The field of criminal justice is more than just law enforcement. The Criminal Justice system consists of three sub-systems; police, courts, and corrections. At Sheridan College and Gillette College the student will be exposed to all aspects of the criminal justice system with four major areas of concentration and five certificate programs. The transferable degree and associated certificate programs, including the new crime scene investigation certificate, assures the successful student marketable skills in the fields of law enforcement; corrections, both adult and juvenile; victimology, both adult and juvenile; and security.

Correctional Services: This program is designed to serve in-service correctional and detention officers or pre-service students who want to pursue a career in corrections or work with at-risk youth.  It is also designed for those who wish to transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or another Behavioral Science profession.

In depth background investigations, polygraph, and psychological examinations, and aptitude testing is required in most criminal justice professions. Check with the Criminal Justice department for details on criminal justice employment restrictions.

Criminal Justice Program Outcomes

• Identify the major goals of the Criminal Justice System and it’s components.
• Critique the application of rights to criminal defendents and criminal procedure as defined by the US Constitution.
• Identify the basic elements of criminal culpability such as actus reus and mens rea and causation and concurrence.
• Survey the various functions that law enforcement agencies perform.
• Analyze the major theories of crime causation to include biological, sociological and psychological perspectives.
• Describe sentencing philosophy and identify the central purpose of criminal punishment within the United States.

Required Course of Study for AAS Degree