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Criminal Justice

If you are a problem solver who likes to help people from all walks of life, then criminal justice could be an excellent career path for you.

SCC’s Criminal Justice program and faculty prepare you for an entry-level career in the criminal justice system, continued studies in a four-year institution or can advance your education if you’re already employed in the field. The curriculum is designed to provide the student with expert instruction on the most current trends, policies and practices in the field. You’ll learn about the American justice system, including its history and current topics related to police, courts, corrections, juvenile justice, probation, parole, law and justice advocacy. Courses explore the general principles, procedures and ethics of criminology, juvenile justice, criminal and constitutional law, investigative principles, and community relations. You’ll also gain practical skills in such areas as investigations, interview tactics, crime scene processing, and more.

In addition to an Applied Associates degree in Criminal Justice, we now offer certifications/ specializations in Policing, Corrections and Juvenile Justice. Whatever your career interest are, the SCC Criminal Justice program will make you a stronger candidate for a position at the local, state or federal level and can serve as a gateway into university-level criminal justice/ Criminology program.

Detailed Information

Many criminal justice professions have minimum qualification requirements that typically include physical fitness, minor or no criminal record, positive credit history, psychological examination/screening, and US citizenship. Prior work and/or military experience may qualify for credit granted towards program requirements. If you are considering this program of study, we recommend scheduling a pre-enrollment meeting with our program instructors to discuss your personal and professional goals and find the right courses to meet these goals.

  1. Apply their knowledge and skill toward successful completion of any criminal justice related job screening process.
  2. Apply their knowledge and skill toward successful completion of basic training in the criminal justice service industry.
  3. Apply their knowledge and skill to efficiently and effectively complete criminal justice field work.

Breaking Ground on Your Pathway


Placement

Math placement is not required for this program.

Prepare for College-level English

English placement is required for this program. If your English placement is below ENGL& 101, you’ll need to take following sequence of courses, starting from the level you placed into:
AE 36 → AE 46 and 47 (taken together) → AE 67 → ENGL 99 → ENGL& 101

Plan Your Courses

Meet with our counselors to customize this plan just for you. You can also check the annual schedule or search the quarterly schedule for class days and times.

Program Map for

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Total Program Credits: 90


Program Courses

First Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CJ& 101
Introduction to Criminal Justice  
5
CJ 111
Introduction to Policing  
5
ENGL&101
English Composition I  
5
Total Credits
 
15
 

Second Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CJ& 105
Introduction to Corrections  
5
CJ& 106
Introduction to Juvenile Justice  
5
 
Math   1
5
Total Credits
 
15
 

Third Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CJ& 112
Introduction to Criminology  
5
CJ 201
Constitutional Law  
5
CMST&210
Interpersonal Communication  
5
Total Credits
 
15
 

Fourth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CJ& 110
Introduction to Criminal Law  
5
CJ 202
Criminal Justice Communications  
5
 
Elective   2
4
Total Credits
 
14
 

Fifth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CJ 128
Criminal Justice Ethics  
5
CJ 204
Community Relations  
5
CJ 212
Professional Development  
3
Total Credits
 
13
 

Sixth Quarter

Course ID
Course Title
Credits
CJ 229
Crisis Intervention Training  
5
CJ 249
21st Century Police Operations  
5
 
Elective   2
8
Total Credits
 
18
 
1 BUS 103 or any MATH course numbered 100 or above.
2 Electives can be taken at any time but not all elective courses will be offered each quarter.
  • Tuition

  • Resident

    $
    9,939
  • Non-Resident

    $
    13,488
  • International

    $
    24,498
  • Avg. Books

    $
    702
  • Max. Course Fees

    $
    423

These dollar amounts reflect the costs associated with the completion of the degree/certificate.

  • Lynn Bain
  • Keith Cummings
    Keith Cummings
    Instructor
    Keith.Cummings@scc.spokane.edu
    509-533-7286
  • Billy Gilbert
    Billy Gilbert
    Instructor
    Billy.Gilbert@scc.spokane.edu
    509-533-8674
  • Michael Morlan
    Michael Morlan
    Law Enforcement
    B.A., M.A., Azusa Pacific University
    Michael.Morlan@scc.spokane.edu
    509-533-7293
  • Keith Pereira
    Keith Pereira
    Law Enforcement
    B.A., M.A., University of Montana
    Keith.Pereira@scc.spokane.edu
    509-533-8174
  • Linette Vaughn
    Linette Vaughn
    Instructor
    Linette.Vaughn@scc.spokane.edu
    509-509-8977

Have a question? Let's hear it.

Kira Fredricks

Enrollment/Onboarding Advisor

Kira.Fredricks@scc.spokane.edu
509-533-8306