Begin your education in Criminal Justice with a certificate that can lead to an entry level job or serve as a foundation for further studies.
Are you motivated to serve your community? Do you have a strong sense of justice? Are you curious about what goes on behind the scenes in law enforcement, the courts, and corrections facilities? Minnesota State College Southeast's Criminal Justice program is an excellent place to start your education.
If you're considering an entry level position within a criminal justice or human services field, the 16-credit certificate in Criminal Justice is a good place to start. This program includes two liberal arts classes and three classes directly related to criminal justice, plus a 1-credit class in Career and Education planning.
The Criminal Justice majors at MSC Southeast provide students with varying levels of education. While some positions require an associate degree or higher, the knowledge and skills attained through a certificate or diploma is preferred for nearly all entry level jobs. After you gain the certificate, you can add on additional coursework to earn the diploma or associate of applied science degree in Criminal Justice.
For maximum flexibility, all Criminal Justice coursework is available 100% online, so you can plan your education around the work and family commitments in your life.
Every faculty member in MSC Southeast's Criminal Justice program has working experience in the criminal justice profession, totaling over 150 years of experience. Additionally, all faculty have post-graduate degrees. This combination of expertise in the profession coupled with commitment to higher education is a testimony to the depth and knowledge of MSC Southeast's Criminal Justice Program.
Please note:
The majors in the Criminal Justice program do not lead directly to a professional license. Additional education and training is required to meet the standards established by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board for employment as a peace/law enforcement officer.
Like us on Facebook to stay in touch with Minnesota State College Southeast Criminal Justice.
Apply now for admission to MSC Southeast
Download the Program Plan
Courses
1) 1000 level (minimum) General Education courses required unless specified
GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
HUMA1125
Moral Problems
An introduction to ethical principles as applied to the moral issues and challenges individuals encounter in everyday life. Emphasis will be given to the analysis and development of ethical views and decision making. A broad variety of topics will be explored, including personal moral character, medical, religious, racial, and cultural issues. (Fulfills MnTC Goals 6 & 9) (Prerequisite: None) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
Download the Course Outline
3 cr
CJSP1102
Introduction to Criminal Justice
This course provides an overview of the philosophical and historical backgroung of the components and policies that make-up the criminal justice system and their interrelationships in our diverse society. It examines deviant behavior in our society and the roles of law enforcement, courts, corrections and community corrections agencies. (Prerequisite: None) (3 Credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
Download the Course Outline
3 cr
CJSP1220
Police and Community
The objective of the course is to provide an overview of the evolution and history of police to include how society has influenced policing. Examination of the operational structure of law enforcement agencies will enhance the students understanding of the complexity of policing and recognize the challenges with community policing. Understanding topics such as the nature of police work, recruit selection, enforcement of the law, police discretion, community relations, trends and social problems will broaden the students' awareness of police work in today's modern society. (Prerequisites: Reading & Writing 3 and Introduction to Criminal Justice) (3 credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
Download the Course Outline
3 cr
CJSP1230
Introduction to Corrections
This course provides an overview of the historical development of the current correctional system. Students will examine the various components of corrections such as theories of punishment, jails and prisons, offenders, institutional security measures, treatment programming, institutional management and community re-entry programming. (3 Credits: 3 lecture/0 lab)
Download the Course Outline
3 cr
Total Credits Required for this Major: 16 Credits
Estimated Costs for this Major
| Approximate Tuition/Fees: | $3,157 |
|---|
| Minimum Tool Cost: | N/A |
|---|
| Books/Supplies: | $200 |
|---|
| Estimated Total: | $3,357 |
|---|
Career Opportunities
- Corrections Officers
- Probation Officers
- Local Police Departments
- State and Federal Agencies
- Correctional Treatment Specialist
- Security Officers
- Gaming Surveillance Officers
Career Information
Outcomes
Criminal Justice Program Outcomes:
- Understand how the criminal justice system works and how public opinion influences policies for responding to crime
- Understand the numerous components of criminal justice system
- Understand the causation of friction between community and police such as political influence, corruption, policy/law discretion, and discriminatory acts
- Understand the sociological, psychological and biological perspectives on the causation of crime and criminal behavior
- Understand hiring practices, training evolutions, subcultures, attitudes and orientation of criminal justice professionals
Highlights
- Explore the roles of law enforcement, courts, corrections and community corrections agencies
- Learn about ethical principles as applied to the moral issues and challenges individuals encounter in everyday life
- Understand the complexity of policing and recognize the challenges with community policing
- Create a personal career plan for successful college completion
Instructors
Email Address: gcady@southeastmn.edu
Phone Number: 651-385-6411
Background:
Greg Cady began teaching at MSC Southeast as an adjunct instructor in 2004 with a fulltime tenure track position in 2007. Prior to joining the teaching team, he dedicated 18 years in various positions within the criminal justice profession. Greg is also a commissioned officer in the United States Navy Reserve with over 23 years of service.
