pcc.edu/programs/criminal-justice/
Career and Program Description
People who choose to study criminal justice are people with a passion for helping, protecting and serving other people. No matter what you are doing, you know you are making a difference in someone's life. Criminal justice prepares adults for the responsibilities in many important careers.
The criminal justice curriculum is designed to prepare students for careers in many professions related to crime and justice. You will gain an acute understanding of crime-solving and public safety issues as you learn to not only navigate the intricate fields of criminal justice but also shape the future of our justice system.
Twenty-first century criminal justice is so much more than what you thought. The work goes on in local, state, and federal offices, community agencies and across a wide variety of jurisdictions.
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Law enforcement and policing remain a major component of the field, but it now includes prevention, community building, investigative work, forensics, and statistical work to understand where, how and why crime occurs.
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Involvement with the judicial system is also a major component of the field: court reporting, paralegals, U.S Marshalls, special agents, and victim advocates.
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Corrections is the third major component of the field: probation officers, teachers and counselors in correctional facilities, rehabilitation counselors, health/addiction specialists, and statistical work to evaluate policies.
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Criminal justice coursework prepares students for entry into a wide variety of positions and professional settings involving work with offenders, the legal system, victims of crime, and the community at large.
A Criminal Justice major will give you an AAS degree that puts you on the path to a career in the field. At the end you will meet qualifications for numerous jobs in criminal justice. You will also be ready to go further in your educational program if more specialized positions are your goal. If you have questions, please contact us.
Degrees and Certificates Offered
Associate of Applied Science Degree
Criminal Justice
Academic Prerequisites
- None
Academic Requirements
- Students must pass all prerequisite courses with a "C" or "P" or better in order to enroll in any CJA courses with a “200” or higher designator.
Non-Academic Prerequisites
- None
Non-Academic Requirements
- None
Criminal Justice AAS Degree
Minimum 90 credits. Students must also meet Associate Degree Comprehensive Requirements and Associate of Applied Science Requirements. Students must complete a total of four courses of General Education. Some courses specified within the program may be used as General Education. In addition to required courses in the program of study, students must satisfy MTH 58/65 competency. Students should consult with program advisors for course planning.
Criminal Justice Degree Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CJA 100 | Professions in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJA 101 | Cultural Diversity in Criminal Justice Professions | 3 |
| CJA 111 | Introduction to Criminal Justice System - Police | 3 |
| CJA 112 | Introduction to Criminal Justice System - Courts | 3 |
| CJA 113 | Introduction to the Criminal Justice System - Corrections | 3 |
| CJA 114 | Introduction to Juvenile Justice | 3 |
| CJA 210 | Arrest, Search and Seizure | 3 |
| CJA 212 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| CJA 220 | Mental Health & the Law | 3 |
| CJA 225 | Constitutional Law for Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJA 230 | Police Report Writing | 3 |
| CJA 244 | Tactical Communication in Crisis Incidents | 3 |
| CJA 250 | Human Trafficking | 3 |
| COMM 218 | Interpersonal Communication (COMM214=COMM218=COMM218Z) Z | 4 |
| WR 121 | Composition I (WR121=WR121Z) Z | 4 |
| Choose one of the following: | 4 | |
| U.S. Government * | ||
| U.S. Public Policy & Democracy * | ||
| State and Local Government * | ||
| Criminal Justice Communications Electives | 4 | |
| Human Studies Electives | 8 | |
| Justice Studies Degree Electives | 21 | |
| General Education: 2 courses | ||
| Total Credits | 90 | |
- *
Could be used as General Education
- Z
This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. The following courses are equivalent:
COMM 214, COMM 218, and COMM 218Z
WR 121 and WR 121Z
Criminal Justice Communication Degree Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| COMM 100 | Introduction to Communication (COMM100=COMM100Z) Z | 4 |
| COMM 105 | Listening | 4 |
| COMM 111 | Public Speaking (COMM111=COMM111Z) Z | 4 |
| COMM 140 | Introduction to Intercultural Communication | 4 |
| COMM 228 | Mass Communication and Society | 4 |
| COMM 237 | Gender and Communication | 4 |
- Z
This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. The following courses are equivalent:
COMM 100 and COMM 100Z
COMM 111 and COMM 111Z
Human Studies Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| PSY 101 | Psychology and Human Relations | 4 |
| PSY 201A | Introduction to Psychology I (PSY201A=PSY201AZ) Z | 4 |
| PSY 239 | Introduction to Abnormal Psychology | 4 |
| SOC 204 | Introduction to Sociology (SOC 204=SOC 204Z) Z | 4 |
| SOC 205 | Social Change and Institutions (SOC 205=SOC 205Z) Z | 4 |
| SOC 206 | Social Problems (SOC 206=SOC 206Z) Z | 4 |
| SOC 213 | Diversity in the United States | 4 |
- Z
This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. The following courses are equivalent:
SOC 204 and SOC 204Z
SOC 205 and SOC 205Z
SOC 206 and SOC 206ZPSY 201A and PSY201AZ
Justice Studies Degree Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| AD 109 | Justice Systems and Addiction | 3 |
| CJA 117 | Introduction to Homeland Security | 3 |
| CJA 211 | Civil Liability in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJA 213 | Evidence | 3 |
| CJA 214 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| CJA 215 | Forensic Science and Criminalistics | 3 |
| CJA 217 | Interviewing and Interrogation | 3 |
| CJA 224 | Women, Gender & Crime | 3 |
| CJA 227 | Intro to Cybercrime | 3 |
| CJA 231 | Crime Scene Photography | 3 |
| CJA 265 | Community Reentry for Offenders | 3 |
| CJA 236 | Criminal Justice Legal Update | 3 |
| CJA 266 | Intro to Probation & Parole | 3 |
| CJA 280A | Cooperative Education: Criminal Justice 1 | 3 |
| PL 101 | Introduction to the U.S. Legal System | 3 |
| PL 140 | Immigration Law for Paralegals | 3 |
| PL 208 | Family Law | 3 |
- 1
Department permission required prior to registration.
