Criminal Justice Administration Degree

Description

The Criminal Justice Administration Program addresses the professional and educational needs of students interested in careers in criminal justice and those already employed in the field who desire to increase their proficiency or to improve their professional career opportunities.

The Program offers an Associate in Science in Criminal Justice Administration. Students will gain knowledge to apply principles of the justice system in a variety of settings, from law enforcement to corrections. Emphasis is placed on arrest; search and seizure; human relations; and concepts of criminal law. In addition to discipline-specific content, the major includes a focus on ethics and professionalism; communications and technology; and civic engagement. There are pre-employment physical considerations and, therefore, students are advised to consult with the instructors before applying for a criminal justice position.

Earnings Potential

An associate degree in criminal justice administration offers you the salary potential of $33,538 two years after graduation from Taft College, with expected increases to $44,412 at five years, based on five-year studies of graduates by California Community Colleges. These do not reflect salaries with a four-year degree.1

There are a variety of careers in the field of criminal justice administration including law enforcement positions, especially those requiring an understanding of criminology. Some careers require additional training or education. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage is$47,920 for corrections officers and bailiffs; $60,250 for probation officers; $63,150 for police and patrol officers; and $66,020 for detectives and criminal investigators.2

1 California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office. Salary Surfer. 2021. https://salarysurfer.cccco.edu. Accessed 19 April 2023.

2 “Occupational Outlook Handbook.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 8 Sept. 2022. www.bls.gov/ooh. Accessed 19 April 2023.

Program

To earn an Associate in Science in Criminal Justice Administration, students must complete: (1) all course requirements with a minimum grade of “C” in each course; and (2) complete General Education Graduation Requirements with an overall GPA of 2.0 or better.

Associate in Science in Criminal Justice Administration course requirements link. Please note: This link goes to the Taft College Catalog, an external website. Plan to return to the Taft College website.

Program Learning Outcomes

After completing the Criminal Justice Administration major, a student will be able to:

  1. Distinguish between ethical behavior and professional standards that influence personal decisions and promote honesty, integrity, concepts of social justice, and the influence of leadership in a criminal justice career.
  2. Demonstrate and evaluate discipline specific knowledge including differentiating between diverse course content including criminal law, policing, corrections, and investigations; and the roles, responsibilities, and limitations of the criminal justice system.
  3. Employ the use of technology to access, organize, and communicate information and distinguish valid sources, data, and evidence in the social sciences. Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively according to industry standards.
  4. Cooperate with professionals in the criminal justice system, recognize the roles and responsibilities of members of the criminal justice system, and apply an understanding of industry best practices and the personal commitment required for public service.
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