Crime scene

Criminal Justice

Certificate Technical Degree

Looking for a path that blends public service, problem-solving, and real-world impact? Criminal Justice leads to careers in law enforcement, emergency management, probation, security, legal services, and more. Each is rooted in service, responsibility, and positive change.

Why Criminal Justice?

Criminal justice explores how laws are created, how they are enforced, and how justice systems work to maintain safety, fairness, and accountability in society. A criminal justice degree prepares you with the knowledge and skills to pursue meaningful careers and make a real difference in your community.
Officer with the Flag

Understand how the justice system works

Learn how law enforcement, courts, and corrections function together to uphold the law and protect the public.
Officer standing at attention

Build career-ready skills

Develop critical thinking, ethical reasoning, communication, and problem-solving skills valued in justice, public service, and beyond.
Officer with Mascot

Serve and strengthen your community

Prepare to play a role in promoting safety, fairness, and trust within the communities you serve.
Dispatch

Flexible career pathways

Prepare for careers in law enforcement, corrections, legal services, homeland security, or transfer to a four-year university.

 


Careers

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
 $56,892
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
$75,452
Emergency Management Directors
$101,865

 Opportunities

The AAS degree helps you get started in jobs like policing, social work, corrections, probation, and parole. 

  • Police Officers
  • Parole Officers
  • Probation Officers
  • Correctional Officers
  • Juvenile Officers
  • Adult or Child Protective Service Officers
  • Social Workers
  • Pre-law
  • Emergency Management
  • Homeland Security
  • FBI

 Locations

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Salary Source: Texas Wages

DEGREES & CERTIFICATES

Criminal Justice Core, Occupational Certificate

Certificate
The Occupational Certificate prepares you for the AAS degree or Certificate of Technology program or to advance in your current career. You’ll gain an introduction to criminal justice, learning about fundamentals of criminal law, police systems, and correctional systems. You’ll complete a capstone experience at the end in court systems and practices.
Length 4 Months
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 15 credits for this certificate in one term.
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Criminal Justice, AAS

Technical Degree
The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree prepares you for an entry-level career. Take the opportunity to earn three certificates on the pathway to your degree. The AAS transfers to a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science (BAAS) degree at many universities.
Length 2 Years
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 60 credits for this program in four terms.

This degree is also offered online.
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Criminal Justice, Certificate of Technology

Certificate
The Certificate of Technology prepares you for the degree program, an entry-level career, or advancement in your current career. This certificate will teach you about police systems and practices, interviewing and report writing, and criminal investigations. Your certificate will culminate in a capstone experience in the legal aspects of law enforcement.
Length 1 Year
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 30 credits for this certificate in two terms.
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Criminal Justice, Dispatch, Occupational Certificate

Certificate
Do you desire to be the one who answers someone's call in an emergency or in need of life-saving care? If so, studying for emergency dispatch at San Jacinto College is an excellent place to begin, as the role of today's public safety telecommunicator is critical to society. Our program prepares you for a meaningful career in emergency communications and management. 
Length 1 Year
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 16 credits for this certificate in two terms.
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Criminal Justice, Level 2 Certificate

Certificate
The Level 2 Certificate prepares you for the degree program, an entry-level career, or advancement in your current career. Take classes that build upon your law enforcement knowledge, exploring ethics in criminal justice, the juvenile justice system, community resources in corrections, and more. Your certificate will culminate in a capstone experience in the legal aspects of law enforcement.
Length 1.5 Years
If you're studying full-time, you can complete the 45 credits for this certificate in three terms.
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CAREER TRACKS

After San Jacinto College

Students can choose to move on to a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice, by transferring to a 4 year university. Learn more about transferring.

Applying to San Jac

Sounds great, but how do I apply?

Ready to take the first step toward an exciting future? It’s time to apply to San Jac. We’ll guide you through the process and help you start building your future, today.
Apply to San Jac
Apply to San Jac

Your Questions Answered

Big decision, simple answers. Let’s clear it up.

A criminal justice degree can lead to careers in law enforcement, corrections, courts, private security, legal support, and public service. It’s also a strong foundation for transferring to a four-year university or pursuing graduate or professional programs like law school.

 

Not at all. While many students pursue law enforcement, the program also prepares you for roles in corrections, probation and parole, victim advocacy, legal services, homeland security, and other justice-related fields.

 

Yes. Many courses include practical applications, case studies, and instruction from faculty with real-world criminal justice experience, helping you connect what you learn in class to how the system works in practice.

 

San Jacinto College Student with Advisor

Support for your studies

At San Jac, you’re never alone. Our teams ensure you have the support you need to achieve your academic goals. 
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Want to Learn More?

Reach out to our criminal justice professors to learn more about the program and if it’s a good fit for you. For general questions, please call us at 281-998-6150.
Durrell Dickens
DC, Consumer Svcs/Legal Prof
Email
Durrell.Dickens@sjcd.edu
Phone
(281) 998-6150x7346