CJA 100. Professions in Criminal Justice. 3 Credits.
Provides overview of various public safety careers, including police, corrections, parole and probation, juvenile and adult casework, private security, loss prevention, and private investigator. Prerequisites: WR 115. Audit available.
CJA 101. Cultural Diversity in Criminal Justice Professions. 3 Credits.
Provides an introduction to communication styles, customs, language and behavior patterns of various cultures, ethnic groups and marginalized populations encountered in criminal justice settings. Prerequisites: WR 115. Audit available.
CJA 111. Introduction to Criminal Justice System - Police. 3 Credits.
Provides an overview of the role of police in society. Introduces theories of crime causation and their implication on agency policy and practice. Examines crime trends, organizational structures, policies, strategies and tactics employed to ensure police effectiveness, efficiency and equity. Prerequisite: WR 121Z. Audit available.
CJA 112. Introduction to Criminal Justice System - Courts. 3 Credits.
Examines the United States criminal court systems, including state, federal, and other jurisdictions. Covers the roles and functions of key participants in the adjudication process, including attorneys, defendants, victims, witnesses, judges and juries, and it explores criminal court procedures from arraignment through trial, sentencing, and appeals. Prerequisites: WR 121Z. Audit available.
CJA 113. Introduction to the Criminal Justice System - Corrections. 3 Credits.
Covers theories and current practices in correctional treatment, crime prevention, contemporary criminal justice services, treatment methods, and professional career opportunities. Prerequisites: WR 121Z. Audit available.
CJA 114. Introduction to Juvenile Justice. 3 Credits.
Introduces history and philosophies of juvenile adjudication and corrections. Covers current programs in Oregon available to juveniles who are or have been involved in the justice system. Focuses on integrating theories of causation, juvenile law, and procedural requirements. Prerequisites: WR 121Z. Audit available.
CJA 117. Introduction to Homeland Security. 3 Credits.
Introduces Homeland Security and its function of coordinating efforts to develop and implement a comprehensive national strategy to secure the nation from terrorist threats or attacks. Covers agencies associated with Homeland Security along with their duties and relationships. Explores historical events, laws, issues, coordinated attempts, critical threats and other topics related to protecting the national infrastructure. Prerequisites: WR 121Z. Audit available.
CJA 210. Arrest, Search and Seizure. 3 Credits.
Examines the legal framework governing law enforcement interactions with individuals, including stops, frisks, searches, and seizures. Covers the requirement for search warrants, as well as exceptions permitting warrantless searches. Analyzes these topics in the context of the Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and Article 1, Section 9 of the Oregon Constitution. Reviews case law, current events, and statutory law. Prerequisites: CJA 112 or PL 101. Audit available.
CJA 211. Civil Liability in Criminal Justice. 3 Credits.
Explores the conduct of criminal justice practitioners that may give rise to civil liability. Focuses on the various civil court and internal risk management processes that may create accountability and help manage improper conduct by criminal justice officials, particularly in state and local roles. Prerequisites: CJA 112. Audit available.
CJA 212. Criminal Law. 3 Credits.
Introduces substantive criminal law including basic principles of criminal liability, constitutional aspects, defenses and accomplice liability. Covers elements of specific crimes. Analyzes court decisions interpreting statutes. Prerequisites: CJA 112. Audit available.
CJA 213. Evidence. 3 Credits.
Explores a wide variety of topics relating to evidence, including: collection, preservation, chain of custody, admissibility and exclusion at trial. Introduces the rules regarding the use of evidence according to state and federal laws. Prerequisites: CJA 112 or PL 101. Audit available.
CJA 214. Criminal Investigation. 3 Credits.
