Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice majors acquire the knowledge and skills needed to become working professionals in the criminal justice system. The program curriculum blends theory, procedure, and technical application. The program will give students a holistic understanding of each component of the criminal justice system: Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Courts. Students wishing to explore related topics may choose from diverse electives, including specialized police operations, homeland security, paralegal studies, constitutional law, and management principles. Qualified students can also participate in structured internships with area criminal justice agencies. To appreciate the complexities of the criminal justice system, students will be exposed to the related disciplines of psychology, sociology, and political science.

The Criminal Justice program offers three associate degree pathways, including Law Enforcement Operations and Paralegal Studies emphases. There is one certificate option, the UAS Technology in Public Safety Certificate. Numerous articulation agreements with area colleges and universities support seamless transfer to the baccalaureate degree. A program advisor can help students select the most appropriate emphasis for their long-term career and educational goals.

Criminal Justice Additional Requirements

In addition to meeting general admission requirements, Criminal Justice students are required to meet the specific requirements outlined below:

• Have no felony convictions or convictions for a moral turpitude crime.
• Earn a “C” or higher grade in CRJ and LEG courses to qualify for graduation.
• The program director must validate CRJ courses that are more than five years old.  

Scheduling and Entry Options

The CRJ program is located on the Pendleton Campus. Criminal Justice students should plan to attend classes primarily at the Pendleton Campus. Although major courses start each Fall semester, students may enter any term. Most full-time day students usually complete requirements in four to five terms. Part-time students should allow an additional two or more consecutive terms to earn a degree. Courses can be completed in any order, subject to the completion of course prerequisites, but it is recommended that students follow the recommended course sequence. Students enrolled in the Law Enforcement Operations or Paralegal emphasis must attend at least one summer term. General Education course requirements can be completed anytime during the program on any TCTC campus or online.

www.tctc.edu/crj

Important Information for Students

Job opportunities within the Criminal Justice field are extremely limited for those students with backgrounds that involve the willful violation of the law, violent conflict with others, psychological problems, or drug and alcohol addiction. Students with a felony conviction will not be permitted into the CRJ program, as courses will require participation in various activities such as police ride-alongs and facility tours, which are prohibited to individuals possessing a criminal record. Students with misdemeanor arrests or convictions, including crimes of moral turpitude, should consult a CRJ advisor for guidance and recommendations. Criminal justice agencies will require prospective employees to disclose all arrests, police contacts, and detailed life history information during hiring. Students with potential issues should consult prospective employers early in the hiring process. A program advisor can also provide general recommendations and information. Students are responsible for researching, discussing, and resolving any circumstances that may prohibit their hiring. 

While self-expression is acceptable for academic pursuits, students should be aware that body art, tattoos, ungroomed facial hair, poor hygiene, or visible piercings/physical alterations (other than of a conservative nature) may have difficulty securing employment in the field or participating in mandatory program activities. Moreover, individuals may be required to meet certain personal hygiene and appearance standards while working in the Criminal Justice field. If this concerns you, please consult a CRJ advisor for individual guidance.

Finally, individuals seeking to enter the Criminal Justice profession should consider that their personal and professional lives will be subject to thorough investigation for employment purposes. This scrutiny includes, but is not limited to: 

• Disclosure of all previous criminal arrests or convictions
• Disclosure of prior and current drug use and addictions
• Disclosure of academic performance and disciplinary actions
• Prior employment, including performance and conduct records
• Intimate partner, neighbor, and social acquaintance interviews
• Social media reviews and disclosures
• Credit checks and indicators of financial responsibility

Programs

• Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Operations Emphasis, A.A.S
• Criminal Justice Technology - Paralegal Studies Emphasis, A.A.S.
• Criminal Justice Technology, A.A.S.

• Criminal Justice - UAS Technology in Public Safety Certificate