The Corrections Officer Certificate is designed to upgrade the skills and knowledge that criminal justice professionals require, and provides knowledge of new procedures, policies, and judicial rulings to anyone interested in the criminal justice system, particularly in the field of corrections. This certificate consists of course work that is fundamental for working in the fields of law enforcement, probation, corrections, courts, and private security, and leads to completion of the Criminal Justice Option Degree.
Core Courses:
CJ 101 -or- CJ 101H | Introduction to Criminal Justice
Honors Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3
3 |
CJ 102 | Introduction to Corrections | 3 |
CJ 103 -or- CJ 103H | Concepts of Criminal Law
Honors concepts of Criminal Law | 3
3 |
CJ 105 | Legal Aspects of Evidence | 3 |
CJ 148 | Report Writing for Criminal Justice Personnel | 3 |
CJ 205 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
Total Units: 18
An additional 12 units will be awarded for completion of the basic correctional officer’s academy which is attended after employment with the California Department of Corrections.
Suggested Course Sequence:
CJ 101: Introduction to Criminal Justice | CJ 102: Introduction to Corrections | **CJ 103: Concepts to Criminal Law |
| CJ 105: Legal Aspects of Evidence | **CJ 205: Criminal Investigation |
| *CJ 148: Report Writing for Criminal Justice Personnel | |
Note: Students can take additional CJ courses during their first semester if their schedule allows it. However, students should take CJ101 in their first semester
*Because of the amount of writing involved, students shouldn't wait until the last semester to take CJ148
**CJ 103 and 205 provide detailed information, so students should complete CJ101 before (however, CJ 101 is not a prerequisite)