment.
PEA 244 – Physical Conditioning II
This course is a continuation of PEA 143. This course will continue to provide the physical fitness skills needed to assist the student in their preparation for the minimum physical fitness requirements in the Criminal Justice field.
PEA 246 – Physical Fitness II
Continuation of PEA 146.
PEA 287 – Weight Training II
Lecture and laboratory course designed to increase knowledge, understanding and skill techniques involved in weight training. Continuation of PEA 187.
Choose PEA 244, PEA 246 or PEA 287
Social Science: 3 Credits
Plus CRJ Elective: 3 credits
Term 5
CRJ 133 – Constitutional Criminal Procedure
This course examines the protections afforded to individuals by the US Constitution. Specific areas addressed include initial contact with law enforcement and continues through post-conviction relief. Students should gain an understanding of criminal procedures through statutory and precedent case review.
Prerequisites: CRJ 100 – Intro to Criminal Justice and CRJ 130 – Criminal Law
CRJ 250 – Firearms
Introduction to police firearms safety and care; use of deadly force; chemical agents; firing range safety; latest techniques of combat shooting; and recreational shooting.
PEA 292 – Physical Conditioning III
This course is a continuation of PEA 244. This course will continue to provide the physical fitness skills needed to assist students in their preparation for the minimum physical fitness requirements in the Criminal Justice field.