Occupational Background:
- Criminal Justice and Sociology Instructor: 2004-Present
- Minnesota Department of Corrections: 1993-2007
- California Department of Corrections: 1989-1993
- United States Navy: 1985-1989, 1996-Present
Educational Background:
- Master of Science Degree: Criminal Justice, St. Cloud State University
- Bachelor of Elective Studies Degree: Sociology and Criminal Justice, St. Cloud State University
Email Address: tgraham@southeastmn.edu
Phone Number: 651-385-6358
Background:
Tamra Graham began teaching at MSC Southeastin 2005. Prior to coming to the college, she worked in the private and public sectors of the legal system.
Occupational Background:
- Criminal Justice, Social Science, and Humanities Instructor: 2005- Present
- Red Wing Community Education Instructor: 2005-2012
- Goodhue County Family Court Services Custody Evaluator: 2004-2010
- Strobel & Hanson, PA, Attorney: 2002-2004
- State of MN First Judicial District Judicial Law Clerk: 2001-2002
- MN State Bar Association Member: 2001-Present
Educational Background:
- Juris Doctorate Degree: Law, William Mitchell College of Law
- Bachelor of Arts Degree: Music, University of Alaska – Anchorage
Email Address:
rpohlman@southeastmn.edu
Phone Number: 651-385-6411
Background:
Roger D. Pohlman began teaching at MSC Southeast in 2015. Roger has dedicated over 28 years of service to the criminal justice profession; currently serving as the Chief of Police for the City of Red Wing, MN. His experience in law enforcement include Patrol Officer, Patrol Supervisor, Training Sergeant, Facilities & Equipment Bureau Commander and Office of Professional Standards Lieutenant. He is also a veteran of Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom.
Occupational Background:
- Criminal Justice Instructor: 2015 - Present
- City of Red Wing, MN Police Department: 2012 - Present
- Grand Forks, ND Police Department: 1996 - 2012
- North Dakota Incident Management Assistance Team: 2009 - 2012
- North Dakota Army National Guard: 1996 - 2006
- US Air Force Active Duty Security Police: 1986 - 1996
Educational Background:
- Masters of Business Administration: Management, University of Mary
- Masters of Science Administration: Human Resources, Central Michigan University
- Bachelors of Science Degree: Criminal Justice, Magna Cum Laude, Park University
- Associate of Science in Psychology: Park University
- Associate of Arts in Law Enforcement: University of Maryland
- Associate of Science in Security Administration: Community College of the Air Force
- School of Police Staff and Command: Northwestern University, Center for Public Safety
Email Address: tvolkman@southeastmn.edu
Phone Number: 651-385-6411
Background:
Travis Volkman began teaching at MSC Southeast in 2013 as an adjunct instructor, Travis brings with him over 14 years of law enforcement experience in the criminal justice system; currently employed with the Goodview Police Department and assigned as an Investigator and Computer Forensics Examiner with the Minnesota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force. In addition to providing presentations about internet crimes against children, Travis teaches an online child exploitation class at Winona State University. Travis is the Field Training Program Coordinator for the Goodview, MN Police Department after having been employed in various rolls of the criminal justice system.
Occupational Background:
- Police Officer, Goodview, MN: 2005-Present
- Criminal Justice Instructor: Winona State University, 2012-Present; MSC Southeast, 2013 - Present
- Winona County Sheriff's Office: 2002-2008
- Winona County Court Administration: 2003-2005
- Police Officer, Lewiston, MN: 2004-2005
Educational Background:
- Master of Science Degree: Public Safety Executive Leadership, St. Cloud State University
- Bachelor of Science Degree: Criminal Justice, St. Mary's University
- FBI's Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar (LEEDS)
Email Address:awhitcomb@southeastmn.edu
Phone Number: 651-385-6388
Background:
Amy Whitcomb began teaching at MSC Southeast in 2010 with a fulltime tenure track position. Prior to coming to the college, she taught psychology and criminal justice in Kansas, as well as holding positions in juvenile counseling, foster care case work, and nursing home social services.
Occupational Background:
- Psychology and Criminal Justice Instructor: 2006 - Present
- Adjunct Psychology Instructor: 1999-2006
- Nursing Home Social Services Director: 1997-1998, 2001-2002
- Foster Care Caseworker: 1995 - 1996
- Juvenile Residential Counselor: 1993-1995
Educational Background:
- Master of Science Degree: Psychology, Western Illinois University
- Further Graduate Study: Criminal Justice, St. Cloud State University
- Bachelor of Arts Degree: Psychology, Iowa Wesleyan College
- Associate of Arts Degree: Southeastern Community College