The School of Justice Studies Program is designed to qualify students for entry into the field of law, law enforcement, or corrections directly from Santa Barbara City College, as well as for those who desire two years of criminal justice study for transfer to a four-year university or law school.
 
California certificated instructors, with criminal justice and/or legal experience, teach all School of Justice Studies courses offered at Santa Barbara City College. Full college credit is granted for each course successfully completed, and a Certificate of Achievement or Associate in Science Degree is awarded upon completion of the respective program chosen.
 
The criminal justice system is a diversified occupational area with available employment opportunities on the federal, state, county and local levels: These include the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Border Patrol, California Highway Patrol, municipal police departments, county sheriff’s departments, federal and state departments of correction, probation and parole, and forensics.

Associate Degree Graduation Requirements

Complete all of the following:

1. All Department Requirements listed below with a “C” or better or “P” in each course (at least 20% of the department requirements must be completed through SBCC).
2. One of the following three General Education options:
   1. OPTION 1: A minimum of 18 units of SBCC General Education Requirements (Areas A-D) and Institutional Requirements (Area E) and Information Competency Requirement (Area F) OR
   2. OPTION 2: IGETC Pattern OR
   3. OPTION 3: CSU GE Breadth Pattern
3. A total of 60 degree-applicable units (SBCC courses numbered 100 and higher).
4. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all units attempted at SBCC.
5. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better in all college units attempted.
6. A minimum of 12 units through SBCC.

1. Explain the American criminal justice system and the scope of responsibilities of the various local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
2. Identify and describe the different methods used in measuring crime and criminal behavior patterns.
3. Articulate the differences between the major criminological theories of the causes of crime and how those theories relate to policies toward crime and criminal behavior.
4. Identify and discuss the legal, social, and political contexts of crime and punishment.
5. Demonstrate critical thinking and analytical skills acquired in the social sciences in preparation for continuance of college-level education.

Make an appointment with your SBCC academic counselor through Starfish to create a Student Education Plan that reflects a recommended course sequence for this program that is tailored to your individual needs.

How to schedule an Academic Counseling appointment.