Program Overview
The Department of Criminal Justice is part of the Institute of Public Safety at Salt Lake Community College located at the Larry H. Miller Campus in the Public Safety Education and Training Center (9750 South 300 West Sandy, Utah 84070). The SLCC Department of Criminal Justice supports one of the largest domestic industries in the United States; therefore, our program offerings are aligned with the fastest growing fields of study, and with a high success rate of graduates finding jobs within their chosen field (more information click here and here). Criminal justice is a multidisciplinary field influenced by sociology, economics, anthropology, psychology, which is grounded in the liberal arts, behavioral and social sciences. Our Criminal Justice programs provide students with an outstanding, rigorous, equitable, diverse, just, community-engaged, and inclusive professional education to foster essential skills, networking, theory, and knowledge required to be successful within the fields of criminal justice and criminology.
Currently, two degrees are offered in the Department of Criminal Justice: an associate of science (AS) degree for students who plan to transfer to a four-year program, and an associate of applied science degree (AAS) for students who plan to go directly into the field. Transfer students should check with an advisor in selection of General Education and elective options to coordinate with the appropriate academic track at the transfer institution.
Career Opportunities
With these highly sought-after degrees by the global work force, students find professional career opportunities in, but not limited to – academia, agency management, ballistics, blood spatter analysis, business administration, civil law, corporate law, criminal law, community organizing, computer forensics, corrections, counseling, counterterrorism, court rooms, crime journalism, crime laboratory analysis, crime laboratory technician, crime scene investigation, crime scene photography, criminal psychology, criminal investigation, drug rehabilitation counseling, forensics pathology, forensic science technology, global and international peacebuilding, human rights, homeland security, judiciary, latent print examination, law enforcement, legal aid, lobbying, mediation, negotiation, nonprofit administration, private or public administration, novelist, peacemaking, peace education, program coordination, politics, property and evidence technology, prison education, probation and parole, search and rescue, social justice activism, social work, victim and survivor advocacy, and youth mentorship.
What You Will Learn
- Acquire substantive knowledge about the criminal justice system, criminal laws, procedures, and practices. Develop an understanding of crime reporting, crime scene processing, forensics, and the wide variety of crimes and why they are committed.
- Show the ability to research and critically evaluate crimes, crime statistics, and criminal activities. Process available information and communicate through verbal presentations and written reports the results and opinions of the information gleaned.
- Understand the roles of those working in the criminal justice system, the challenges encountered, and the issues faced by those who go through the system. Enhance the awareness of these problems and develop the knowledge to be engaged in the community and positive change.
- Understand the relationships and connections within and between the agencies and functions of the different parts of the criminal justice system.
Estimated Cost
- Course fees: $6500 if selecting CJ 1910 & 1920 as electives
Note: Fees vary based upon specific registration and are subject to changes.
Career Outlook
Some careers shown require further education beyond this program.
Additional Information
Licensure Information
The Criminal Justice program alone does not lead to professional licensure/certification. This program prepares students for application and transfer to other programs of study that could eventually lead to professional licensure/certification. States may require that applicants submit proof of United States citizenship, resident status, or work authorization for many law enforcement careers. Criminal background checks are required for most careers. Students are encouraged to view our Professional Licensure webpage for contact information for state licensure boards.
Important Information about Law Enforcement Academy
Applicants that wish to pursue a career as a sworn law enforcement officers or corrections officer must attend a Law Enforcement Academy (CJ 1910 and CJ 1920). The Criminal Justice major alone does not lead to employment as a sworn law enforcement or corrections officer. To meet legal requirements for the Law Enforcement Academy, the applicant must be United States citizen or a lawful permanent resident of the United States who has been in the United States legally for the five years immediately before the day on which the application is made; and has legal authorization to work in the United States.