Criminal Justice
Certificate of Achievement Criminal Justice · Chaffey College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Description
The Certificate in Criminal Justice prepares students for a variety of careers in the criminal justice system. Courses within the program acquaint students with the American Justice system, crime causes, the role of law enforcement and correctional officers, roles of administration of justice practitioners, procedural and constitutional rights of defendants, legal defenses, criminal courtroom procedure, evidence procedures, juvenile procedures, and misdemeanor and felony violations of criminal law. The program is suited to the needs of students who will complete their education at Chaffey College with a certificate as well as those students who will complete their Chaffey A.S. degree and transfer to a four year institution to complete their bachelor’s degree. The certificate enhances the student's ability to gain employment with public law enforcement agencies such as municipal police, probation officers, county deputy sheriffs, correctional offices, game wardens, state parks, and private security.
Program Learning Outcomes
Upon the successful completion of this program, students should be able to:
- Identify and then analyze the basic elements of a crime, as defined by the California Penal Code.
- Explain the responsibilities of police, corrections, and the courts.
- Explain appropriate investigative techniques and responsibilities at a crime scene to demonstrate mastery of crime scene management.
- Explain law enforcement organizational composition to include paramilitary rank structure, methods of police deployment, and resources available to police operations.
| Course | Title | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Requirements for the Certificate of Achievement (CA): | 18 | |
| CJ 1 | Introduction to the Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| CJ 2 | Concepts of Criminal Law | 3 |
| CJ 4 | Community and the Justice System | 3 |
| CJ 5 | Legal Aspects of Evidence | 3 |
| CJ 6 | Juvenile Procedures | 3 |
| CJ 51 | Introduction to Corrections | 3 |
| Plus six units from the following: | 6 | |
| CJ 7 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| CJ 9 | Crime Scene Management and Forensic Evidence | 3 |
| Choose one: | 3 | |
| CJ 55 | Crime and Delinquency | 3 |
| orSOC 17 | Sociology of Crime | 3 |
| Total | 24 | |
Other Information
Public Service, Culture, and Society
Local Program (Major) Code: L133
Program Control Number: 20737
TOP Code: 2105.00*
CIP Code: 43.0107