At GCC, students' education focuses on a strong liberal arts background similar to the first two years of many Criminal Justice programs offered by four-year colleges and universities. In addition to the general education requirements, students will also pursue a core curriculum of Criminal Justice courses. Upon completion of the Associate of Science (A.S.) Degree in Criminal Justice, the student will demonstrate the following through identified student learning outcomes in courses: • Differentiate among the criminological theories of why people commit crime. • Assess the roles of the three main components of the criminal justice system (police, courts and corrections). • Apply an ethical analysis to problems concerning the criminal justice system. • Explain the international dimensions of criminal justice related issues. • Apply administrative principles to criminal justice issues within the three main components of the criminal justice system. • Analyze critically scholarly research on contemporary criminal justice issues. • Prepare academically supported written communications on contemporary criminal justice issues. • Utilize criminal justice related technology in support of an inquiry or investigation. • Communicate effectively within a criminal justice setting.