Foundations of Criminal Justice

Program: Foundations of Criminal Justice
Award: Career Studies Certificate
Plan Code: 221-400-45
CIP Code: 43.0103
Length: 19 credit hours
Location: Franklin, Suffolk, Smithfield
G3: Approved for G3
Lead Faculty: Joseph DeStefano
Stackable: All credits may be applied to the AAS Administration of Justice – Police Science

Purpose

This Career Studies Certificate provides a stackable credential that introduces students to the field in the Administration of Justice pathway. All courses successfully completed in this program may be applied to the Administration of Justice degree.

Occupational Objectives: Students completing the Foundations of Criminal Justice program may be employed in the following occupations: police officer, deputy sheriff, homeland security, corrections officer, industrial/private security, wildlife officer, probation officer, and parole officer. Additional professional training is required for some of these careers.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

In addition to the VCCS general education outcomes and core competencies, students will be able to:

• Correctly identify the three major components of the US Criminal Justice System and its function.
• Correctly identify ethical and unethical behavior exhibited by members of the criminal justice system in scenario-based examples or case studies.
• Identify the various theories regarding the causes of crime and punishment and identify policies based on those theories.
• Describe the three sources of law and give an example of each.
• Demonstrate the ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
• Demonstrate the ability to utilize technology related to their area of study.

Admission Requirements: General Admission to the college is required. In addition, entry into this curriculum requires proficiency in high school English and mathematics.

Students who have successfully completed the Virginia State Police Academy or a Virginia Department of Criminal Justice Services approved Training academy for law enforcement or corrections officers may be granted credit upon acceptance into the program.

Special Conditions: Students should be aware that most criminal justice agencies require excellent moral character and students with certain misdemeanor or felony convictions may have limited opportunities in the criminal justice field.