Criminal Justice Studies

Dr. Robert J. Walker, Department Chair, Education and Legal Studies
(901) 333-5658

Southwest offers three 60-credit-hour degree programs for students interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice. To work in this field, one must have a good driving record with few traffic violations, no DUIs, no felony convictions and must be able to pass drug screens. Many institutions accept all or part of the course work toward a baccalaureate degree. Students intending to transfer credits should contact both their advisor and the transfer institution to determine applicable policies or restrictions.

Programs of Study

Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) Degrees

• Criminal Justice Studies
  • Corrections Concentration - Graduates are qualified to enter a career in corrections and work in correctional facilities such as jails, prisons, and halfway houses. Other paraprofessional positions are available in hospitals or behavioral programs. Job responsibilities may include security, group and individual counseling and job development.
  • Law Enforcement Concentration - Graduates are qualified to enter a career in law enforcement and hold positions such as police officer, sheriff's patrolman, or an investigative professional working for a government or private agency. All graduates will attend the training academy of the agency that hires him/her.

University Parallel Associate of Science Degree

Areas of Emphasis

• Criminal Justice - Southwest offers this degree to transfer to a four-year institution. The program includes general education and introductory criminal justice courses.

Program and Course Information

To find out more about courses offered at Southwest, you can use our Catalog Search to view descriptions of our courses or the Class Schedule Search to see when and where a class is being offered.