Criminal Justice Degree Online

Typical career tracks for graduates of the criminal justice program include positions with local, state, federal police agencies; court administration; corrections, probation, or parole officers; private security and loss prevention managers; and social service providers.

Jobs within the Criminal Justice field include:

Airport Security Officer
Border Patrol Agent
CIA Agent
Corrections Officer
Customs Agent
Deportation Officer
Drug Enforcement Agent
FBI Agent
Fish & Game Warden
Paralegal
Police Officer
Secret Service Agent
Sheriff
U.S. Customs Agent
U.S. Marshall

Whether you want to be a FBI agent or a member of the secret service - jobs of two of our recent graduates - or work as a counselor, teacher, or social worker, Simpson’s quality social science majors, including one the Midwest’s premier criminal justice programs, will help you accomplish your goals. Simpson’s sociology and criminal justice courses allow students to examine and understand the issues that drive society while helping students to gain valuable work experience. Simpson graduates have worked for several government agencies like the Central Intelligence Agency, U.S. Department of Defense and Iowa Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

Sociology and criminal justice majors have multiple opportunities to get involved on campus and in a community. Students Working Toward A Better Tomorrow (SWAT) allows students interested in social sciences to meet for social events, organize volunteer activities and field trips, and meet practitioners who can talk about their agencies and careers.

Through the Simpson Urban Studies Institute (SUSI), Simpson students are able to work with human service providers to tackle issues of social justice through projects like neighborhood cleanups, citizenship classes, and an education program at the Correctional Institution for Women in Mitchellville.

A.S. in Administration of Justice 4426 AS.AJ
(with General Education Requirements Option A)

Certificate(s)
Certificate in Administration of Justice 4426 CT.AJ

Employment Concentration Certificate(s)
Corrections 99999 ECC.AJ.CORR
San Jacinto Campus
(951) 487-MSJC (6752)
1-800-624-5561
Richard LeGarra (951) 487-3505
rlegarra@msjc.edu

Menifee Valley Campus
(951) 672-MSJC (6752)
1-800-452-3335

Program Website
www.msjc.edu/aj

Program Description

The Administration of Justice Program involves the study of the theory and practice of law enforcement, police work, the court and corrections systems. These core and elective courses provide the student with a base of knowledge and proficiency in the general area. Law enforcement, whether as a line officer, deputy sheriff, marshal or state traffic officer, offers a rewarding opportunity to serve society. Specialized officers such as game wardens, forest rangers or criminal investigators make unique contributions throughout our state and nation. They investigate crime, present cases in court and render other service to the justice system and the people. Much of their job now consists of actively serving the many social needs of their community.
Distinctive Features

Most Administration of Justice classes are offered both day and evening and are taught by law enforcement professionals.
Career Opportunities

Police Officer * Industrial Security Officer * Deputy Sheriff * Evidence Technician * Animal Control * Highway Patrol Officer * Alcoholism Counselor * Police Clerk * FBI Agent * Accident Investigator * Polygraph Operator * Forest Ranger * Customs Agent * Investigator Trainer * Drug Enforcement * Insurance Investigator * Border Patrol Agent * Criminal Investigator * Legal Secretary * Fingerprint Classifier * Store Detective * Security Specialist * Matron * Police Dispatcher * Warden * Park Ranger * Correctional Counselor * Law * Paralegal * Probation Officer * Parole Agent * Counselor * Private Detective * Jailer * Officer Agent Drug Abuse * Corrections Officer
Transfer Preparation

MSJC offers a range of course work to prepare students to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. All four–year institutions prescribe their own standards for course evaluation and admissions. Prospective transfer students are advised to review the MSJC catalog with a counselor to determine which MSJC courses are transferable.
Degree

In addition to completing the certificate program, students MUST complete all other MSJC General Education Option A requirements for the Associate of Science degree in Administration of Justice.
Certificates

