Criminal Justice

Who could benefit from the program:

Any military member/family member/student who is interested in a career in

the enforcement or investigative field, i.e. police work at the local, county, state or federal level;
the corrections field, to include probation and parole with both juvenile and adult offenders;
US Customs Service; Department of Immigration and Naturalization;
the Juvenile Justice System as a specialty.

Generally, what the program entails:

The Criminal Justice program covers a wide range of core courses, designed to give the student a foundation in the American Criminal Justice System. Courses range from 'hands on' courses, such as Basic Firearms, to Legal Aspects of Law Enforcement and Ethics in Criminal Justice. There are also a number of elective courses which allow the student to tailor the degree plan to their own specific needs.

In addition to classroom classes, which are offered each term at Education Centers throughout Europe, the Middle East and at locations in Southwest Asia, Central Texas College offers Criminal Justice courses online. Click here for complete information and course listings for online courses in the Criminal Justice Program.

The enforcement or investigative field, i.e. police work at the local, county, state or federal level. The corrections field, to include probation and parole with both juvenile and adult offenders. The US Customs Service; Department of Immigration and Naturalization and the Juvenile Justice System as a specialty.

Job Outlooks in Criminal Justice

Overall opportunities in local police departments will be favorable for individuals who meet the psychological, personal, and physical qualifications. Many entry-level applicants for police jobs have completed some formal postsecondary education, and a significant number are college graduates.

There will be more competition for jobs in Federal and State law enforcement agencies than for jobs in local agencies. Bilingual applicants with a bachelor's degree and several years of law enforcement or military experience, especially investigative experience, will have the best opportunities in Federal agencies.

Government agencies are contracting out positions, and there are many government contractors who offer positions in the criminal justice field/security/law enforcement/intelligence. The salary of a contractor is often much higher then that of a Government employee.

Employment of private detectives and investigators is expected to grow 22 percent over the 2008–18 decade, much faster than the average for all occupations. Increased demand for private detectives and investigators will result from heightened security concerns, increased litigation, and the need to protect confidential information and property of all kinds. The proliferation of criminal activity on the Internet will increase the demand for private investigators. . The best opportunities for new jobseekers will be in entry-level jobs in detective agencies. Opportunities are expected to be favorable for qualified computer forensic investigators.

Employment of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists is projected to grow about 19 percent between 2008 and 2018, faster than the average for all occupations. Qualifications vary by agency, but a bachelor's degree is usually required.

Opportunities for Criminal Justice graduates:

Alexander Lopez: The degree makes it easier to apply and be recruited into a police academy of the student's choice. In my many years of experience, I have seen again and again that a 2-year degree in law enforcement provides graduates with great opportunities nationwide to work in the field - even to return to their hometown to work in law enforcement field!
During his 20+ years in the US Army, has had the opportunity to serve as a Military Policeman, Military Police Investigator and CID Agent.
Gail Ingram: The career opportunities for personnel who are either separating or retiring from the military with a degree in criminal justice are phenomenal. In addition to having a degree, a high-level security clearance with military/law enforcement background will make individuals even more marketable.
Gail Ingram is currently a Special Agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations. She has been stationed in DC, Germany, and Hawaii, and has been an agent for 6 years. Ms. Ingram holds a BA in Business Admin and MS in Educational Leadership from Troy State University.
Kathy Johnson: As a CTC instructor and a true product of the Army education system myself (went from nothing to a masters degree almost exclusively through the ed center system), I can't say enough good stuff about my experiences as both an instructor and student.
Kathy Johnson, is a CID Special Agent and currently the First Sergeant for the 5th MP BN (CID) in Kaiserslautern., Germany. 1SG Johnson holds a Bachelor's of Science in Psychology from Regents College, a Master's of Administration from Central Michigan University, and has worked in military law enforcement as an MP and CID agent for 19 1/2 years.

Other Resources

Criminal Justice Course Descriptions

Click on Download Syllabus to see the complete syllabus. Click on Schedule Locations to see what Central Texas College Europe locations are offering this course for this term and the next few terms.

CJCR 1304 Probation and Parole 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

A survey of the structure, organization, and operation of probation and parole services. Emphasis on applicable state statutes and administrative guidelines.

CJCR 1307 Correctional Systems and Practices 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Corrections in the criminal justice system; organization of correctional systems; correctional role; institutional operations; alternatives to institutionalization; treatment and rehabilitation; current and future issues.

CJCR 1358 Rights of Prisoners 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Analysis of the legal rights of the convicted offender incarcerated in state and federal penal institutions. Emphasis on constitutional principles, case law, and federal and state statutes concerning prisoner rights.

