Whatcom Community College
Home MenuAcademics » Areas of Study » Education & Public Services » Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice Pathways
Click on each criminal justice pathway to see the recommended quarter-by-quarter classes and other recommendations.
These pathways assume:
- You will be a full-time student.
- You will start in the fall.
- You are ready to take 100- and 200-level classes.
If not, you can still complete the pathway! You will just need to make adjustments. Talk with your advisor to customize your plan.
The criminal justice program is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills for entry level positions in the criminal justice field. The program also offers opportunities for current criminal justice employees to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Click here to download a fillable, printable planning worksheet.
Scroll to the end for the list of specialty courses.
| Description | Explores the U.S. justice system, focusing on law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Emphasizing diversity through case studies, it examines how race, gender, and socioeconomic factors impact justice processes. The course blends lectures with interactive activities, multimedia experiences, and diverse guest speakers, fostering a comprehensive and inclusive understanding of criminal justice. (SSwd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course helps students become more effective writers in academic and professional settings. Students learn to enter ongoing academic conversations, analyze and use secondary sources to formulate, develop, revise, and communicate ideas in writing, and shape their message to different purposes, audiences, and media. (CC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of ENGL 95 or placement in ENGL& 101. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Surveys the knowledge and methods of the discipline of psychology. Emphasis include an overview of current knowledge in major areas of psychology, accessing and assessing information about behavior, skills inscientific reasoning and critical thinking. (SS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 15
Career exploration: Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals.
Career exploration: Learn about criminal justice careers as part of CJ& 101.
Action item: Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan.
Action item: Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
Action item: Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center, and the library.
| Description | Offers an in-depth exploration of legal principles, crime classification, and criminal conduct, coupled with practical applications through case analysis. Students will traverse the criminal justice process, understand the roles of legal professionals, and critically evaluate the ethical and societal implications of criminal law in contemporary society. (LEwd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course helps students develop effective methods of research, organization and presentation of findings typical of professional, technical, and scientific writing. Students develop problem-solving and researching skills, including data collection, the critical analysis of sources, documentation, and document design. (CC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of ENGL& 101 with a minimum grade of C-. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | An interdisciplinary quantitative methods course from a social science perspective; includes problem-solving, research design, sampling and ethical parameters for working with human subjects. Recommended preparation: one course in Anthropology, Sociology or Psychology. (SS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or COMPUTATION click for list (5 credits)
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SPECIALTY COURSE from the list below (5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 16
| Description | Explore the intricacies of criminal investigations, focusing on interviews, interrogations, eyewitness testimony, and false confessions. This course will sharpen writing and communication skills through case studies and written assignments, preparing students for real-world challenges in law enforcement and legal professions within a multicultural society. (UEwd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CJ& 101 and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course surveys theories and research from the field of Communication Studies. Students will explore a variety of areas of specialization within the field of Communication Studies, such as: Interpersonal, Intercultural, Small Group, Organizational and Public Address. This course will inform both those students interested in improving communication skills in general, as well as a beginning Communication Studies student. Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course is designed to provide students with basic theories and skills essential to public speaking. Topics include audience analysis, assessing research, organizing ideas and modes of delivery. Students will learn how to analyze their own and others' speeches. Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course provides students with a comprehensive survey of small group communication theory and practice. Upon finishing the course students will understand how groups function and how they can adapt their communication behaviors to enhance group effectiveness and satisfaction. Emphasis is on communication skills including conflict management, problem solving, decision making, participant observation, leadership, listening and group presentations. Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Formerly CMST 145. This course surveys theories and research from the field of organizational communication. A variety of topics are explored (e.g., leadership, communication ethics, interviewing, professional presentations, managing difficult conversations) with a focus on assessing and demonstrating communication competency within the organizational/workplace setting. Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | An ethical examination of contemporary controversial issues such as the nature of liberty, the death penalty, capitalism and communism, abortion, animal rights and environmental ethics. (H) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 13
Career exploration: Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
| Description | Examines the interaction between law enforcement and diverse communities, emphasizing the role of the media in shaping public perception and fostering effective, inclusive communication strategies for improving community safety and relations. Students will learn through case studies, interactive discussions, and community engagement projects. (UEwdg) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Students will explore the legal and practical facets of arrests, searches, and seizures in law enforcement. Through class discussions, case study analysis, and case law evaluation, students will critically engage with evolving legal standards within diverse societal contexts, enhancing their understanding and preparing for complex law enforcement careers with a focus on transparency, accountability, and community trust. (UEwd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CJ& 101. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | An introductory course, which facilitates elementary ability in comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish, provides some understanding of Hispanic cultures, and prepares students for Spanish II. Intended for students who have no prior experience in Spanish. (Hg) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or Another world language (GERM& 121) (5 credits)
or Proficiency in a world language as demonstrated by an approved exam (5 credits)
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SPECIALTY COURSE from the list below (5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 16
Career exploration: Listen to podcasts about criminal justice issues or the kind of career you're aiming for.
