Criminal Justice Certificate

Program Description

This one year program is designed to provide the student with a broad exposure to criminal justice theory and process as well as contemporary issues and problems. It consists of selected Criminal Justice courses and general education requirements. All of these courses are also required for the Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree in Criminal Justice so that students who wish to continue their education may pursue the two year degree program. Successful completion of this program leads to a certificate in Criminal Justice.

Program Length: 3 Quarters
Program Code: CJLCJC45

Career Opportunities and Earnings 

The employment outlook is very good with job growth expected to continue over the next decade. Graduates typically can be employed by local and federal law enforcement, juvenile and adult correction facilities, and private and corporate security/investigation firms. Successful employment in some positions is dependent upon passing competitive entrance examinations and meeting various medical requirements. Good performance and additional training can enhance opportunities for advancement. The demand for persons trained in criminal justice is expected to remain strong over the next several years

Prospective criminal justice students should be aware of the fact that criminal justice and security employment candidates are subject to extensive background checks that may include drug screening, polygraph testing, physical and psychological examinations, and oral and/or written proficiency examinations. Successful completion of the program does not necessarily guarantee that students will obtain employment in the field of criminal justice. The goal of the program is to provide students with an educational opportunity that prepares them for the rigors of employment competition within the scope of criminal justice career planning. The criminal justice program manager will work diligently to assist qualified students in finding meaningful employment.

• Correctional officers
• Law enforcement officers
• Private security officers

For current employment and wage estimates, please visit and search for the relevant occupational term: bls.gov/oes.

Program Outcomes

When this program is completed, the student will be able to:

• Correctly identify the major steps of the criminal justice process
• Develop an understanding of the function of each step of the criminal justice system and the key decisions that are made at each step
• Define each step and critically analyze how a case proceeds through the criminal justice system
• Articulate the functions of policing in the United States in terms of its historical roots, structure, and contemporary issue
• Develop an understanding of the court system in the United States in terms of constitutional issues and historical precedents
• Identify and understand correctional practices in the United States in relation to philosophies of punishment, sentencing practices, victim’s rights and institutional limitations
• Demonstrate knowledge of the purpose, function, and historical evolution of the American criminal justice system in terms of the three major branches of criminal justice: police, courts, and corrections
• Articulate the differences between the major criminological theories of the causes of crime and how those theories relate to policies toward crime and criminal behavior
• Apply individual criminological theories to specific types of offending and criminal behaviors
• Demonstrate an understanding of the steps in the research process as it relates to the scientific method
• Apply basic computational skills to practical applications
• Communicate in writing for a variety of purposes and audiences
• Demonstrate competencies to succeed in the selected career pathway workplace

Special Features

• Students in the Criminal Justice program receive intense individual attention to student needs and academic development
• This program contains courses which are articulated through the Tech Prep (TP) program with one or more area high schools. These courses are indicated with TP on the course requirements.

Program Prerequisites

College-level skills in English and math (eligibility for courses numbered 100 or higher) are required before registering for the English, math, or applied math courses required in this program. Students may need to complete prerequisite coursework. The placement test will help determine placement level if not known. Previous coursework may also indicate placement level.

Approximate Additional Costs

• Books, supplies and miscellaneous fees (per quarter): $230
• Tuition and fees: $5,160.94 total based on 2022-23 WA resident tuition rates (additional fees may apply)
  • First quarter (16 credits): $1,768.44
  • Second quarter (15 credits): $1,696.25
  • Third quarter (15 credits): $1,696.25

Sample Schedule  

This sample schedule is provided as a guide for a full-time student starting in fall quarter whose goal is to earn a certificate. The typical student schedule is based on entering the program during the fall quarter, however some programs allow students to enter in the winter or spring as well. Since not all do, please confirm with an advisor whether this program must be started during a specific quarter or not.