Criminal Justice

www.linnbenton.edu/criminal-justice

Oregon law enforcement agencies are facing a growing need to replace large numbers of retiring officers. In addition, the prison industry and areas of law enforcement such as crime analysis are predicted to expand in the 21st century. Law enforcement agencies commonly seek candidates who have a minimum of a two-year degree, and most give preference to candidates with four-year degrees. Students interested in a two-year degree should pursue the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. Students interested in transferring and completing a four-year degree should consider the Associate of Arts, Oregon Transfer (AAOT) degree. We also offer a track within our Associate of Science (AS) degree in Sociology for students interested in transferring into the Crime and Justice option of the Sociology program at Oregon State University. Please see the catalog section for Sociology for more information, and talk to your advisor.

In addition, agencies look for candidates who can demonstrate they have the qualities necessary for success in the law enforcement field—candidates who:

• Can think critically, solve problems and construct quick, practical solutions while working independently.
• Have above-average interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
• Are nonjudgmental about the diverse populations of people with whom they work.
• Can pass stringent physical ability tests, background checks, and psychological assessments.

The LBCC Criminal Justice program can help prepare you to meet these requirements. The program is designed to teach you critical thinking and communication skills that will help you become a competitive candidate for an exciting and rewarding career in law enforcement. You will have opportunities to form ties with local police agencies and to gain experience with ethnic and cultural diversity through work at a local community service agency.

Both the AAS and the AAOT degrees described below are designed to be completed in two years, assuming that the entering student has tested into WR 121 English Composition.