Criminal Justice

Justice, Public Safety + Service

The Criminal Justice Studies program at Southwestern College offers degrees and certificates designed to prepare students for employment and/or further study. The programs and courses within the criminal justice program provide a strong foundation in, and comprehensive understanding of, the criminal justice system (historical and contemporary), its relevant laws and procedures, as well as the myriad of careers within it. While the program provides a broad foundation, it emphasizes the intersection between research, policy, and practice thereby exposing students to the multitude of factors that influence how the criminal justice system pursues “justice”, or fails to do so.

Program Awards

Our Criminal Justice programs are included in the Education, Humanities, Social and Behavioral Sciences field of study and offer these awards:

Award	Location	Estimated Completion
Administration of Justice (SB1440), Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT)	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Criminal Justice, Associate in Arts Degree: Transfer Preparation	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Administration of Justice---Corrections Emphasis, Associate in Science: Career/Technical	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Administration of Justice---Law Enforcement Emphasis, Associate in Science: Career/Technical	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Cyber-Forensic, Associate in Science: Career/Technical	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Forensic Studies, Associate in Science: Career/Technical	Chula Vista	# Semesters
Pathway to Law School, Certificates of Achievement	Chula Vista	# Semesters

Common Careers

Below is a sample of the career options available for the administration of justice or criminal justice majors. Many require an associate degree, some require a bachelor’s degree, and a few of these require a graduate-level degree: adjudicator/judge, arson investigator, bar examiner, border patrol officer/INS agent, correctional officer, crime laboratory/evidence technologist, customs agent, district attorney, lawyer/prosecutor/public defender, forensic scientist, FBI/Treasury/Secret Service agent, U.S. Marshal, fraud/forgery investigator, parole/probation officer, police officer, sheriff, postal inspector, and traffic officer.

The average annual salary in this field is $115,750 for occupations like Detectives and Criminal Investigators.

Typical Duties

Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Thinking Creatively
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
Developing Objectives and Strategies
Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
Scheduling Work and Activities
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Training and Teaching Others
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Performing General Physical Activities
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
Developing and Building Teams
Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
Coaching and Developing Others
Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
Performing Administrative Activities
Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.