| Description | A multidisciplinary approach covering evidence in criminal investigations, covering its recognition, documentation, and preservation, with a focus on diverse types of evidence. It includes practical discussions on evidence photography, fingerprinting, and DNA analysis, coupled with case studies, written analysis, and discussions on chain of custody and courtroom presentation. (LEwd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Focuses on learning about the local ethnic populations in terms of community issues identified by representatives from these populations. Students will also look at how ethnic values, culture and heritage affect these issues. (SSd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 15
Career exploration: Work on your resume through the Career Center.
Career exploration: Meet with the cooperative education coordinator to discuss internship opportunities.
Action item: Apply for graduation by week 3 of this quarter.
| Description | Students will engage in an academic internship providing practical, supervised experience in a criminal justice setting, fostering career-related skills and professional knowledge. This structured and experiential learning opportunity is repeatable with program approval, enhancing their understanding and abilities in criminal justice. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course enhances students' understanding of diverse community dynamics and develops essential writing and communication skills. Through case studies and written assignments, students learn effective patrol strategies, which are critical for modern law enforcement officers in serving and engaging with increasingly diverse communities. (UEwd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CJ& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SPECIALTY COURSE from the list below (5 credits)
CRIMINAL JUSTICE SPECIALTY COURSE from the list below (5 credits)
or another ELECTIVE
and/or additional INTERNSHIP credits
Total credits this quarter: 15
Course note: Choose your final course(s) so that you have at least 90 credits in 100- and 200-level courses.
Career exploration: Attend the spring job fair.
Criminal justice specialty courses
Choose 20-25 credits from this list.
- BTEC 101 Intro to business computing
- CMST 225 Intercultural communication
- POLS& 202 American government
- PSYC 211 Social psychology
- PSYC& 220 Abnormal psychology
- SOC& 101 Intro to sociology
- SOC& 201 Social problems
- SOC 220 Contemporary social issues
- SPAN& 122 Spanish II (or other world language)
- SPAN& 123 Spanish III (or other world language)
- Any physical or biological science in ANTH, ASTR, BIOL, CHEM, ENVS, GEOL, IDS, NUTR, OCEA, PHYS or PHYSC
The criminal justice program is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills for entry level positions in the criminal justice field. The program also offers opportunities for current criminal justice employees to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Click here to download a fillable, printable planning worksheet.
| Description | Explores the U.S. justice system, focusing on law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Emphasizing diversity through case studies, it examines how race, gender, and socioeconomic factors impact justice processes. The course blends lectures with interactive activities, multimedia experiences, and diverse guest speakers, fostering a comprehensive and inclusive understanding of criminal justice. (SSwd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course helps students become more effective writers in academic and professional settings. Students learn to enter ongoing academic conversations, analyze and use secondary sources to formulate, develop, revise, and communicate ideas in writing, and shape their message to different purposes, audiences, and media. (CC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of ENGL 95 or placement in ENGL& 101. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Surveys the knowledge and methods of the discipline of psychology. Emphasis include an overview of current knowledge in major areas of psychology, accessing and assessing information about behavior, skills inscientific reasoning and critical thinking. (SS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 15
Career exploration: Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals.
Career exploration: Learn about criminal justice careers as part of CJ& 101.
Action item: Meet with your advisor to build your degree plan.
Action item: Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
Action item: Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center, and the library.
