Degrees & Certificates • Academic Programs • Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice
The criminal justice system has evolved greatly in recent years. No longer can applicants with minimal job skills expect to be hired. Today’s successful candidates must understand and demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge of the profession and pass measurable performance standards. Criminal justice students receive this advanced instruction as part of their required course work.
The Criminal Justice (CJ) Degree Program was approved by the KCTCS Board of Regents for Somerset Community College at its December 2000 meeting. The curriculum offers students a strong academic program which includes courses relating to human behavior, government, communications, theories in policing, corrections, and issues and ethical considerations pertaining to practitioners within the criminal justice system.
What can I do with this degree?
This program prepares graduates for entry level positions in policing, corrections, and related occupations within the criminal justice system. With experience, CJ graduates may also advance into administrative or supervisory positions in policing, corrections, security and loss prevention, or other components of the criminal justice system.
Graduates of the program will be qualified to seek job opportunities at the municipal, county, state, and the federal level.Those completing the degree requirements are not restricted to government work. Many industries and other private concerns now employ qualified professionals who are skilled in security and loss prevention.
Criminal justice careers in policing, corrections, and private security are expected to increase by up to 52.5 percent by 2005, according to U.S. Department of Labor statistics.
All of the general education and CJ curriculum will transfer to all KCTCS colleges. Eastern Kentucky University, University of Louisville, and Campbellsville University have signed memorandums of agreement (MOA) with SCC certifying they will accept for transfer all general education and CJ courses taken at SCC toward a baccalaureate degree at EKU, U of L, and Campbellsville University
When and How do I get started with this degree?
- Complete an application for admission to SCC.
- Ensure that your high school diploma or GED records are submitted to the registrar’s office.
- Schedule a COMPASS testing session through the SCC counselor’s office.
- After being advised of acceptance by the admissions office, schedule an appointment with your advisor or Rod Kincaid who can be contacted via e-mail: Rod.Kincaid@kctcs.edu for registration of classes.
Check out the SCC calendar to find out when class terms and enrollment begins. For more information on becoming a student at SCC follow our 9 easy steps for becoming a student at SCC.
Student Responsibilities
Students seeking financial assistance should contact the Financial Aid Office on the Somerset or Laurel campuses.
