Criminal Justice Degree
Overview
About the program
Develop basic skills and instincts for work in law enforcement and corrections; understand the various components of and countermeasures for criminal behavior and activity; apply Ohio law to various situations; integrate technology into law enforcement work.
Program format(s)
Students enrolled in an Earn & Learn program will take classes two days a week with the opportunity to earn wages while working in the field on non-class days.
Degree option
Two-year full-time degree schedule; the curriculum is a mixture of criminology and forensic science courses and studies in communications, information technology, and field experience internship courses.
Certificate option
The 30-hour certificate is a one-year, full-time schedule with a mixture of criminal justice and general education courses, including studies in private security, corrections, criminology, communications, information technology, cultural diversity, mathematics, and composition. Attainment of the certificate will produce a well-rounded student who is ready for an entry-level position in a criminal justice field while they continue to work towards their two-year associate or four-year bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of basic law enforcement skills, criminal justice techniques, and problem-solving methodologies.
- Describe and apply current laws (federal, state, and municipal) to various situations involving crimes and/or civil offenses.
- Apply learned information, concepts, and theories to successfully investigate crime/accident scenes.
- Demonstrate the appropriate use of first aid, especially first aid that may be required of a first responder.
- Develop the skills necessary to successfully conduct interviews and interrogations.
- Use appropriate technology to conduct investigations and to communicate with other agencies having a common interest in law enforcement.
- Demonstrate the effective use of public speaking skills in areas related to criminal justice (oral presentations, suspect interrogations, victim interviews, courtroom testimony, and public relations).
- Use learned forensic skills to process crime scene evidence.
- Develop the skills to successfully analyze drugs and narcotics.
Career Opportunities
- Police Officer
- Corrections Officer
- Jailer
- Court Officer
- Juvenile Center Manager
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Private Investigator
- Deputy Sheriff
- Private Security Officer
- Dispatcher
- Probation/Parole Officer
- Fingerprint Technician
- State Highway Patrol Trooper
Application Requirements
- MTC Application for Admission and nonrefundable applicable fee.
- Final high school transcript (or GED results) and college transcripts (if applicable).
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Demonstrate college-readiness by achieving the required minimum score on a placement test, successfully completing any required college foundation courses, or satisfying other measures including but not limited to high school coursework, previous college coursework, samples of work, etc.