Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice training needs continue to be dynamic. Current events, improved training curriculum, police and investigative advances in tactics and technology, field incidents, public concerns or perceptions, case law, and annual legislative changes are only a few of the variables that keep Criminal Justice methodologies fluid. The criminal justice program at Ventura College is designed to meet these dynamics and challenges by preparing students to successfully complete the training and testing procedures required to enter law enforcement and corrections academies, or work within the private sector. Advancement within law enforcement and corrections agencies generally require an AS degree for lower level promotions and a Masters Degree for administrative promotions. An Associate in Science (AS) degree in Criminal Justice (CJ) provides the opportunity for employment and advancement in the traditional areas of law enforcement, such as the Police and Sheriff’s Departments, and career opportunities and advancement within Probation, Parole, Corrections, Security, Victim’s Services, and the Courts. Individuals completing the P.O.S.T. certified Ventura County Police and Sheriff’s Reserve Office Academy are prepared for entry into the law enforcement field. The AS degree program at Ventura College also fulfills undergraduate requirements for transfer to most four-year universities where a student may pursue advanced degrees in CJ, Criminology or Public Administration.

• Catalog description of individual courses
• Catalog description of Associate in Science Degree and Certificate of Achievement
• Criminal Justice Program webpage