Programs: Foundations of Criminal Justice (221-400-45)
Award: Career Studies Certificates 

Program Purpose:

This program is designed as a stackable credential that introduces students to the field and all courses successfully completed in this program can be applied to the Administration of Justice degree program.

What will I learn?

Students successfully completing this program will be able to…

  • Identify the three major components of the US Criminal Justice System and its function.
  • Identify theories and policies related to the causes of crime and punishment.
  • Describe the three sources of law and give examples of each.

How long will I need to be in college?

A college-ready student attending Camp full-time can complete this career studies certificate in two semesters. 

What job or career can I get with this career studies certificate?

Upon completion of the program, graduates will possess the knowledge and skills required for various careers such as:  police officer, deputy sheriff, homeland security, corrections officer, industrial/private security, wildlife officer, probation officer, and parole officer.  Additional professional training is required for some of these careers.   

What is the job outlook for graduates from this program?

As of the first quarter of 2024, total employment in the Hampton Roads Workforce Region for:

  • Police and sheriff’s patrol officers was 3,519. There is projected annual demand/need for 256 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officer, August 2024).
  • Correctional Officers was 1,520. There is projected annual demand/need for 111 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Correctional Officers and Jailers, August 2024).
  • Probation Officers was 464. There is projected annual demand/need for 34 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialist, August 2024).
  • Security Guards was 6,508. There is projected annual demand/need for 788 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Security Guard, August 2024).
  • Transportation Security Screeners was 399. There is projected annual demand/need for 33 new entrants into this occupation (Source: JobsEQ Occupation Report Transportation Security Screeners, August 2024).

How much can I earn with this career studies certificate?

Below are the wages for careers, within the Hampton Roads Workforce Region, that are related to this field.

 

Entry Level

Mean

Experienced

Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers 

$52,900

$65,500

$71,800

Correctional Officers and Jailers

$43,000

$51,200

$55,400

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialist

$45,100

$54,400

$59,100

Security Guard

$30,200

$39,700

$44,500

Transportation Security Screeners

$34,600

$45,400

$50,800

(Source:  Jobs EQ Occupation Report Wages, August 2024)

Want to know more?  Check out the program map and program requirements in the College Catalog.