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 90 credit hours with a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.0 or better. All courses must be completed with a grade of 'C' or better. Twenty-four (24) credits must be completed at Southwestern before the 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).

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.

Math and writing placement are unique to each student and are determined during the admissions and intake advising process.  Additional math or writing courses may be required prior to taking the math or writing program requirements in this degree. 

Program Guide

Plan of Study Grid

First Year
Fall		Credits
CJ100	Intro to Criminal Justice	4
WR121	English Composition	4
CIS120	Concepts of Computing	4
Elective 2		3
	Credits	15
Winter
CJ110	Intro to Policing	4
CJ125	The American Court System	3
CJ130	Corrections	4
MTH98	Math Literacy 5	4
	Credits	15
Spring
CJ204	Cmty Policing in a Diverse Society	4
CJ213	Interview and Interrogation Skills	3
PHL103	Intro to Logic and Critical Thnkg	3
PSY100	Introduction to Psychology	4
Elective 2		3
	Credits	17
Second Year
Fall
CJ210	Criminal Investigation of Crimes Against Property	3
CJ220	Introduction to Criminal Law 6	4
BA285	Human Relations in Organizations 1	3
SOC204	Introduction to Sociology	3
	Credits	13
Winter
CJ214	Criminal Investigations of Crimes Against Persons	3
CJ226	Constitutional Law 7	4
CJ231	Forensic Photography	2
SP219	Small Group Discussion 4	3
SOC205	Social Institutions and Change	3
	Credits	15
Spring
CJ240	Police Report Writing	3
CJ247	Ethics in Criminal Justice	3
SOC206	Social Problems and Issues	3
PE231	Wellness for Life 6	3
Elective 2		3
	Credits	15
	Total Credits	90

¹

BA110 or BA120 may substitute for BA285.

²

Any course 100 level or higher not required for the degree.

³

SP100, SP111, SP218, SP219 will satisfy this requirement.

⁴

MTH60, MTH65, MTH95, MTH98, or higher, excluding MTH211 will satisfy this requirement.

⁵

PE231, HE250, or three (3) credits of PE185 sport/activity courses will satisfy this requirement.

⁶

CJ155 may be substituted for CJ220 *this substitution may result in needing more credits for the degree, speak to your advisor.

⁷

CJ156 may be substituted for CJ226 *this substitution may result in needing more credits for the degree, speak to your advisor.

*

All Honors courses may substitute for their equivalent requirements.