A certificate will be issued for completion of five core courses and three elective courses for a total of 24 units. A Basic Peace Officers Academy (664 hours) completed within the last 3 years may be substituted for AJ-071. Four Administration of Justice courses must be completed at MSJC to earn a certificate.
Certificate in Administration of Justice (24 units)
Required Courses (15 units) AJ-101 Criminal Law 3 units
AJ-102 Introduction to Law Enforcement 3 units
AJ-106 Juvenile Procedures I 3 units
AJ-111 Administration of Justice 3 units
AJ-118 Police Community Relations 3 units

Elective Courses (9 units) AJ-071 Penal Code 832 Instruction 3 units
AJ-103 Criminal Evidence 3 units
AJ-104 Patrol Procedures & Defensive Tactics 3 units
AJ-105 Public Safety Communications 3 units
AJ-108 Criminal Investigation 3 units
AJ-114 Laws of Arrest, Search and Seizure 3 units
AJ-125 Vice Control 3 units
AJ-128 Traffic Control, Enforcement
and Investigation 3 units
AJ-140 Principles of Biology in Forensics 4 units
AJ-141 Principles of Chemistry in Forensics 4 units
AJ-142 Principles of Toxicology in Forensics 4 units
AJ-149
Occupational Internship:
Administration of Justice 1-4 units
AJ-299 Special Projects: Administration of Justice 1-3 units
CORR-101 Introduction to Correctional Science 3 units

Employment Concentrations

Corrections (15 units)
CPOST (Correctional Peace Officer Standards and Training) has developed a recommended pattern of classes that would benefit correctional peace officer apprentices. Students completing these classes may receive a higher application score when applying for positions within the Department of Corrections.

Required Courses (15 units) CORR-101 Introduction to Correctional Science 3 units
CORR-102 Control and Supervision in Corrections 3 units
CORR-103 Correctional Interviewing and Counseling 3 units
AJ-101 Criminal Law 3 units
AJ-105 Public Safety Communications 3 units

Mt. San Jacinto College 2008-2009 Catalog

Careers in Criminal Justice

Students majoring in Criminal Justice may anticipate careers in a wide variety of criminal justice and other agencies that participate in the scientific study and application of law and social science to the social phenomena of crime and delinquency, including agencies that focus on the definitions, causation and prevention of crimes, the adjudication of guilt or innocence, and the apprehension, punishment, treatment and rehabilitation of criminals in our society. Employment opportunities within the traditional police, courts, and corrections areas are being expanded with opportunities in private business, security and many global opportunities. Some possible job titles for Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree holders are Drug Enforcement Agent, Secret Service Agent, Foreign Service Officer, Criminal Investigator, Policy Analyst and Social Worker. Many students go on to obtain a graduate degree and these students obtain a range of possible job titles from Coroner to Prosecutor, and Criminologist to FBI agent.
CJ Dual Degree

There is considerable overlap in the populations served by the criminal justice system and various human services agencies. This overlap is particularly apparent when working with survivors and perpetrators of domestic violence, substance abusers, as well as in some forms of youth work. Knowledge of the criminal justice system and systems of social intervention deepens the knowledge and skill base of a researcher or practitioner. Leadership positions in either type of agency will require individuals who have a firm understanding of how cultural, social, economic and political contexts affect both types of agencies. A dual major in Human Services and Criminal Justice will present students with an opportunity to gain both a theoretical and practical understanding of these agencies through classroom work and co-op experiences. This dual major will provide students with a specialized interdisciplinary undergraduate experience focused on the intersection of the social and legal systems.
Co-op Experience

During her first week on co-op, at Mass Office for Victim Assistance (MOVA), Heather was scheduled to meet with each of her co-workers one-on-one, giving her the opportunity to get to know them and ask them questions about their work at MOVA and their career path. Heather was excited to learn that everyone in the office has a different background and different experience in the criminal justice system. Every career that she has considered has been done at one time by someone in the office. Along with administrative work, Heather is attending trainings and conferences across the State. She has already been to a conference on Human Trafficking and a seminar at the MA Victim Academy where she registered all of the students who were participating in the week-long training. She was allowed to go to one of the classes where students asked questions about what services they offer to their clients/victims. According to Heather this exchange tied the real world into what she has been learning at Northeastern. She is also going on a site visit to the Worcester County DA’s Office where they will be talking about long term funding and grant issues. In addition, Heather will participate in the organization of a very large, annual conference that MOVA holds at the state house. She will likely have a chance to meet many dignitaries from around the state, including district attorneys, state representatives, victim advocates, and former victims. MOVA has given Heather the opportunity to learn about criminal justice from the victim’s perspective as well as to network with some very interesting people.
Human Trafficking Project

