CSC Foundations of Criminal Justice

Programs: Foundations of Criminal Justice (221-400-45)
Award: Career Studies Certificates 

Program Purpose:

This program is designed as a stackable credential that introduces students to the field and all courses successfully completed in this program can be applied to the Administration of Justice degree program.

What will I learn?

Students successfully completing this program will be able to…

• Identify the three major components of the US Criminal Justice System and its function.
• Identify theories and policies related to the causes of crime and punishment.
• Describe the three sources of law and give examples of each.

How long will I need to be in college?

A college-ready student attending Camp full-time can complete this career studies certificate in two semesters. 

What job or career can I get with this career studies certificate?

Upon completion of the program, graduates will possess the knowledge and skills required for various careers such as:  police officer, deputy sheriff, homeland security, corrections officer, industrial/private security, wildlife officer, probation officer, and parole officer.  Additional professional training is required for some of these careers.   

What is the job outlook for graduates from this program?

As of the first quarter of 2026, total employment in the Hampton Roads Workforce Region for:

• Police and sheriff’s patrol officers was 3,894. There is projected annual demand/need for 271 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officer, July 2026).
• Correctional Officers was 1,470. There is projected annual demand/need for 110 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Correctional Officers and Jailers, July 2026).
• Probation Officers was 425. There is projected annual demand/need for 34 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialist, July 2026).
• Security Guards was 7,106. There is projected annual demand/need for 847 new entrants into this occupation (Source: Jobs EQ Occupation Report Security Guard, July 2026).
• Transportation Security Screeners was 417. There is projected annual demand/need for 36 new entrants into this occupation (Source: JobsEQ Occupation Report Transportation Security Screeners, July 2026).

How much can I earn with this career studies certificate?

Below are the wages for careers, within the Hampton Roads Workforce Region, that are related to this field.

(Source:  Jobs EQ Occupation Report Wages, July 2026)

Want to know more?  Check out the program map and program requirements in the College Catalog.