Harper College

Associate in Arts

Transfer to a four-year university to study law enforcement and justice administration

Transfer majors ;Liberal Arts icon


  • Criminal justice
  • Law enforcement

Earn your Associate in Applied Science degree and transfer to a four-year university to study criminal justice. 

Take core classes along with classes specific to the law enforcement, criminal justice, criminology, corrections and juvenile justice. Enrich your college experience by participating in some of the 60+ student organizations on campus.

Complete your bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at Harper College through the> University Center.

Sample transfer plan

This sample transfer planning guide meets the requirements of the Associate in Arts degree and follows the Illinois Articulation Initiative law enforcement (criminal justice) baccalaureate major recommendations. Harper also offers an associate in applied science degree in law enforcement. Students choosing to follow this sample plan need to choose the major of Associate in Arts if needing financial aid. Transfer institution requirements may vary - students should check individual college/university requirements before completing the sample plan as outlined. Baccalaureate admission may be competitive. Completion of these courses alone does not guarantee admission.

FIRST SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits
ENG 101 3

Description:  Emphasizes the writing of expository prose. Introduction to the critical reading of nonfiction prose. IAI C1 900

Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of C or better. Other placement options: english-placement-grid.php ESL students need one of the following options: ESL 073 and ESL 074 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 086 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 and ESL 099 with grades of B or better; ESL 073 with required writing placement test score; or ESL 074 with required reading placement test score.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

LEJ 101 3

Description:  Studies the history, role, development, and constitutional aspects of law enforcement and public safety. Review of agencies and functions involved in processes of administration of criminal justice. IAI CRJ 901

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Major Discipline and Transfer Elective 3
Mathematics1 3
SOC 101 + 3

Description:  Analysis and description of the structure and dynamics of human society. Application of scientific methods to the observation and analysis of social norms, groups, inter-group relations, social change, social stratification and institutions. This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement. IAI S7 900

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

SECOND SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits
ENG 102 3

Description:  Continues ENG 101. Reading literature and writing of various types of prose. Introduces methods used in writing investigative papers. IAI C1 901R

Prerequisite: ENG 101 with a grade of C or better, or consent of instructor or department chair.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

LEJ 210 3

Description:  Examines the nature and extent of crime in American society, theories of crime causation and control of criminal behavior. IAI CRJ 912

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Major Discipline and Transfer Elective 3
Physical and Life Science2 3
PSY 101 + 3

Description:  Investigates human and animal behavior with emphasis on the scientific nature of contemporary and classic psychological investigation. Emphasizes psychological theories, principles, and research applications. Introduces the divisions of the American Psychological Association. References biological processes, sensation, perception, learning, memory, thinking, emotional life, mental disorders, intelligence, aptitude, personality, development, daily life and everyday problems. IAI S6 900

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

THIRD SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits
Humanities and Fine Arts3 3
Humanities and Fine Arts3 3
LEJ 104 3

Description:  Provides the student with an integrated knowledge about the system through which the criminal offender is processed. Emphasis will be placed upon the philosophical bases of punishment and treatment techniques in institutional and community-based programs plus parole programs. IAI CRJ 911

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Physical and Life Sciences2 4
Social and Behavioral Science4 3

FOURTH SEMESTER:

Number Course Title Credits
Humanities and Fine Arts3 3
LEJ 205 3

Description:  Examines organization, jurisdiction and functions of juvenile agencies. Juvenile court movement, juvenile detention, processing and treatment. Statutes and court procedures for juveniles. Problems of juvenile delinquency, theories of causation and prevention programs. Police responsibilities and contacts, current community, state and federal prevention programs. IAI CRJ 914

Prerequisite: LEJ 101 with a grade of C or better.

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

Major Discipline and Transfer Elective 5
SPE 101 3

Description:  Theory and practice of oral communications. Development of poise, confidence and skill in speech organization and delivery. Emphasis on frequent speaking, development of standards of criticism and selection and organization of material. IAI C2 900

Class Schedule:  Summer 2024 | Fall 2024

1 - Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for approved courses in this category.

+ - This course meets the World Culture and Diversity graduation requirement.

2 - Select one Physical and one Life science course. At least one course must include a lab. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for the approved courses in this category.

3 - Select at least one course from Humanities and one from Fine Arts. Interdisciplinary courses may count in either category. Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for the approved courses in this category.

4 - Refer to the Associate in Arts degree for the approved courses in this category.

Resources

Next steps

For more information about Law Enforcement and Justice Administration, contact Admission Outreach at 847.925.6700, or submit a request information form. You can also apply online.

Last Updated: 3/15/24