Criminal Justice
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.
Degrees and Certificates
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.
The information above reflects the 2024-2025 course catalog and is subject to change. Please check with your advisor for the most up to date information.
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.
The information above reflects the 2024-2025 course catalog and is subject to change. Please check with your advisor for the most up to date information.
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.
The information above reflects the 2024-2025 course catalog and is subject to change. Please check with your advisor for the most up to date information.
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.
The information above reflects the 2024-2025 course catalog and is subject to change. Please check with your advisor for the most up to date information.
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.
The information above reflects the 2024-2025 course catalog and is subject to change. Please check with your advisor for the most up to date information.
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.
The information above reflects the 2024-2025 course catalog and is subject to change. Please check with your advisor for the most up to date information.
Criminal Justice Courses
CCN Courses (Common Course Numbering)
The information above reflects the 2024-2025 course catalog and is subject to change. Please check with your advisor for the most up to date information.
Career Projections
Department Contacts
| Degree | Major Emphasis | Institution | Year | Office Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Teana Robbins | Criminal Justice Instructor Yakima Campus |
trobbins@yvcc.edu | 509.574.6800 x3147 | Deccio Higher Education Center Building 8, Room 237 |
| N/A | Program Coordinator | wedhunt@yvcc.edu | 509.574.4733 | N/A |