Students pursuing a career in criminal justice have several career options in public and private corrections, security, and law enforcement arenas. Law enforcement officers may be responsible for protection of life and property, prevention of crimes, and the arrest of violators. Security personnel may be responsible for the protection of property, the prevention of crimes and the detection of those violating laws. Corrections officers may be responsible for maintaining discipline and order in prisons, jails, detention centers, and halfway houses through the supervision and control of residents. Management opportunities in criminal justice and criminal justice administration can include local, state and federal agency work. Persons competing for entry-level criminal justice employment will generally be required to complete an employment application, written and oral exam, drug and psychological screening, background investigation, polygraph, medical exam and physical ability/agility testing.
Graduation Requirements
Students must complete a minimum of 92 credit hours with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses in this program must be completed with a grade of 'C' or better. Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the AAS Criminal Justice degree is awarded.
Courses that are developmental in nature, designed to prepare students for college transfer courses, are not applicable to this degree.
Complete the graduation application process one term prior to the term of completion (e.g., spring term graduates must apply during winter term).
Pre-Program Courses
Students are required to take the following courses prior to the program courses, depending on students' college placement information. See advisor for details:
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CIS90 | Computer Basics (or demonstrate proficiency) | 2 |
| MTH60 | Algebra I | 4 |
| WR90 | Paragraph Fundamentals (or placement in higher writing course) | 3-4 |
| or WR90R | Academic Literacy | |
Program Guide
| First Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Fall | Credits | |
| BA285 | Human Relations in Organizations | 3 |
| CJ100 | Intro to Criminal Justice | 4 |
| Social Science Elective 1 | 3 | |
| WR121 |
English Composition or Introduction to Expository Writing or English Composition w/Honors |
3 |
| Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 16 | |
| Winter | ||
| CJ101 or SOC105 |
Intro to Criminology or Introduction to Criminology |
4 |
| CJ110 | Intro to Policing | 4 |
| Social Science Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Specific Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Spring | ||
| CJ220 | Introduction to Substantive Law | 4 |
| MTH65 | Algebra II 4 | 4 |
| SP218 or SP111 |
Interpersonal Communication or Fundamentals of Public Speaking |
3 |
| Social Science Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Specific Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Credits | 17 | |
| Second Year | ||
| Fall | ||
| CJ222 | Constitutional Law | 4 |
| Social Science Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Specific Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Elective 2 | 3 | |
| PE185 Physical Education 6 | 1 | |
| Credits | 14 | |
| Winter | ||
| CIS120 | Concepts of Computing | 4 |
| CJ130 | Corrections an Introduction | 4 |
| PE185 Physical Education 6 | 1 | |
| Specific Elective 3 | 3 | |
| Elective 2 | 3 | |
| Credits | 15 | |
| Spring | ||
| CJ247 | Ethics in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| PE185 Physical Education 6 | 1 | |
| Social Science Elective 1 | 3 | |
| Specific Elective 3 | 6 | |
| Credits | 13 | |
| Total Credits | 92 | |
| 1 | Social Science Electives from: SOC204 Introduction to Sociology, SOC205 Social Institutions and Change, SOC206 Social Problems and Issues, or any ANTH, SOC, PSY courses except 180/280 course and PS201 American Government Political to substitute. |
| 2 | Developmental and remedial courses will not fulfill elective requirement. |
| 3 | Specific Electives: WR227 Report Writing; any CJ, EM, PSY, ANTH, or SOC course not included in the degree program. |
| 4 | MTH95 Intermediate Algebra or higher may be substituted for MTH65 Algebra II. |
| 5 | SP100 Basic Speech Communications or higher may be substituted for SP219 Small Group Discussion. |
| 6 | HE250 Personal Health or PE231 Wellness for Life may be substituted for three (3) credits of PE185 sport/activity courses. |
Program Student Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this program the student will be able to:
- Identify the characteristics of professional integrity and ethical standards for Oregon criminal justice professionals.
- Describe and relate the constitutional rights and responsibilities of citizens, offenders, and victims as they apply to state, federal, and procedural laws.
- Describe the processes and technology used to gather, investigate, manage, and report information in the criminal justice field.
- Identify the legal responsibilities of criminal justice professionals as they relate to cultural diversity and establishing positive community relationships.