Introduces modern investigative methods, including the collection and preservation of physical evidence, scientific aids, sources of information, interviews, follow-up and case presentation. Includes techniques of interview and interrogation. Prerequisites: CJA 111. Audit available.
CJA 215. Forensic Science and Criminalistics. 3 Credits.
Explores how scientific principles help in crime detection and solution. Familiarizes students with analysis of fingerprints, DNA, body fluids, and other evidence that may be contained at a crime scene. Prerequisites: WR 121Z. Audit available.
CJA 217. Interviewing and Interrogation. 3 Credits.
Introduces legal issues and working knowledge of interview and interrogation techniques. Covers various forms of communications including verbal and written statement analysis. Covers appropriate interview techniques for victims and witnesses and interrogation techniques. Examines characteristics of the sociopath/psychopathic personality types. Prerequisites: CJA 111. Audit available.
CJA 220. Mental Health & the Law. 3 Credits.
Explores mental health and disability issues in connection with the legal system, with a focus on the criminal justice system and the management of these issues in policing, the courts, corrections, and the community. Focuses on options for diversion from criminal prosecution and strategies for successful community supports. Addresses challenges and opportunities faced by legal system participants, including police, corrections, advocates, and others in both their work and personal lives. Encourages critical thinking and the application of best practices when engaging with individuals experiencing mental health challenges and disabilities. Prerequisites: WR 121Z. Audit available.
CJA 224. Women, Gender & Crime. 3 Credits.
Covers the issues that women face as they navigate the criminal justice system as victims, offenders, and professionals. Focuses on the unique experiences of women that impact their perspective of the criminal justice system. Explores the impacts of feminism on the criminal justice system. Examines the intersectional influence of factors such as race, gender, and culture on participants in the criminal justice system. Prerequisites: WR 121Z. Audit available.
CJA 225. Constitutional Law for Criminal Justice. 3 Credits.
Introduces the Bill of Rights with a focus on rights associated with government intrusion during police contact and investigation. Covers rights related to free expression, police interrogation, self-incrimination, right to counsel, and others. Presents remedies available for unlawful police conduct. Prerequisites: CJA 112. Audit available.
CJA 227. Intro to Cybercrime. 3 Credits.
Provides foundational knowledge and technologies needed to detect, investigate, and prevent computer-related crimes. Introduces current trends centered on exploiting individuals as well as private and government institutions. Examines laws and dynamics of prosecuting cybercrime. Prerequisites: CJA 111. Audit available.
CJA 230. Police Report Writing. 3 Credits.
Introduces police report writing. Covers appropriate narrative structures necessary for operational police reports. Includes critical legal aspects, content, organization, and grammar. Focuses on producing a quality police report capable of withstanding courtroom scrutiny. Prerequisites: CJA 111. Audit available.
CJA 231. Crime Scene Photography. 3 Credits.
Introduces crime scene photography skills to aid in crime scene and evidentiary documentation. Includes camera operation, exposure control, proficiency in relational photos, close-up photography, lighting, flash control and videography. Prerequisite: WR 121Z. Audit available.
CJA 236. Criminal Justice Legal Update. 3 Credits.
Covers the latest developments in Oregon statutes and caselaw including legislative changes and significant court decisions impacting Oregon’s criminal justice system. Provides insights into the changing landscape of the criminal justice system in Oregon equipping investigators to make informed decisions, navigate legal complexities, and uphold justice effectively and ethically. Recommended: CJA 210 and CJA 225. Audit available.
CJA 244. Tactical Communication in Crisis Incidents. 3 Credits.
Focuses on police intervention in the lives of people in the midst of a crisis to minimize or prevent violence and gain control of a situation. Covers verbal and non-verbal communication techniques to lead to a successful and safe resolution. Prerequisites: CJA 101 or CJA 111. Audit available.
CJA 250. Human Trafficking. 3 Credits.
Introduces the dynamics of human trafficking. Addresses impact on survivors and society through control, manipulation and exploitation of victims from a third party exploiter. Explores the complicated dynamics of human trafficking (especially sex trafficking), including how to identify it and best practices when working with survivors. Prerequisites: WR 121Z. Audit available.
CJA 265. Community Reentry for Offenders. 3 Credits.
Provides an overview of the role and responsibilities of correctional facility administrators in preparing offenders for reentry into society. Covers the steps necessary to prepare the offender for release, offender skills assessment processes, brokering employment opportunities and resources as well as other methods to support offenders while returning to positive lawful roles in the community. Prerequisites: CJA 113. Audit available.
CJA 266. Intro to Probation & Parole. 3 Credits.
Introduces evidence-based practices in community corrections. Examines the practice of assessment, risk prediction and risk management for individuals on probation and parole. Introduces both a theoretical understanding and practice of tools used in needs-based reentry and case management of criminal offenders. Examines the typology of specialized offenders. Explores cultural sensitivity issues within corrections staff. Prerequisites: CJA 113. Audit available.