Criminal Justice Certificate
Pierce College offers the certificate in Criminal Justice at the Fort Steilacoom campus and at the military sites. This certificate is designed to provide students with an inclusive view of the criminal justice system.
The 40 credits are perfect for individuals who already have post secondary degrees and need the edge for employment opportunities or advancement in the criminal justice field. Likewise, it is a great building block for individuals who wish to earn an Associate in Criminal Justice and Associate of Arts.
The certificate gives a broad overview of the criminal justice system with emphasis on policing, corrections and the courts. The elective credits can be taken in a variety of fields including victim advocacy, constitutional law, forensics, and case management to name a few.
This certificate will assist individuals to determine their criminal justice track. A work-based learning (internship) component is also included to help bridge theory and practice and assist in employment opportunities.
The Certificate in Criminal Justice is designed to help prepare students for jobs and/or career advancement in the following areas:
- Police Officer
- Corrections Officer
- Victim Advocate
- Juvenile Detention Workers
- Work-Release Facilitator
- Police Detectives
- Case Manager
- Probation Officers
- Law Professionals
- Emergency Dispatch
- Security Workers
Special funding may be available for unemployed workers and low–wage working parents. See your advisor or call (253) 964-6265.
For more information contact:
- Bobi Foster-Grahler, Program Coordinator
- (253) 964–6437
- bfoster@pierce.ctc.edu
- Laura Funnemark, Military Programs
- (253) 964–6567
- Office of Professional/Technical Education
- (253) 964–6645
Criminal Justice Certificate Curriculum
| COURSE REQUIREMENTS | (40 credits) | |
|---|---|---|
| CJ 110 | Criminal Justice in America | 5 |
| CJ 140 | Corrections in America | 5 |
| CJ 150 | Police in America | 5 |
| CJ 200 | Crime and Justice: The Issues (Pre-requisite English 101) |
5 |
| CJ 202 | Concepts of Criminal Justice | 5 |
| CJ 252 | Criminal Justice Work-Based Learning (Requires Dept. of Corrections approval) |
5 |
| CJ Elective (Minimum of 10 credits) | 10 | |
| TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED | 40 | |
* Students must earn a minimum of a 2.0 in each course listed in the Criminal Justice Certificate in order to obtain the certificate.
** Students should be aware that certain criminal behavior may prohibit their employment opportunities in many criminal justice occupations. Students are encouraged to research these situations and consult with a criminal justice advisor.
