2022-2023 Pierce College Catalog 
    
    Mar 28, 2024  
2022-2023 Pierce College Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Criminal Justice Certificate Course Map


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Created by Pierce faculty, this map outlines the initial coursework for this career field. It provides you a clear path to complete your certificate by listing a specific set of courses relevant to your program and career. The map is designed with the appropriate number of credits and meets certificate requirements. Courses are organized in a recommended sequence; please schedule accordingly. If a course is unavailable, select the next appropriate course within the sequence. For each course, a purpose statement explains how the content relates to your career field. On this map, there may be instances when you will be required to select a course from several options. Use these purpose statements and notes to choose the course that best aligns with your interests and needs. You will also find action items to complete to assure you progress and graduate on time. 

While this map is a great guide to courses required to complete the Criminal Justice Certificate, you are responsible for fulfilling all certificate requirements. This certificate is embedded in the Associate in Criminal Justice. If you are looking for a two year degree this may be a seamless process for you. Please work with your advisor.

Questions? Your Success Network is ready to help you!


Employment Eligibility Requirements

Any past criminal history may be detrimental to finding employment in the criminal justice field. If you have any concerns please speak with an advisor.


The following Criminal Justice courses have changed to Common Course numbering:

Old Course Number New Course Number
CJ 112 – Criminal Justice in America CJ& 101 – Introduction to Criminal Justice
CJ 115 – Juvenile Justice System CJ& 106 – Juvenile Justice
CJ 202 – Concepts of Criminal Law CJ& 110 – Criminal Law
CJ 205 – Investigative Technology CJ& 240 – Introduction to Forensic Science

 

Action Item:  You should meet with your criminal justice advisor prior to embarking on this program. The program can be taken on-line, in-person, during the day at Fort Steilacoom, at night at Puyallup, or a combination of all.  This map is designed for a student completing pursuing an in-person learning experience at Fort Steilacoom campus.  Please meet with your advisor to create a customized education plan that meets your modality (online, in person, and hybrid), and timeline (part time, full time, hybrid) preferences. 

Program Code: 832C


Total Credits: 40-42


1. College Success


  • Course purpose: A foundational course to explore and affirm a career choice and build upon the skills, knowledge, and resources that will support you at Pierce College and beyond.

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  • Note: The College Success course you select will depend on the Career Pathway Map you are following. Your advisor will assist you in selecting either the 3- or 5- credit version of the course. Should you choose to repeat a College Success course you must enroll in a College Success course with the same credit amount as the original course; a COLLG 110 course grade can only be replaced with a grade from another COLLG 110 course and a COLLG 115 course grade can only be replaced with a grade from another COLLG 115 course. 

2. Criminal Justice Success Seminar


  • Course purpose: This course is an introduction to success in the CJ program. It will cover education plans, navigating through Pierce College, and how to be successful in the culminating project. You will learn about professional standards and employment requirements. It should be taken within the first two quarters.

3. Public Speaking


  • Course purpose: As a professional in criminal justice you will have to talk to people one on one, in groups and you will need to give presentations to classes, groups, and oral boards.  This class will set you up for success. 

Action Item: Meet with Advisor


Use your Success Network! In your first quarter, meet with your advisor to revisit your career and transfer path, make adjustments to your goals as needed, and plan for your next steps.

4. Policing in America


  • Course purpose: Policing is a huge part of the justice system and a great career opportunity. This course will help you with the history of policing and its impact on the citizens the system serves as well as what is currently occurring in our policing systems and where it might change in the future. Often our understanding of Law Enforcement is different from what it is. This class will help to bridge those two truths.

5. Crime and Justice in America


  • Course purpose: This class deals with how to respond to culture conflict and is steeped heavily in social justice and multiculturalism. You will learn hands-on skills to communicate with others who may not believe as you do. It is important as a criminal justice professional to address your biases prior to getting into the field. Your job is to serve all citizens, no matter your personal beliefs. This class will help you do just that.

6. Introduction to Criminal Justice


  • Course purpose: This course gives an overview of theories and the major elements of the criminal justice system. You will be able to speak across the justice system and understand how the different elements (law enforcement, courts, corrections and support agencies) work together, or don’t at times.

Action Item: Apply for Graduation


Way to go! It is time to apply for graduation. Visit the Pierce College Graduation website for details. https://www.pierce.ctc.edu/graduation

7. Problem Based Research


  • Course purpose: This class will assist you with your academic research and citation. This is not only imperative for your success in academic writing, but it also will help you research best practices and validate your evidence in order to best serve the community by making changes in the system. Information that is not credible can create more hurt in our system and to our citizens.

8. Corrections in America


  • Course purpose: Corrections is a huge part of the justice system and a great career opportunity. This course will help you with the history of corrections and its impact on the citizens the system serves as well as what is currently occurring in our correctional systems and where it might change in the future. Often our understanding of corrections is different from what it is. This class will help to bridge those two truths. This powerful class will expand your knowledge of the system as taught through the dominate culture and assist your level of understanding of systematic oppression.

9. Criminal Law


  • Course purpose: This class helps you understand the law, how it was developed and the elements of certain crimes. It is a course for all people who want to work in the justice field. You will also learn how to find out the ins and outs of a case and court processes.

10. Work Based Learning or CJ Elective


11. Culminating Project


  • Course purpose: In this course you will prove that you have met all the outcomes of this certificate. You will have an opportunity to show us what you have done in a 20 minute PowerPoint presentation to the criminal justice and Pierce College community. It is an exciting experience to see the great growth you have had at Pierce College.

Total Credits: 40-42


Program Code: 832C


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