| Description | Offers an in-depth exploration of legal principles, crime classification, and criminal conduct, coupled with practical applications through case analysis. Students will traverse the criminal justice process, understand the roles of legal professionals, and critically evaluate the ethical and societal implications of criminal law in contemporary society. (LEwd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Introduction to the practical application of computers and communication technology. Includes the major components of computer systems, user interfaces, applications, networking, and societal issues surrounding computing, including ethics, privacy, security, and sustainability.(UEs) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Focuses on learning about the local ethnic populations in terms of community issues identified by representatives from these populations. Students will also look at how ethnic values, culture and heritage affect these issues. (SSd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | An interdisciplinary quantitative methods course from a social science perspective; includes problem-solving, research design, sampling and ethical parameters for working with human subjects. Recommended preparation: one course in Anthropology, Sociology or Psychology. (SS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Explore the intricacies of criminal investigations, focusing on interviews, interrogations, eyewitness testimony, and false confessions. This course will sharpen writing and communication skills through case studies and written assignments, preparing students for real-world challenges in law enforcement and legal professions within a multicultural society. (UEwd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CJ& 101 and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course enhances students' understanding of diverse community dynamics and develops essential writing and communication skills. Through case studies and written assignments, students learn effective patrol strategies, which are critical for modern law enforcement officers in serving and engaging with increasingly diverse communities. (UEwd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CJ& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Introduces the fundamentals of computer operating systems including history, evolution and design, as well as support, maintenance and troubleshooting. Lab work included. Recommended preparation: CIS 100 or equivalent. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course surveys theories and research from the field of Communication Studies. Students will explore a variety of areas of specialization within the field of Communication Studies, such as: Interpersonal, Intercultural, Small Group, Organizational and Public Address. This course will inform both those students interested in improving communication skills in general, as well as a beginning Communication Studies student. Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course is designed to provide students with basic theories and skills essential to public speaking. Topics include audience analysis, assessing research, organizing ideas and modes of delivery. Students will learn how to analyze their own and others' speeches. Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course provides students with a comprehensive survey of small group communication theory and practice. Upon finishing the course students will understand how groups function and how they can adapt their communication behaviors to enhance group effectiveness and satisfaction. Emphasis is on communication skills including conflict management, problem solving, decision making, participant observation, leadership, listening and group presentations. Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Formerly CMST 145. This course surveys theories and research from the field of organizational communication. A variety of topics are explored (e.g., leadership, communication ethics, interviewing, professional presentations, managing difficult conversations) with a focus on assessing and demonstrating communication competency within the organizational/workplace setting. Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 15
Career exploration: Look for a summer job or internship related to your career goals.
| Description | Examines the interaction between law enforcement and diverse communities, emphasizing the role of the media in shaping public perception and fostering effective, inclusive communication strategies for improving community safety and relations. Students will learn through case studies, interactive discussions, and community engagement projects. (UEwdg) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Students will explore the legal and practical facets of arrests, searches, and seizures in law enforcement. Through class discussions, case study analysis, and case law evaluation, students will critically engage with evolving legal standards within diverse societal contexts, enhancing their understanding and preparing for complex law enforcement careers with a focus on transparency, accountability, and community trust. (UEwd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CJ& 101. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Basics of computer security, including identifying threats, planning for business continuity, and preparing for various security attacks. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Enrollment in or completion of CIS 105 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | An ethical examination of contemporary controversial issues such as the nature of liberty, the death penalty, capitalism and communism, abortion, animal rights and environmental ethics. (H) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 14
Career exploration: Listen to podcasts about criminal justice issues or the kind of career you're aiming for.
| Description | A multidisciplinary approach covering evidence in criminal investigations, covering its recognition, documentation, and preservation, with a focus on diverse types of evidence. It includes practical discussions on evidence photography, fingerprinting, and DNA analysis, coupled with case studies, written analysis, and discussions on chain of custody and courtroom presentation. (LEwd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | In-depth study of computer components and their interrelationships. Lab period with hands-on experience in installation, upgrading, removal, configuration, and troubleshooting of software and hardware. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CIS 105 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | An introductory course, which facilitates elementary ability in comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing in Spanish, provides some understanding of Hispanic cultures, and prepares students for Spanish II. Intended for students who have no prior experience in Spanish. (Hg) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or Another world language (GERM& 121) (5 credits)
or Proficiency in a world language as demonstrated by an approved exam (5 credits)
ELECTIVE click for lists (3 or 5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 12-14
Career exploration: Work on your resume through the Career Center.
Career exploration: Meet with the cooperative education coordinator to discuss internship opportunities.
Action item: Apply to graduate by week 3 of this quarter.
| Description | Students will engage in an academic internship providing practical, supervised experience in a criminal justice setting, fostering career-related skills and professional knowledge. This structured and experiential learning opportunity is repeatable with program approval, enhancing their understanding and abilities in criminal justice. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This is an introductory course to computer forensics and investigations. Topics include: forensic tools, computer forensic analysis, investigations, and preparing written reports. (UE) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CIS 105 and CIS 206 with a minimum grade of C. |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course helps students develop effective methods of research, organization and presentation of findings typical of professional, technical, and scientific writing. Students develop problem-solving and researching skills, including data collection, the critical analysis of sources, documentation, and document design. (CC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of ENGL& 101 with a minimum grade of C-. |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 16
Career exploration: Attend the spring job fair.
The criminal justice certificate is designed to provide students with knowledge and skills for entry level positions in the criminal justice field. The program also offers opportunities for current criminal justice employees to enhance their knowledge and skills.
