Course Catalog

Criminal Justice Specialist, TCC (CJ21) Technical Certificate of Credit

Campus Locations: Online, High School, Cook

The Criminal Justice Specialist Technical Certificate of Credit is a sequence of courses that prepares students for criminal justice professions. Learning opportunities develop academic, occupational, and professional knowledge and skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement. The program emphasizes a combination of criminal justice theory and practical application necessary for successful employment. Upon completion of this technical certificate of credit may permit students to pursue entry level opportunities in the criminal justice field. Completion of the Criminal Justice Specialist Technical Certificate of Credit does not ensure certification of officer status in Georgia. Students must seek such certification from the Peace Officer Standards and Training (P.O.S.T.) Council.

This program qualifies for the HOPE Career Grant.

Program Outcomes: Upon completion of this program, students will attain comprehensive academic, occupational, and professional knowledge necessary for their chosen field. They will acquire essential skills for acquiring, retaining, and advancing in their careers, ensuring they are well-prepared for success in the workforce.

Careers: Entry-Level opportunities in the criminal justice field such as private investigator, patrol officer, or security guards

Length of Program: 2 Terms

Admission Requirements:

General College Admissions and Placement
This program does NOT require a HS diploma or GED

Additional Program Requirements:

A satisfactory criminal background check must be completed prior to entering the Criminal Justice practicum or internship. A felony conviction could prevent students from obtaining an intern site and employment in the Criminal Justice field.

Curriculum Outline (15 hours)

Occupational Courses	15
CRJU 1010Introduction to Criminal Justice Introduces the development and organization of the criminal justice system in the United States. Topics include: the American criminal justice system; constitutional limitations; organization of enforcement, adjudication, and corrections; and career opportunities and requirements.	3
CRJU 1030Corrections Provides an analysis of all phases of the American correctional system and practices, including its history, procedures, and objectives. Topics include: history and evolution of correctional facilities; legal and administrative problems; institutional facilities and procedures; probation, parole, and prerelease programs; alternative sentencing; rehabilitation; community involvement; and staffing.	3
CRJU 1040Principles of Law Enforcement This course examines the principles of the organization, administration, and duties of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. Topics include: history and philosophy of law enforcement, evaluation of administrative practices, problems in American law enforcement agencies, emerging concepts, professionalism, and community crime prevention programs.	3
CRJU 1068Criminal Law for Criminal Justice This course introduces criminal law in the United States, but emphasizes the current specific status of Georgia criminal law. The course will focus on the most current statutory contents of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated (O.C.G.A.) with primary emphasis on the criminal and traffic codes. Topics include: historic development of criminal law in the United States; statutory law, Georgia Code (O.C.G.A.) Title 16 - Crimes and Offenses; statutory law, Georgia Code (O.C.G.A.) Title 40 - Motor Vehicle and Traffic Offenses; and Supreme Court rulings that apply to criminal law.	3
CRJU 2020Constitutional Law for Criminal Justice This course emphasizes those provisions of the Bill of Rights which pertain to criminal justice. Topics include: characteristics and powers of the three branches of government; principles governing the operation of the U.S. Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the Fourteenth Amendment.	3