Catalog: PVCC 2022-2023 College Catalog

Foundations of Criminal Justice (CSC)

Career Studies Certificate
Code: 221-400-45


Purpose: The Career Studies Certificate in Criminal Justice is designed to provide students with the basic knowledge necessary to prepare for a career in the criminal justice system. This program of study also provides students with the necessary foundation to proceed to the next level of education, the Associate of Applied Science degree in Police Science.

Occupational Objectives: Career development for individuals seeking positions such as commercial and industrial security officer; local, state, or federal law enforcement officer; police officer; private or government investigator; or corrections officer. Students should note that the following qualifications are prerequisites for employment with many law enforcement agencies: (1) excellent physical condition; (2) normal hearing, color vision, and eye function; (3) weight in proportion to height; (4) no convictions of any crime involving moral turpitude or any felony, and no excessive number of traffic citations. A background investigation is usually conducted by the employing agency prior to employment.

Required Courses

Course NameCreditsTerm TakenGrade
SDV 100 - College Success Skills Credits: 1
ADJ 100 - Survey of Criminal Justice Credits: 3
ADJ 110 - Introduction to Law Enforcement Credits: 3
ADJ 130 - Introduction to Criminal Law Credits: 3
ADJ 201 - Criminology Credits: 3
ENG 111 - College Composition I Credits: 3
ITE 120 - Principles of Information Systems Credits: 3

Total minimum credits: 19