CJCR 1391 Special Topics in Corrections/Correctional Administration 3-0-3 Syllabus Not Available - Schedule Locations

Topics address recently identified current events, skills, knowledge, and/or attitudes and behaviors pertinent to the technology or occupation and relevant to the professional development of the student. Prerequisites: Consent of the Department Chair.

CJCR 2324 Community Resources in Corrections 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

An introductory study of the role of the community in corrections; community programs for adults and juveniles; administration of community programs; legal issues; future trends in community treatment.

CJCR 2325 Legal Aspects of Corrections 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

A study of the operation, management, and legal issues affecting corrections. Analysis of constitutional issues involving rights of the convicted, as well as civil liability of correctional agencies and staff.

CJLE 1211 Basic Firearms 1-2-2 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Instruction in firearm safety, cleaning and care techniques, proper shooting principles, and proficiency with a handgun and shotgun. Prerequisite: Department approval required.

CJLE 1333 Traffic Law and Investigation 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Instruction in the basic principles of traffic control, traffic law enforcement, court procedures, and traffic law. Emphasis on the need for a professional approach in dealing with traffic law violators and the police role in accident investigation and traffic supervision.

CJLE 1345 Intermediate Crime Scene Invest. 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Topics include objectives, preparations, procedures, and methods of crime scene search; value of crime scene sketches and their relationship to crime scene photographs; fingerprints as physical evidence, fingerprint identification and classification, types of impressions and techniques for locating and developing impressions. Prerequisites: CRIJ 2314/CJSA 1342 or Police Academy.

CJLE 2345 Vice and Narcotics Investigation 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Study of various classifications of commonly used narcotics, dangerous drugs, gambling, sex crimes, fraud, gangs, and investigative techniques; and identify proper interdiction procedures and techniques. Prerequisite: CRIJ 2314/ CJSA 1342.

CJSA 1170 Alcohol Awareness/Intervention 1-0-1 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

This course will provide the student with a basic overview of alcohol as a drug of abuse and the methodology for developing an action plan of intervention at a local level. Focus on alcohol fueled offenses and problems, identifying and dealing with alcohol abusers and the criminal justice implications of alcohol related convictions.

CJSA 1171 Police Brutality and theExcessive Use of Force 1-0-1 Syllabus Not Available - Schedule Locations

This course will provide students with basic information about the excessive use of force by police. The police have the right to use force to subdue criminals; even deadly force is authorized in certain situations. This course addresses what triggers the excessive use of force, what the consequences are to the police and society when this happens, and how it can be prevented.

CJSA 1172 Topics for Parents 1-0-1 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

The course will focus on areas of concern for today’s parents; on-line predators, teenage alcohol and drug abuse and teenage domestic violence. This course will provide students with knowledge concerning these areas that will provide additional avenues of communication.

CJSA 1173 Drug Recognition for Law Enforcement 1-0-1 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

The course will provide the student with the basics of the most common controlled substances a law enforcement officer will encounter. The student will gain knowledge of classifications of, identification of, and effects of 'street drugs'.

CJSA 1174 Terrorism as a Strategy 1-0-1 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Note: This course may not be run in Afghanistan, Djibouti, or Qatar.

The course will consider the definition of terrorism and its place in the spectrum of political violence as well as comparing different classifications of insurgency. The course will introduce students to how terrorism is used as a strategy of insurgency and how it is a strategy based on the psychological impact.

CJSA 1175 Investigation of Sexual Abuse 1-0-1 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

This course discusses the different formats used to investigate the crime of sexual assault. It includes strategies to investigate sexual assault, interview victims and witnesses, document evidence in accordance with state laws, and conduct case studies.

CJSA 1176 Introduction to Gangs and Gang Infiltration of the Military 1-0-1 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

This course offers an introduction to gangs in America and the infiltration of gangs in the United States military. Topics include gang identification, the role of the criminal justice system and the community in suppressing, intervening and preventing gang activity, how and why gang members join the military and the impact of gangs on the military.

CJSA 1177 International Criminal Justice (Europe Only) 1-0-1 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

This course will provide an introduction to the history, policy, and practices of criminal justice in an international environment. The history of the development of the laws and judicial structures that serve to administer international criminal justice will be examined, particularly post World War II. The agencies involved in international criminal justice, from INTERPOL to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, will be studied as will the differing policing practices in particular comparative cases. Specific attention will be paid to the international issues arising for criminal justice practitioners in both domestic and foreign jurisdictions and the bodies of international law that will affect a criminal justice practitioner. Finally, the 21st Century international terrorist threat will be studied for its affects on the practice of criminal justice in civil and military contexts.

