Certificate in Criminal Justice

The Certificate of Achievement in Criminal Justice prepares men and women for entry level positions such as police officer or deputy sheriff trainee, police cadet, community service officer, or public safety dispatcher. A great need exists for intelligent personnel with a commitment toward professional improvement in the justice system.

Certificate of Achievement Level Student Learning Outcomes

Students completing the Criminal Justice Certificate of Achievement will:

  1. Demonstrate an ability to write clearly and accurately about the administration of justice process using an appropriate vocabulary.
  2. Demonstrate critical and analytical thinking about issues in the administration of justice system.
  3. Demonstrate a comprehension and appreciation of the connections, contributions, experiences, and potential conflicts of various ethnic groups, races, and genders as they interact with the criminal justice system.
  4. Demonstrate an awareness of sciences and emerging technologies as it impacts the administration of justice.
Required courses:
AJ 101Introduction to the Administration of Justice3
AJ 102Concepts of Criminal Law3
AJ 103Legal Aspects of Evidence3
AJ 109Criminal Court Process3
AJ 112Community and the Justice System3
ENGL 101Reading and Composition4-5
or ENGL 101H Reading and Composition - Honors
or ENGL 101E Reading and Composition, Enhanced
Select one (1) of the following courses:
Criminal Investigation3
Patrol Procedures3
Juvenile Procedures3
Narcotics and Vice Control3
Death Investigation3
Introduction to Probation and Parole3
Introduction to Corrections3
Control and Supervision in Corrections3
Correctional Interviewing and Counseling3
Legal Aspects of Corrections3
Introduction to Forensics3
Total Units22-23

1-Year Curriculum Map Example
This map represents one possible pathway through the program and is only for reference.

*It is highly recommended that you make an appointment to create a customized education plan that fits your needs.

Note: Substitute ENGL 101E (5 units) may be needed based on placement.

Plan of Study Grid
Fall Term 1Units
AJ 101 Introduction to the Administration of Justice 3
AJ 112 Community and the Justice System 3
ENGL 101
Reading and Composition
or Reading and Composition - Honors
4
 Units10
Winter Term 1
AJ 102 Concepts of Criminal Law 3
 Units3
Spring Term 1
AJ 103 Legal Aspects of Evidence 3
AJ 109 Criminal Court Process 3
AJ 105
Criminal Investigation
or Patrol Procedures
or Juvenile Procedures
or Narcotics and Vice Control
or Death Investigation
or Introduction to Probation and Parole
or Introduction to Corrections
or Control and Supervision in Corrections
or Correctional Interviewing and Counseling
or Legal Aspects of Corrections
or Introduction to Forensics
3
 Units9
 Total Units22

Career Opportunities

There are a variety of careers you can do with this major.

 

To explore more about this major, schedule an appointment with a career counselor.