Crime scene

Criminal Justice

Certificate Technical Degree

Want to make the world a better, safer place? Get hands-on training to prepare for a career in fields such as law enforcement, emergency management, homeland security, probation, and social work.

Program at a Glance

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree offers the educational foundation needed in policing, social work, corrections, probation, and parole. In addition, the program has certificates that focus on educational direction and are centered around professional fields.

Career Opportunities

  • Police Officers
  • Parole Officers
  • Probation Officers
  • Correctional Officers
  • Juvenile Officers
  • Adult or Child Protective Service Officers
  • Social Workers
  • Pre-law
  • Emergency Management
  • Homeland Security
  • FBI

Earning Potential

  • Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office dispatcher starting salary: $20.69/hour
  • Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office detention deputy starting salary: $23.25/hour
  • Harris County detention officer starting salary: $41,080/year
  • Pasadena Police Department patrol officer starting salary: $69,945/year
  • Rosenberg Police Department police officer starting salary: $63,470/year
  • Webster Police Department police officer starting salary: $65,631/year

For more salary information, check out Texas Wages.

Locations

  • Central Campus
  • North Campus
  • San Jac Online

DEGREES & CERTIFICATES

Criminal Justice Core, Occupational Certificate

Certificate
The Occupational Certificate prepares you for the AAS degree or Certificate of Technology program or to advance in your current career. You’ll gain an introduction to criminal justice, learning about fundamentals of criminal law, police systems, and correctional systems. You’ll complete a capstone experience at the end in court systems and practices.
Length 4 Months
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 15 credits for this certificate in one term.
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Criminal Justice, AAS

Technical Degree
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree prepares you for an entry-level career. Take the opportunity to earn three certificates on the pathway to your degree. The AAS transfers to a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science (BAAS) degree at many universities.
Length 2 Years
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 60 credits for this program in four terms.
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Criminal Justice, Certificate of Technology

Certificate
The Certificate of Technology prepares you for the degree program, an entry-level career, or advancement in your current career. This certificate will teach you about police systems and practices, interviewing and report writing, and criminal investigations. Your certificate will culminate in a capstone experience in the legal aspects of law enforcement.
Length 1 Year
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 30 credits for this certificate in two terms.
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Criminal Justice, Dispatch, Occupational Certificate

Certificate
Do you desire to be the one who answers someone's call in an emergency or in need of life-saving care? If so, studying for emergency dispatch at San Jacinto College is an excellent place to begin, as the role of today's public safety telecommunicator is critical to society. Our program prepares you for a meaningful career in emergency communications and management. 
Length 1 Year
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 16 credits for this certificate in two terms. 
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Criminal Justice, Level 2 Certificate

Certificate
The Level 2 Certificate prepares you for the degree program, an entry-level career, or advancement in your current career. Take classes that build upon your law enforcement knowledge, exploring ethics in criminal justice, the juvenile justice system, community resources in corrections, and more. Your certificate will culminate in a capstone experience in the legal aspects of law enforcement.
Length 1.5 Years
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 45 credits for this certificate in three terms.
IMPORTANT LINKS
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Credit. Noncredit. Associate of Arts degrees. Associate of Applied Science degrees. Technical Certificates. Occupational Certificates. The list of programs we have here at San Jacinto runs far and wide. Not exactly sure what you’re looking for? Check out everything we offer.
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A Professional Edge Through Physical Training

When preparing for a job in criminal justice, the gym is your classroom, too.
John White
This cross-discipline approach is creating collaboration and interaction that is fun and interesting, while allowing students to gain some very technical knowledge.”
John White
Criminal Justice Professor
At our Central Campus, the HIRE initiative (Hire-ability Improvement = Realistic Employment) prepares criminal justice students to ace their job interviews and succeed in their careers. But instead of a classroom professor, students work with personal trainers. This can be helpful for future job opportunities.

Want to Learn More?

Reach out to our criminal justice professors to learn more about the program and if it’s a good fit for you.