Criminal Justice

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice is designed for students who intend to enter the job market upon completion of the two-year degree.

Courses within the program assist students in the development of occupationally specific abilities with emphasis on interpersonal skills, group dynamics, problem solving, and critical thinking. The purpose of the program is to prepare students for the challenges of working in this dynamic profession.

Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice students who plan to continue their education in Criminal Justice/Law and Justice, should consider the AAS-T (transfer) degree to Heritage University. The AAS-T in Criminal Justice has an emphasis of Criminal Justice coursework that is also utilized to fulfill the AAS Degree (two-year) in Criminal Justice.

Degree and Certificates

Criminal Justice, AAS

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice is designed for students who intend to enter the job market upon completion of the two-year degree. Courses within the program assist students in the development of occupationally specific abilities with emphasis on interpersonal skills, group dynamics, problem-solving, and critical thinking. The purpose of the program is to meet the needs of criminal justice employers by preparing students for the challenges of working in a dynamic profession.

Students may also desire to further their education with additional schooling and have many options to do so. The YVC Criminal Justice program has articulation agreements with four-year institutions that take the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice degree and upon completion of specific courses, the student earns a bachelor degree. The YVC Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice degree can also be used for a Bachelor of Applied Science degree. YVC students have the opportunity to complete a BAS degree in Business Management here on campus or attend any of the multiple community colleges and/or universities that offer BAS degrees. Should a student wish to earn the Associate of Arts – Direct Transfer Agreement (AA-DTA) degree at YVC, Criminal Justice courses should be used to fulfill that degree’s electives.

Many colleges and universities accept YVC’s Criminal Justice courses as part of their degree programs. Students who will be transferring are advised to consult the requirements of the transfer institution.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Describe the purpose and responsibility of each tier of the Criminal Justice System (police, courts, corrections).
  • Summarize Criminal Justice theories and the CJ system (police, courts, corrections) as it impacts our lives and in a global community.
  • Explain jurisdiction as this involves police, courts, and corrections.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, (to include verbal and written skills) appropriate for a Criminal Justice Professional.
  • Interpret ethical principles as they relate to the Criminal Justice profession.

Criminal Justice, AAS-T (Heritage & YVC BASM)

The AAS-T in Criminal Justice is specifically intended for students planning to earn a two-year degree in Criminal Justice and pursue either the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice at Heritage University or the Bachelors of Applied Science Degree in Business Management (BASM) at Yakima Valley College.  An Associate of Applied Science Transfer degree is awarded upon successful completion of the program with a minimum GPA of 2.0.

Program Learning Outcomes

  • Describe the purpose and responsibility of each tier of the Criminal Justice System (police, courts, corrections).
  • Summarize Criminal Justice theories and the CJ system (police, courts, corrections) as it impacts our lives and in a global community.
  • Explain jurisdiction as this involves police, courts, and corrections.
  • Demonstrate professionalism, (to include verbal and written skills) appropriate for a Criminal Justice Professional.
  • Interpret ethical principles as they relate to the Criminal Justice profession.
  • Social Sciences PLO: Students will analyze human behaviors and the products and impacts of those behaviors using social science methodologies and theoretical approaches.

Communications/Call Taker Certificate

The Communications/Call-Taker Certificate will be awarded to students who successfully complete specific coursework with a 2.0 or better GPA. Classes needed for the completion of this certificate cover introductory information about the Criminal Justice field and include a course on CJ professionalism, computer skills as well as certification in Blood Borne Pathogens and CPR. This certificate is important for students who plan to pursue a career as a 9-1-1 dispatch operator and/or work in a communications center for emergency management with emphasis in the law enforcement profession.

Correctional Certificate

The Correctional Certificate will be awarded to students who successfully complete specific coursework with a 2.0 or better GPA. Classes needed for the completion of this certificate include an introductory course on corrections, how to manage offender manipulation, CJ professionalism, an emphasis in technical Criminal Justice writing skills, correctional law, and physical education. Additionally, students will earn 100 hours of cooperative field experience. This certificate will contribute to student knowledge of how to work within secured facilities and is essential for those who plan to pursue a career as a detention officer (juvenile justice), corrections officer, or prison guard.

Crime Scene Investigation Certificate

The Crime Scene Investigation Certificate will be awarded to students who successfully complete specific coursework with a 2.0 or better GPA. Classes include an introductory course on how to recognize criminal evidence, how to conduct criminal investigations, an emphasis in technical criminal justice writing, and an introductory course on forensics science. Upon completion of these classes, student will earn a certificate in a specialized area of investigation that will be beneficial in law enforcement crime scene analysis and investigation work.

Police Clerk/Support Specialist Certificate

The Police Clerk/Support Specialist Certificate will be awarded to students who successfully complete specific coursework with a 2.0 or better GPA. Classes needed for the completion of this certificate cover introductory information about the criminal justice profession, criminal law, and an emphasis on computer skills. This certificate is valuable for those who wish to pursue a career working in law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole records divisions and organization/department/agency office work.

Contacts

Teana RobbinsCriminal Justice Instructor
Yakima Campus
Deccio Higher Education Center
Building 8, Room 237
Phone: 509.574.6800 x3147
Program Coordinator
Phone: 509.574.4733