Crime scene

Criminal Justice

Certificate Technical Degree

Want to help make the world safer? Get training for a job in law enforcement, emergency management, security, probation, or social work.

Program at a Glance

The AAS degree helps you get started in jobs like policing, social work, corrections, probation, and parole. It also offers certificates for specific job skills.

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 patrol deputy starting salary: $29.73/hour

Harris County Sheriff's Office communications officer starting salary: $44,491/year

Harris County detention officer starting salary: $46,571/year

Pasadena Police Department patrol officer starting salary: $76,379/year

Rosenberg Police Department police officer starting salary: $67,329/year

Webster Police Department police officer starting salary: $74,095/year

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. 
IMPORTANT LINKS
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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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Criminal Justice Fingerprinting
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Filter Through 200+ Programs
Credit. Noncredit. Associate of Arts degrees. Associate of Applied Science degrees. Technical Certificates. Occupational Certificates. The list of programs we have here at San Jac runs far and wide. Not 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 program helps criminal justice students get ready for job interviews and succeed in their careers. Instead of a classroom teacher, students work with personal trainers, which can help with future job chances.

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. For general questions, please call us at 281-998-6150.
John White
Professor, Criminal Justice
Email
John.White@sjcd.edu
Phone
(281) 998-6150x1518