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.
Degrees
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.
High Impact Practices (HIPs) Designated Faculty Courses
Dr. Anthony J. Nocella II, PhD
- CJ 1010 Introduction to Criminal Justice – Writing Intensive
- CJ 1010 Introduction to Criminal Justice – Community-Engaged Learning
- CJ 1300 Introduction to Corrections – Community-Engaged Learning
- CJ 2410 Introduction to Victimology – Community-Engaged Learning
Julia E. Ellis, MPA
- CJ 1340 Criminal Investigation – Community-Engaged Learning
Stephanie L. Hoffma, MSFS, CCSI
- CJ 2480 Crime Scene Investigation Techniques – Writing Intensive
High Impact Practices (HIPs) Designated Courses
- CJ 1220 Justice, Peace, and Conflict Studies – Community-Engaged Learning
- CJ 2500 Social Violence and Change – Community-Engaged Learning
Occupations in this area
*The U.S. Education Department now requires institutions to provide Gainful Employment information to prospective students that provide consumer information on program costs, student debt and completion. The above Career & Program information will provide a comparison between similar programs at different institutions
For state and national occupation information, visit O*Net Online to review careers in Law, Public Safety, Corrections & Security.
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 the 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.
Tuition and Fees
Available Class Schedules
Financial Aid
- Types of Financial Aid
- SLCC Scholarships and Tuition Waivers
- Non-SLCC Scholarships
- SkillsUSA Tuition Waiver