Criminal Justice Degree Online

Program Requirements:
Paralegal Studies Curriculum Guide (Articulated A.S. to B.S. Degree)
(Click this link to view the curriculum guide in PDF format. The curriculum guide outlines the course requirements for the degree program).
Recommended Course Sequence Planning Guide
(Click on this link to view the recommended Course Sequence for both full-time and part-time students).

Program Description:

As the legal system becomes more and more complex, lawyers are increasingly turning to qualified Paralegals to provide essential support services. The paralegal is one of the lawyer’s most valuable resources, performing substantive legal work delegated and supervised by the lawyer - including assisting with trial preparation and real estate closings, drafting legal documents and performing research. Through Valencia’s A.S. degree in Paralegal Studies, students will develop a strong background in areas such as civil litigation, real property, business organizations, legal research and legal technology. Paralegal students will also gain an understanding of the ethical framework within which they work and be able to effectively analyze and communicate in these areas. Students will be prepared for employment as lay employees assisting lawyers in firms, banks, corporations and government agencies. Paralegals cannot give legal advice, represent a client, or provide legal services directly to the public, except as permitted by law.

Areas you may specialize in:
Litigation
Transactional

Typical Tasks may include:
assisting in trial preparation
drafting contracts, court pleadings and related documents
performing legal research and informal investigations
preparing real estate documents and assisting in real estate closings
maintaining corporate records

Characteristics Needed to be Successful:
Detail-oriented
Organized
Ability to Multi-task
Responsible
Researcher
Good writing and communication skills

Potential Careers:
Legal Assistant
Paralegal

Potential Earnings: ($25,000 - $35,000)

Contact Information:

For more information about this program, contact Kathy Fedell, Career Program Advisor, at 407-582-2388 or email kfedell@valenciacc.edu.

Program Requirements:
Criminal Justice Technology Curriculum Guide (Articulated A.S. to B.S. Degree and A.A.S. Degree)

(Click this link to view the curriculum guide in PDF format. The curriculum guide outlines each program and its course requirements).
Recommended Course Sequence Planning Guide
(Click on this link to view the recommended Course Sequence for both full-time and part-time students).

Program Description:

To a great extent, the safety, order and freedom of our democratic society depends on our criminal justice professionals. These are the men and women who spend the majority of their time providing a variety of services to their communities. The complexity of today’s diverse communities demands more than ever that criminal justice professionals are broadly educated and highly trained. Valencia’s Criminal Justice Technology program is designed to provide the best possible education for students preparing for challenging careers in law enforcement, corrections, private/industry security, and other criminal justice fields. It offers a broad background in the history and philosophy of criminal justice; the organization, management and operation of modern criminal justice agencies; the social, psychological, and cultural aspects of society; and the laws impacting criminal justice functions.

Valencia’s Criminal Justice Technology program offers two options:
Articulated A.S. to B.S. Career Path - This option is designed for students who desire immediate employment in the field of criminal justice and/or who decide to continue on to any Florida public university as a junior to complete a four-year bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.
A.A.S. degree program - This option is designed for those who may already be licensed as law enforcement officers, and are seeking career enhancement or advancement.

Note: Regardless of any degree work completed, in order to be a sworn law enforcement or corrections officer in the state of Florida, you must successfully complete a state mandated training academy program such as those offered by the Criminal Justice Institute(CJI).

Typical Tasks may include:
investigating complaints, responding to traffic emergencies, driving patrol vehicles, detecting crimes, arresting violators, and issuing citations
overseeing individuals in jails and prisons
using computers to search for information on suspected criminals

Characteristics Needed to be Successful:
Even tempered
Patient, humble
Good athletic shape
Intelligent
Desire to help others
Good writing and communication skills