Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice

Hands-on training. Real-world experiences. Relationships with industry professionals. You’ll get it all with a criminal justice degree from Southwestern Michigan College.
 
Whether you want to go into law enforcement, investigation, forensics, or use your degree as a stepping stone to law school, the criminal justice degree will prep you with the subject-matter expertise and practical training you need to pursue your goals with confidence.

• About the Degree

  Hands-on experience is a center point of the program, providing a means to solidify the knowledge gained in the classroom.
   
  In the criminal justice program, your classes will combine thorough instruction, in-class exercises, interactions with CJ professionals, and real-world experiences to provide a strong introduction to the criminal justice field.
   
  You’ll learn about the U.S. legal system, criminal law and justice, and law enforcement. You’ll develop an understanding of the criminal psyche, exploring psychology and human behavior, environmental influences, the role of substance abuse, disorders, and treatments. You’ll examine the dynamics involved in conflict management specific to corrections and research issues facing the legal system. All your courses will be taught by experienced, advanced legal professionals and may include presentations by local law enforcement in SWAT, K9 drills, and other training scenarios. You’ll graduate with a strong understanding of criminal justice principles and the ability to communicate effectively in the field.
   
  As a CJ student, you’ll have the opportunity to participate in the criminal justice honor society, the criminal justice club, and our winning SkillsUSA team.
   
  The criminal justice degree is a two-year degree designed for either immediate employment or to transfer to complete a bachelor’s degree at Ferris State University or Western Michigan University.  It can also be adjusted for transfer to other four-year institutions for a bachelor's degree in forensics, law, criminal justice, and related areas. The CJ degree is offered on the Dowagiac campus, and the corrections, probation, and parole track is offered in an evening program format on the Niles campus.

  We also offer a one-year certificate program in which students gain a foundational introduction to the field of criminal justice as they explore careers in the field or build credentials toward an associate or bachelor's degree.

• What You’ll Learn/Courses and Curriculum

  View the full curriculum guide for the Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice.

  View the full curriculum guide for the Certificate in Criminal Justice.

• What Can I Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?

  With the associate degree, you will be equipped for positions in law enforcement, courts, corrections, dispatch, security, and related fields. With an advanced degree, you may qualify for advanced positions in law enforcement or for work in forensics, investigation, or law.

  Careers and Salaries

  Career Option	Salary
  Police and Detectives:	$77,270
  Correctional Officers:	$57,950
  Lawyers:	$151,160
  Private Detectives and Investigators:	$52,370
  Probation Officers:	$64,520
  Forensic Science Technicians:	$67,440

  2024 median pay. Source: The Bureau of Labor Statistics.