Purpose: The curriculum is designed to provide a broad foundation that will prepare students to enter any of the varied fields in criminal justice or to prepare for professional advancement. The occupational objectives for students include local, state, and federal enforcement officers, police officers, private or government investigators, adult/juvenile correction officers, probation/parole officers and counselors, security director (manager), loss prevention director, classification manager, and personnel clearance administrator. Most of the ADJ courses in this curriculum are "core courses" that provide a basic entry-level foundation in both criminal justice and security administration. These courses must be taken by ALL STUDENTS in this program. At several points in the curriculum "course options" are provided for selection by the students.
Special Curriculum Admission Requirements: Students are advised that many criminal justice and private/government security agencies require excellent moral character and a written record of conduct prior to consideration for employment.
Although not required as part of this program, students planning to transfer to George Mason University (GMU) may wish to complete eight hours of a laboratory science while attending NOVA. Check the current GMU Catalog or contact a GMU academic advisor if you have questions.
1 ADJ 140 Introduction to Corrections or ADJ 150 Introduction to Security Administration may be substituted.
2 The PED requirements may be met by one of the following options: PED 116, 2 cr.; PED 116, 1 cr., plus a PED activities course, 1 cr.; or PED 116, 1 cr., plus RPK activities course. PED 116 is offered as both a 1-credit and a 2-credit course.
3 The social science elective may be selected from the social/behavioral sciences courses listed under General Education Electives. PSY 201-202 or Sociology 201-202 is recommended.
4 Students may substitute the SDV 101 Orientation section related to this program.
5 Students interested in a career in the field of corrections should take corrections courses as ADJ electives.
6 May substitute a higher-level math. Students who wish to substitute a laboratory science for MTH 151 MUST meet with their ADJ academic advisor first. The science elective may be selected from Physical and Life Sciences courses with a lab component, listed under General Education Electives. Some four-year colleges require a two-semester sequence.
7 Humanities/fine arts elective may be selected from the humanities/fine arts courses listed under General Education Electives.