Central Arizona College, in partnership with GEO Group Inc., will offer Correctional Officer Training Academy participants educational opportunities that will lead to a corrections certificate with a pathway toward an associate of applied science degree in justice studies.

Through a cohort model, all COTA graduates and currently enrolled cadets may transfer in their COTA coursework to CAC as an 18 credit hour block. Additionally, students will take CAC’s introduction to administration of justice (AJS101). Upon completion of AJS101, students will earn a corrections certificate.

Topics covered in CAC’s three-credit AJS101 course include organization and jurisdiction of law enforcement, the courts and corrections. Also covered are career opportunities and qualifying requirements, justice-related terminology and an introduction to law.

The certificate to degree pathway is designed to provide COTA graduates, correctional officers and peace officers a way to upgrade their skills and knowledge while earning an associate of applied science degree in justice studies, with an emphasis on corrections. CAC has also partnered with NAU to provide a 90/30 pathway for students to earn a bachelor’s degree without leaving Pinal County — 90 credits with CAC, 30 credits with NAU.

For further information, email muriel.thomas@centralaz.edu.

Editor’s note: Angela Askey is CAC’s executive director of public relations and marketing.