Click here to download a fillable, printable planning worksheet.
| Description | Explores the U.S. justice system, focusing on law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Emphasizing diversity through case studies, it examines how race, gender, and socioeconomic factors impact justice processes. The course blends lectures with interactive activities, multimedia experiences, and diverse guest speakers, fostering a comprehensive and inclusive understanding of criminal justice. (SSwd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Examines the interaction between law enforcement and diverse communities, emphasizing the role of the media in shaping public perception and fostering effective, inclusive communication strategies for improving community safety and relations. Students will learn through case studies, interactive discussions, and community engagement projects. (UEwdg) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course helps students become more effective writers in academic and professional settings. Students learn to enter ongoing academic conversations, analyze and use secondary sources to formulate, develop, revise, and communicate ideas in writing, and shape their message to different purposes, audiences, and media. (CC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of ENGL 95 or placement in ENGL& 101. |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 13
Career exploration: Find your people! Attend area-of-study activities and connect with clubs related to your career goals.
Career exploration: Learn about criminal justice careers as part of CJ& 101.
Action item: Meet with your advisor to build your program plan.
Action item: Have your transfer-in credits officially evaluated.
Action item: Visit the Intercultural Center, the Learning Center, and the library.
| Description | Offers an in-depth exploration of legal principles, crime classification, and criminal conduct, coupled with practical applications through case analysis. Students will traverse the criminal justice process, understand the roles of legal professionals, and critically evaluate the ethical and societal implications of criminal law in contemporary society. (LEwd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | A multidisciplinary approach covering evidence in criminal investigations, covering its recognition, documentation, and preservation, with a focus on diverse types of evidence. It includes practical discussions on evidence photography, fingerprinting, and DNA analysis, coupled with case studies, written analysis, and discussions on chain of custody and courtroom presentation. (LEwd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | An interdisciplinary quantitative methods course from a social science perspective; includes problem-solving, research design, sampling and ethical parameters for working with human subjects. Recommended preparation: one course in Anthropology, Sociology or Psychology. (SS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
or COMPUTATION click for list (5 credits)
Total credits this quarter: 13
Career exploration: Listen to podcasts about criminal justice issues or the kind of career you're aiming for.
| Description | Explore the intricacies of criminal investigations, focusing on interviews, interrogations, eyewitness testimony, and false confessions. This course will sharpen writing and communication skills through case studies and written assignments, preparing students for real-world challenges in law enforcement and legal professions within a multicultural society. (UEwd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CJ& 101 and placement in ENGL& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course enhances students' understanding of diverse community dynamics and develops essential writing and communication skills. Through case studies and written assignments, students learn effective patrol strategies, which are critical for modern law enforcement officers in serving and engaging with increasingly diverse communities. (UEwd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CJ& 101 |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Surveys the knowledge and methods of the discipline of psychology. Emphasis include an overview of current knowledge in major areas of psychology, accessing and assessing information about behavior, skills inscientific reasoning and critical thinking. (SS) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Study of human group life emphasizing socialization, social structure,and social interaction patterns. Class work augmented by individual study experience situations. (SSd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course surveys theories and research from the field of Communication Studies. Students will explore a variety of areas of specialization within the field of Communication Studies, such as: Interpersonal, Intercultural, Small Group, Organizational and Public Address. This course will inform both those students interested in improving communication skills in general, as well as a beginning Communication Studies student. Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course is designed to provide students with basic theories and skills essential to public speaking. Topics include audience analysis, assessing research, organizing ideas and modes of delivery. Students will learn how to analyze their own and others' speeches. Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | This course provides students with a comprehensive survey of small group communication theory and practice. Upon finishing the course students will understand how groups function and how they can adapt their communication behaviors to enhance group effectiveness and satisfaction. Emphasis is on communication skills including conflict management, problem solving, decision making, participant observation, leadership, listening and group presentations. Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
| Description | Formerly CMST 145. This course surveys theories and research from the field of organizational communication. A variety of topics are explored (e.g., leadership, communication ethics, interviewing, professional presentations, managing difficult conversations) with a focus on assessing and demonstrating communication competency within the organizational/workplace setting. Recommended preparation: placement in ENGL& 101. (OC) |
| Enrollment Requirements | None |
| Course Attributes |
|
Total credits this quarter: 11
Action item: Apply for graduation by week 3 of this quarter.
| Description | Students will explore the legal and practical facets of arrests, searches, and seizures in law enforcement. Through class discussions, case study analysis, and case law evaluation, students will critically engage with evolving legal standards within diverse societal contexts, enhancing their understanding and preparing for complex law enforcement careers with a focus on transparency, accountability, and community trust. (UEwd) |
| Enrollment Requirements | Completion of CJ& 101. |
| Course Attributes |
|