In October, 2005 The Institute on Race and Justice was awarded a grant from the National Institute of Justice to provide a comprehensive assessment of the current state of law enforcement responses to human trafficking. Trafficking in persons has become a critical human rights and law enforcement issue in the 21st century. As one of the world’s fastest growing criminal enterprises, local law enforcement officials must help prevent international and domestic trafficking. Building on previous research around police recognition and reprioritization of new types of crimes (e.g., domestic violence, stalking, bias-motivated crime), this project seeks to understand how police identify, report and investigate trafficking incidents. This project will provide information to law enforcement agencies, investigators, prosecutors and service providers about the quantity and quality of current law enforcement responses to trafficking and identify successful models for recognizing, reporting and intervening in situations of human trafficking.

What is Criminal Justice Technology: Law Enforcement with Police Academy?

Law enforcement is a component of the criminal justice system. Its primary functions are the prevention of crime, investigation of criminal acts, and the apprehension and detention of those suspected of offences. While law enforcement officers are concerned with enforcing criminal law, a greater part of their responsibility is the maintenance of order, responding to calls for service and the prevention and deterrence of crime. Most law enforcement is provided by uniformed officers.
Law enforcement can be dangerous and stressful, but highly rewarding for those called to serve.

Success Factors
Honesty, sound judgment, integrity and a sense of responsibility are especially important. So are cultural sensitivity and the ability to think and act quickly. You should also possess excellent communication skills. You need emotional stability and the ability to cope with high levels of stress for prolonged periods. You must also be able to pass drug tests and background checks. You must be physically fit and possess a high degree of courage, self-sacrifice and loyalty.

Career Possibilities

If you specialize in law enforcement, you may pursue many different career paths. Some of your opportunities for employment include the following:
police officer
detective
parole officer
bailiff
corrections officer
deputy
sheriff
highway patrol officer
federal air marshal
border patrol agent
FBI agent
university police officer
transit police officer
fish & game warden
DEA agent
secret service agent

If you continue your education and earn a bachelor’s (or graduate) degree, you will generally enjoy a broader choice of career opportunities. These more advanced degrees in criminal justice tend to benefit you in terms of promotions and duty assignments. Most federal agencies and many state agencies require a baccalaureate degree, and many agencies (such as the FBI) also require a number of years of experience or more advanced academic preparation (such as a degree in law).

Majoring in Criminal Justice Technology: Law Enforcement with Police Academy

Law enforcement is a major in the criminal justice technology program. (Criminal justice technology students may major in corrections, forensics or law enforcement.) It is for traditional students wishing to prepare for careers in criminal justice, as well as for working professionals who wish to enhance their employment credentials. The program emphasizes the practical application of both conceptual knowledge and physical skills.

An OPOTA (Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy) certified basic police academy is an integral part of this degree program. If you are a working law enforcement professional who does not require the police academy, you may choose the alternate curriculum and graduate without attending the police academy.

With or without the academy, you should be able to complete this program in two years, attending full time. (However, the police academy sessions meet on a slightly different schedule than the normal academic quarter.)
You may use your associate degree as an immediate career goal or as the first half of a bachelor’s degree program. We offer a bachelor-completion program in criminal justice (on our campus) through a partnership with University of Cincinnati College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services.

Minoring in Criminal Justice Technology: Law Enforcement with Police Academy

Minors are not available in criminal justice. If you prefer a shorter term, skill-specific, nondegree option, you should consider attending the police academy only.