Criminal Justice

Overview

This program is designed for practitioners who are already employed by criminal justice agencies or for students wishing to diversify their major course of study by adding criminal justice courses to their current program of study. The purpose of the certificate program is to provide students with a collegiate-level education in criminal justice. Courses taken will provide a theoretical and systems approach to the entire field of criminal justice. Courses completed satisfactorily can be used toward the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice Technology.

Areas of instruction focus on concepts, theories, and processes pertaining to all areas of the criminal justice system, including police work and organization, criminal law, causes of criminal behavior, rules of evidence and criminal procedures, and correctional services and systems. Learning experiences for students in the Criminal Justice Technology program are provided in the classrooms on Airport and Beltline campuses as well as online. Introductory courses may also be taught at the Batesburg-Leesville Campus.

Program Type

Academic Certificate

How to Enroll

To pursue this degree, you must apply to MTC using our online application.

Apply Now

Questions?

Print Plan

Sample Program Plan and Costs

On-Campus Traditional. Classes meet on campus.
Virtual 100% online. Meets with a live instructor and classmates on specific days, at specific times. Uses web conferencing software, like Zoom.
Hybrid Some classes on campus. Some classes online or virtual.
Online 100% online. Due dates for projects and assignments. Self-paced work on your time.
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(9 Credit Hours)
CRJ-101 Introduction to Criminal Justice

Introduction to Criminal Justice

ID: CRJ-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes an overview of the functions and responsibilities of agencies involved in the administration of justice to include police organizations, court systems, correctional systems, and juvenile justice agencies.

3
CRJ-125 Criminology

Criminology

ID: CRJ-125

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the various theories of criminal causation and control, the identification of criminal typologies, and the reaction of society to crime and criminals.

3
CRJ-130 Police Administration

Police Administration

ID: CRJ-130

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the organization, administration, and management of law enforcement agencies. Students are introduced to the principles of organization and management and to concepts such as organizational behavior, planning and research, budgeting, selection and training of personnel, and coordination of services.

3
Semester 2
(12 Credit Hours)
CRJ-236 Criminal Evidence

Criminal Evidence

ID: CRJ-236

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the established rules of evidence from arrest to release in the administration of criminal justice.

3
CRJ-115 Criminal Law I

Criminal Law I

ID: CRJ-115

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers the development of criminal law in America. The basic elements of specific criminal offenses, criminal defenses, and various legal principles upon which criminal law is established are reviewed.

3
CRJ-242 Correctional Systems

Correctional Systems

ID: CRJ-242

Credit Hours: 3

This course is an introduction to aspects of the correctional function in criminal justice, including organization, process, procedure, and clients incarcerated and on conditional release.

3
CRJ-220 The Judicial Process

The Judicial Process

ID: CRJ-220

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes an overview of the law-making function of the courts, the growth of common law, the structure and organization of the courts, court processes and procedures involved in criminal and civil cases, and the question of reform for the administration of justice.

3
  Total Credit Hours 21
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$4,200.00
Not including fees and equipment
Semester Course ID Course Title Classroom Online Hybrid Virtual Credits
Semester 1
(3 Credit Hours)
CRJ-101 Introduction to Criminal Justice

Introduction to Criminal Justice

ID: CRJ-101

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes an overview of the functions and responsibilities of agencies involved in the administration of justice to include police organizations, court systems, correctional systems, and juvenile justice agencies.

3
Semester 2
(6 Credit Hours)
CRJ-125 Criminology

Criminology

ID: CRJ-125

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the various theories of criminal causation and control, the identification of criminal typologies, and the reaction of society to crime and criminals.

3
CRJ-130 Police Administration

Police Administration

ID: CRJ-130

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the organization, administration, and management of law enforcement agencies. Students are introduced to the principles of organization and management and to concepts such as organizational behavior, planning and research, budgeting, selection and training of personnel, and coordination of services.

3
Semester 3
(6 Credit Hours)
CRJ-236 Criminal Evidence

Criminal Evidence

ID: CRJ-236

Credit Hours: 3

This course is a study of the established rules of evidence from arrest to release in the administration of criminal justice.

3
CRJ-115 Criminal Law I

Criminal Law I

ID: CRJ-115

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers the development of criminal law in America. The basic elements of specific criminal offenses, criminal defenses, and various legal principles upon which criminal law is established are reviewed.

3
Semester 4
(6 Credit Hours)
CRJ-242 Correctional Systems

Correctional Systems

ID: CRJ-242

Credit Hours: 3

This course is an introduction to aspects of the correctional function in criminal justice, including organization, process, procedure, and clients incarcerated and on conditional release.

3
CRJ-220 The Judicial Process

The Judicial Process

ID: CRJ-220

Credit Hours: 3

This course includes an overview of the law-making function of the courts, the growth of common law, the structure and organization of the courts, court processes and procedures involved in criminal and civil cases, and the question of reform for the administration of justice.

3
  Total Credit Hours 21
  Estimated Cost
Financial Aid
$4,200.00
Not including fees and equipment

Careers

Law Enforcement Officer

Law enforcement officers, or certified peace officers, are responsible for general or specialized law enforcement duties.

Projected Job Growth

+3.4%

Average Annual Salary

$48,830
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Law Enforcement

Careers

Detention/Correctional Officer

Detention or correctional officers work in detention centers or prisons as line staff and carry out various custodial functions.

Average Annual Salary

$37,713
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Detention Centers

Careers

Dispatch/Communities

Dispatch communications professionals operate radio or telecommunications equipment. They receive and transmit routine and emergency radio, telephone, and teletype traffic. They dispatch law enforcement, public safety, or other personnel and equipment in response to service requirements.

Projected Job Growth

+5.9%

Average Annual Salary

$35,708
According to EMSI data as of 2022

Where Can I Work?

  • Emergency Communications Departments
  • Law Enforcement

What’s next after I complete this program?

Complete the AAS Degree in Criminal Justice at MTC.

After completing the CRJ Certificate, students only need an additional 42 credits to complete their associate degree.

Want more information?

Academic programs count as academic credit for a certificate, diploma or degree and may transfer toward future academic endeavors at four-year colleges and universities.
Training programs can be completed in a matter of weeks or months, are focused on career training, and provide credentials and certificates needed in the specific fields of study. Coursework does not transfer.
Not sure: Check out these resources to explore what fits your goals.

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