Associate of Arts in Police Studies

Students may transfer up to 49 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 15 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admittance to EKU for appropriate articulation. Learn more about transferring to EKU.

For a full list of course descriptions please see section 7 of the University undergraduate catalog.

PLS 103 – Police, Order, Maintenance and Crime (3)
Overview of the role of police. The historical development of policing, police functions and bureaucratic organization are examined. Police misconduct, discretion and effectiveness receive special attention.

PLS 326 – Ethical Decisions and Police (3)
Examines the problems of ethical philosophies, theories and law in the context of policing. Consideration is given to problems of police judgment arising from unquestioned assumptions about morality. Focuses on forms of ethical violation at the individual, group and organization levels as well as strategies for prevention and control.

PLS 414 – Social Forces and Policing Society (3)
Examines the history and evolution of policing in the United States with an emphasis on the political, social, cultural, legal and organizational forces that have molded that history. The roles and functions of police in America are examined in detail within the context of race, class and gender.

PLS 220 – Criminal Investigation (3)
Fundamental of criminal investigation, crime scene search and recording, collection and preservation of physical evidence, scientific aids, modus operandi, sources of information, interviews and interrogation, follow-up, case preparation and case management.