CJSA 1178 Criminal Deviance (Europe Only) 1-0-1 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

This course is an examination of criminal behavior with a special emphasis on the deviation from societal norms. The course will discuss ideas about crime, criminal intent, and criminal motivation. The course offers a survey of theories and research on the rationality of criminal behavior and stimulus of offenders. The course also offers a review of the social response to criminal behavior.

CJSA 1308 Criminalistics I 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Introduction to the field of criminalistics. Topics include the application of scientific and technical methods in the investigation of crime including location, identification, and handling of evidence for scientific analysis. Prerequisites: CRIJ 2314/CJSA 1342.

CJSA 1312 Crime in America 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

The study of American crime problems in historical perspective, social and public policy factors affecting crime, impact and crime trends, social characteristics of specific crimes, and crime prevention.

CJSA 1313 Court Systems and Practices 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

The judiciary in the criminal justice system; structure of the American court system; prosecution; right to counsel; pre-trial release; grand juries; adjudication process; types and rules of evidence, sentencing.

CJSA 1317 Juvenile Justice System 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

A study of the juvenile justice process. Topics include specialized juvenile law, role of the juvenile law, role of the juvenile courts, role of police agencies, role of correctional agencies, and theories concerning delinquency.

CJSA 1318 Court Management 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Exploration of operational issues in the administration of American courts. Topics include responsibilities of court personnel, records management, and organizational management topics.

CJSA 1322 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

The study of the history and philosophy of criminal justice and ethical considerations; crime defined; its nature and impact; overview of criminal justice system; law enforcement, court system; prosecution and defense; trial process; corrections.

CJSA 1327 Fundamentals of Criminal Law 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

A study of the nature of criminal law; philosophical and historical development; major definitions and concepts; classification of crime; elements of crimes and penalties using Texas statutes as illustrations; criminal responsibility.

CJSA 1342 Criminal Investigation 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Study of investigative theory, the collection and preservation of evidence, sources of information, concepts of interviewing and interrogation, the use of forensic sciences, case and trial preparation.

CJSA 1348 Ethics in Criminal Justice 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Ethical philosophies and issues pertaining to the various professions in the criminal justice system. Includes ethical issues emanating from constititutional conflict with public protection and individual rights, civil liberties, and correctional policies.

CJSA 1351 Use of Force 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

A study of the use of force including introduction to and statutory authority for the use of force, force options, deadly force, and related legal issues. Fulfills the TCLEOSE Use of Force Intermediate Certificate requirement. Prerequisite: Consent of Department Chair.

CJSA 1359 Police Systems and Practices 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Exploration of the profession of police officer. Topics include organization of law enforcement systems, the police role, police discretion, ethics, police-community interaction, and current and future issues.

CJSA 1393 Special Topics in Criminal Justice Studies 3-0-3 Syllabus Not Available - Schedule Locations

CJSA 2300 Legal Aspects of Law Enforcement 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Exploration of police authority. Topics include responsibilities and constitutional constraints, law of arrest, search and seizure, and police liability.

CJSA 2302 Police Management, Supervision, and Related Topics 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Techniques and theories regarding dealing with people, their performance and problems. Topics include basic supervision, leadership, time management, first-line supervision, and management by objectives.

CJSA 2331 Child Abuse, Prevention and Invest. 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Forms of child abuse and neglect and the traits of typical abusers. Includes strategies to investigate abuse, interview victims and witnesses, document evidence in accordance with state law, and conduct case studies. Prerequisites: CRIJ 2314/CJSA 1342 or CRIJ 1313/CJSA 1317, or Police Academy.

CJSA 2334 Contemp. Issues in Criminal Justice 3-0-3 Syllabus Not Available - Schedule Locations

A series of lectures and class participation exercises presenting selected topics currently confronting criminal justice personnel and the public they serve. Prerequisite: Consent of Department Chair.

CJSA 2488 Internship-Criminal Justice Safety Studies 0-19-4 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

A work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts. A learning plan is developed by the college and the employer. Prerequisite: Consent of the Department Chair.

CRIJ 1306 Court Systems and Practices 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

The study of the judiciary in the American criminal justice system and the adjudication processes and procedures.

CRIJ 1310 Fundamentals of Criminal Law 3-0-3 Download Syllabus - Schedule Locations

Study of criminal law, its philosophical and historical development, major definitions and concepts, classifications and elements of crime, penalties using Texas statutes as illustrations, and criminal responsibility.

For more detailed information, you can view our course catalog in the Library Section of the CTC Web Pages.

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