Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice involves the scientific study of crime. This program is designed to broaden students’ awareness of how our society deals with criminals using law enforcement, the courts, and correctional institutions. This area of study is intended for individuals already working within, or want to work within, the criminal justice system or those who will eventually transfer to four-year college or university.

The world of Criminal Justice is growing in popularity based on scientific advances and the interest that current media has generated. We now understand more about the benefits of science in solving crimes and how certain techniques used in the Criminal Justice System impact its’ outcomes.

Program Outcomes
Career Possibilities
Transfer Options
Industry Connections
Scholarships & Grants
  1. Identify the knowledge, skills, abilities, physical fitness and agency specific standards for Criminal Justice.
  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the role and structure of leadership in Criminal Justice and how to employ leadership techniques.
  3. Explain professionalism as it relates to all aspects of the field.
  4. Execute effective oral and written communication skills related to their discipline (e.g., report writing).
  5. Explain the importance of and exhibit ethical decision-making and personal ethics within the criminal justice context.
  6. Explain the role of discretion in criminal justice and how to respond appropriately to fluid situations.
  7. Describe the personal impact of a career in criminal justice.
  8. Explain the larger role of criminal justice as it relates to the community.
  9. Demonstrate awareness of the diverse and multicultural components within their community.
  10. Display appropriate sensitivity and knowledge when dealing with all people.
  11. Students will be able to reason mathematically using methods appropriate to the profession.

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Degrees & Certificates

AAS-T - Criminal Justice (transfer)

Total Credits: 90-91
Learning Outcomes:

  • Identify the knowledge, skills, abilities, physical fitness and agency specific standards for Criminal Justice.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the role and structure of leadership in Criminal Justice and how to employ leadership techniques.
  • Explain professionalism as it relates to all aspects of the field.
  • Execute effective oral and written communication skills related to their discipline (e.g., report writing).
  • Explain the importance of and exhibit ethical decision-making and personal ethics within the criminal justice context.
  • Explain the role of discretion in criminal justice and how to respond appropriately to fluid situations.
  • Describe the personal impact of a career in criminal justice.
  • Explain the larger role of criminal justice as it relates to the community.
  • Demonstrate awareness of the diverse and multicultural components within their community.
  • Display appropriate sensitivity and knowledge when dealing with all people.
  • Students will be able to reason mathematically using methods appropriate to the profession

Year 1

Fall Quarter
Winter Quarter
Spring Quarter

Course Credits
CJ&101 5
ENGL& 101 5
Choose one from List “A-E” (see Associate in Arts & Science – Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) Degree) 5

Course Credits
ENGL&235 5
CJ& 110 or
CJ& 106
5
Choose one from List “A-E” (see Associate in Arts & Science – Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) Degree) 5

Course Credits
CJ& 105 5
Choose two from List “A-E” (see Associate in Arts & Science – Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) Degree) 10

Year 2

Fall Quarter
Winter Quarter
Spring Quarter

Course Credits
PEH 1
CJ& 210 5
Choose one from List “A-E” (see Associate in Arts & Science – Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) Degree) 7-10

Course Credits
PEH 1
CJ& 110 or
CJ& 106
5
Choose one from List “A-E” (see Associate in Arts & Science – Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) Degree) 5

Course Credits
NUTR&101 5
PEH 1
Other required credits  

AAS - Criminal Justice Degree

Degree: Criminal Justice (AAS)
Total Credits:
90
Learning Outcomes:

  •  

Year 1

Fall Quarter
Winter Quarter
Spring Quarter

Course Credits
CJ&101 – Intro to Criminal Justice 5
ENGL&101 – English Composition I 5
MATH&107 – Math in Society or
MATH& 146 Statistics
5

Course Credits
CJ& 105 – Introduction to Corrections or
CJ 210 – Introduction to American Policing
5
CMST&210 – Interpersonal Communications or
CMST&220 – Public Speaking
5
ENGL& 235 Technical Writing 5

Course Credits
CJ 217 – Advanced Report Writing 3
CJ Approved Elective 4-5
FAD 150 – Industrial First Aid 2
BUS 120 – Human Relations on the Job (4 credits) or
PSYC&100 – General Psychology (5 credits)
4 or 5
PEH Activity Course 1

Year 2

Fall Quarter
Winter Quarter
Spring Quarter

Course Credits
CJ& 105 – Introduction to Corrections or
CJ 210 – Introduction to American Policing
5
CJ Approved Electives 9-10
PEH Activity Course 1

Course Credits
CJ&110 – Criminal Law 5
CJ& 106 – Juvenile Justice 5
CJ Approved Electives 4
PEH Activity Course 1

Course Credits
CJ Approved Electives (15) or enough electives to equal 90 credits.  

Criminal Justice Contact
Criminal Justice Faculty/Staff
Logo of Big Bend Thor

Englund, Kaja

Criminal justice/Psychology Instructor
kajae@bigbend.edu
Logo of Big Bend Thor

Quitadamo, Jody

History/Political Science Faculty
JodyQ@bigbend.edu
(509) 793-2177
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