Criminal Justice/OPOTA CJS.S.ATS

Associate of Technical Studies - 62 Credit Hours

Division: Business and Public Services
Department: Criminal Justice Science
Effective as of Fall 2020

What is the program about?

The Associate of Technical Study Degree in Criminal Justice/OPOTA prepares entry-level professionals from diverse backgrounds in theoretical foundations, knowledge, skills, and practices of law enforcement operations. This study enables students to develop rational decisions and informed responses to challenges facing law enforcement and CJ professionals today and prepares them to take the OPOTA certification assessment which allows them to seek employment as a Peace Officer in the State of Ohio. Note: This program requires an approved ATS application. Please contact plaprograms@sinclair.edu if interested. This degree program contains one or more embedded certificates which will be automatically awarded when the certificate requirements are completed. If you do not want to receive the embedded certificate(s), please notify Registration and Student Records at studentrecords@sinclair.edu.

Program Outcomes

• Demonstrates effective written and verbal communication skills; communicates effectively with all constituents of the CJ System who are involved in the CJ process, and incorporates the standard communication model (sending, receiving, analyzing, and responding).
• Exemplify high standards of CJ Science professionalism, employment qualifications, stewardship of resources, and time management.
• Demonstrates a proficient use of technology and information literacy fundamentals and applies Demonstrates a sense of values, citizenship, and community toward oneself and others, and works effectively, independently, and collaboratively with diverse populations in adverse conditions.
• Utilizes creative and critical thinking skills by addressing CJ Science issues / problems by using acceptable problem-solving strategies and techniques, research, analyzing, synthesizing, evaluation /assessment, and adaptation.
• Demonstrates a proficient use of technology and information literacy fundamentals and applies comprehensive knowledge specific to the CJ procession and the processes involved in responding appropriately to assorted scenarios, writings, projects, and assessments.
• Demonstrates the ability to perform basic and advanced law enforcement tasks to standard during the course of study and during a 200-question written exam administered by the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
• Demonstrates the ability to transfer pedagogical classroom experience into the world of work and the continuation of life-long learning practices.

Career Opportunities

Deputy Sheriff, Police Officer, Park Ranger, College or University Sworn Officer.