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Criminal Justice
Associate in Applied Science Degree
Certificates
Green River offers an excellent, innovative
and current Criminal Justice program. The degree is broad, rigorous, and
transferable. The program offers a two-year degree and three certificates,
allowing students to specialize.
Green River offers a progressive and innovative Criminal Justice program.
Students learn how to perform a wide range of investigations, enforcement,
and technical work. The Criminal Justice program at Green River includes
four options:
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Associate in Applied Science Degree
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Certificate in Corrections
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Certificate in Fingerprint Technology
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Certificate in Law Enforcement
The Criminal Justice program prepares students
to do a variety of work depending upon their area of concentration and, in
some cases, the level of additional education they obtain.
Criminal Justice professionals often find work with local, county, state
and federal law enforcement agencies.
Employers of Criminal Justice graduates include police agencies, sheriff's
departments, correctional facilities, forensic crime labs and juvenile
detention facilities. Additional education or experience may be needed to
work for some of the agencies listed above.
Graduates who concentrate in Corrections do such things as confine
dangerous and aggressive individuals; prepare legal reports; enforce
institutional, state, and federal rules and regulations; search persons;
subdue violent inmates; testify in court; and in some extreme cases use
deadly force.
The duties of people earning a certificate in Fingerprint Technology may
involve use of laboratory equipment for evidence identification,
fingerprinting, crime scene analysis, evidence analysis and a variety of
functions related to the prosecution of criminal suspects.
Those concentrating in Law Enforcement conduct investigations; arrest
suspects; search persons and places; gather evidence; subdue violent
individuals; enforce local, state, and federal laws; testify in court; and
in some extreme cases use deadly force.
When can new students enroll?
You may enroll in the Criminal Justice program prior to the beginning of
any quarter.
Prerequisites
Complete an application to Green River Community College, complete the
COMPASS assessment, and attend a quarterly Criminal Justice/Forensic
Technology advising session.
How long does the program take?
It depends on you. If you attend Green River full time, the degree
requirements can be completed in about six quarters, and the certificate
requirements can be completed in just two quarters depending upon when you
start and when the classes are scheduled. If you attend part time, it will
depend on how many credits you complete each quarter.
The program can be completed in the evening. However, it will take
substantially longer. Evening classes with low enrollment have a greater
chance of being cancelled, delaying the completion of your degree or
certificate.
Special fees
Each Criminal Justice class includes a $25.00 fee to help defray costs of
equipment and supplies.
Personal requirements for success
A person working in the Criminal Justice field needs to have a genuine
interest in working with and helping people of diverse backgrounds. Sound
judgment, integrity, calm demeanor in crisis situations, and a keen
ability to communicate effectively, are attributes that employers seek.
Many of these positions require very limited or no prior drug use and a
clean criminal record.
Does the program transfer to four-year
schools?
The Associate in Applied Science degree parallels our transferable
Associate in Arts degree. Students who earn the AAS degree may apply to be
awarded the AA degree. However, all transferability is at the discretion
of the receiving institution. Careful planning with an advisor and
coordination of courses with the college or university of your choice is
advised.
Special program notes
Criminal Justice is a broad discipline, encompassing the scientific study
of crime, criminals, the criminal justice system, treatment of offenders,
and theories of crime causation. The Criminal Justice program has an
advisory board made up of chiefs of police, commanders, detectives,
judges, police officers and forensic professionals.
Employment outlook
Career prospects in law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice,
probation and various forensic related fields have never been stronger.
Exact job demand is unpredictable. Neither the college nor the Criminal
Justice program makes any promises implied or expressed on job
opportunities. However, due to recent political events, it would appear
that the demand for trained law enforcement and security will increase
over the next few years. In addition, if you have a prior felony or
domestic violence conviction, job opportunities are very limited. Some
positions require successful completion on a physical agility test and
polygraph examination.
Advancement opportunities
Veteran law enforcement officers often find that they need a college
degree for advancement within their agencies. Many are now enrolling at
Green River to take advantage of the progressive programs offered here.
The current trend in Criminal Justice is moving toward a two-year degree
as the minimum educational requirement for initial hiring. Each department
varies on its educational requirements.
Salary range
Criminal Justice professionals in the state of Washington enjoy one of the
highest salary ranges in the nation. |
