Police Studies (APB)

The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Plymouth State University aims to serve students interested in a variety of careers spanning law enforcement, investigations, court administration, corrections, juvenile services, loss prevention, as well as graduate or law school. Consistent with the general mission of Plymouth State University, the department seeks to produce well-rounded graduates who are equipped to both continue their education and enter the work force. In addition, the department serves the surrounding community, not only by producing high quality graduates well prepared to enter their field, but also by partnering with local and regional agencies to provide academic and research support.

The Applied Bachelor’s Degree in Police Studies is aimed specifically at students who come into college knowing that they want to pursue a career in law enforcement. This degree will benefit prospective students by saving them a year of tuition while providing them with a well-rounded general education experience coupled with a targeted major experience. The Police Studies curriculum includes a heavy emphasis on understanding the law, understanding the role of police in a democratic society, and developing a variety of skills necessary for a law enforcement career. The skills emphasized include problem solving techniques, critical thinking and analytic skills, verbal and written communication skills, data analysis skills, and physical fitness, along with an appreciation for ethical and professional behavior in the field. Upon completion of the program, students will be well prepared for a career in law enforcement. Students will develop an independent sense of self and leadership skills, with a tolerance toward others and the ability to work with diverse groups of people.

Course Title Credits
CJ 1020Criminal Justice in Action4
CJ 2025Police and society4
CJ 2045Criminal Procedure4
CJ 2080Crime and Criminals4
CJ 2090Criminal Law4
CJ 3005Criminal Investigation4
CJ/PY 3157Society, Ethics, and the Law (DICO)4
CJ 3370Wellness for Criminal Justice (WECO)4
CJ 3450Technology in criminal justice (TECO,WRCO)4
CJ 3475Communication for Law Enforcement4
CJ 3800Career Prep for Criminal Justice2
CJ 3810Physical Fitness for Law Enforcement2
CJ 4580Internship in Criminal Justice1-15
GE 2050GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (QRCO,TECO)4
General Education
EN 1400Composition4
IS 1115Tackling a Wicked Problem4
MAMathematics Foundations3-4
CTDICreative Thought Direction3-4
PPDIPast and Present Direction3-4
SIDIScientific Inquiry Direction3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction3-4
INCPIntegrated Capstone 3-4
Electives10-16
Total Credits96
Plan of Study Grid
Year OneCredits
EN 1400 Composition 4
IS 1115 Tackling a Wicked Problem 4
MAMathematics Foundations 3-4
CJ 1020 Criminal Justice in Action 4
CJ 2080 Crime and Criminals 4
CTDICreative Thought Direction 3-4
PPDIPast and Present Direction 3-4
SSDISelf and Society Direction 3-4
Electives 0-4
 Credits28-36
Year Two
SIDIScientific Inquiry Direction 3-4
CJ 2025 Police and society 4
CJ 2090 Criminal Law 4
GE 2050 GIS I: Introduction to Geographic Information Systems (QRCO,TECO) 4
INCPIntegrated Capstone 3-4
CJ 2045 Criminal Procedure 4
CJ 3450 Technology in criminal justice (TECO,WRCO) 4
CJ 3157 Society, Ethics, and the Law (DICO) 4
Electives 0-4
 Credits30-36
Year Three
CJ 3005 Criminal Investigation 4
CJ 3475 Communication for Law Enforcement 4
CJ 3800 Career Prep for Criminal Justice 2
CJ 3810 Physical Fitness for Law Enforcement 2
CJ 3370 Wellness for Criminal Justice (WECO) 4
Electives 10-16
 Credits26-32
 Total Credits96

• Explain the role and function of the police within the criminal justice system, within the context of a diverse democratic society;
• Evaluate police policies and practices, including policies and practices regarding the use of technology, based on evidence;
• Analyze and evaluate the role of both criminal law and procedural law within the criminal justice system;
• Communicate in writing and in speech in a clear, professional manner;
• Understand and articulate the moral and ethical obligations of a police officer in a diverse democratic society.

  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • Criminal Investigator
  • Police Officer
  • Private Investigator
  • Security Guard
  • State Trooper