# Fundamentals of Criminal Justice Undergraduate Certificate Online Program

The undergraduate certificate program in the Fundamentals of Criminal Justice is designed to expose students to the fundamental facts and workings of the criminal justice system. Students will be introduced to procedures in the legal system, learn the required steps in criminal investigations, and receive an overview of general judicial principles. Students will acquire knowledge that is readily applicable to their professional interests in the field of law and criminology.

## Designed For You

The California Coast University online Undergraduate Certificate in the Fundamentals of Criminal Justice program was designed for complete flexibility for the student. All courses are self-paced and completed 100% online.

- Affordable Tuition with Interest-Free Payment Plans

  Low tuition with interest-free payment plans as low as $150/month.
- Self-Paced, Online Courses

  Flexible programs designed to fit into your busy schedule. Self-paced study with no group projects, set meeting times, or exam dates.
- Start Anytime

  The program is not structured in semesters, quarters, or terms. It is designed to allow students to begin their online studies at any time of the year.
- 10% Tuition Discount\*

  CCU offers a tuition discount for **Active Duty Military, Veterans, Law Enforcement, Firefighters, Government Employees, and CCU Graduates**.  
  We also offer a 10% discount for **[Corporate Partner employees](https://www.calcoast.edu/corporate-partners-list/)**. For more information on how to become a Corporate Partner, see our [Corporate Partnership Information Page.](https://www.calcoast.edu/corporate-partnership/)  
  \*Employment verification is required. Offer good for students who enrolled after January 2024 and were offered discount at time of enrollment. Offer is not retroactive for students already enrolled. Discount and/or prices subject to change and/or cancellation at any time without notice. This offer cannot be combined with any other discount(s).

![Graduate in a cap and gown holding a sign that says: You CAN do it! Interest-free payment plans as low as $150 per month.](https://www.calcoast.edu/assets/client_files/images/newsite/programdetails/$150%20(2).png)

View Program Outcomes:

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be able to:

\[READ MORE\]

- Demonstrate a general understanding of the criminal justice system.
- Review fundamentals of criminal investigation.
- Examine procedural aspects of the criminal justice system.

- Explore processes and procedures related to forensic science.
- Examine key concepts and theories related to program content - utilizing critical thinking and academic writing skills.

> Thank you to all the staff that was there to answer any questions I had.
>
> I hope to see you in the future if I decide on whether to pursue my master degree. Thanks!
>
> Jorge Perez, Class of 2022

### Explore The Program

The Undergraduate Certificate in the Fundamentals of Criminal Justice consists of **4 total courses**.  
The required courses are comprised of: **4 Core Courses .**  
There are **12 total semester units** in this program.

4 Core Courses

The online Undergraduate Certificate in the Fundamentals of Criminal Justice is comprised of the following 4 courses. **Click on course title to expand and read more.**

\[CLOSE\]

| ID | Course Name | Units |  |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
|  | BCJ 100 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| *Introduction to Criminal Justice* aims to provide students with a general understanding of the criminal justice system’s response to crime in society. It is important to note that the general theme of this course involves the delicate balance between community interests and individual rights that criminal justice decision-making requires. This theme will be explored by examining the criminal justice process, focusing on how the system is structured to respond to crime. **Course Objectives** Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: - Describe the nature and extent of crime and discuss the foundations of law and the criminal justice system. - Examine law enforcement from the history of policing through to contemporary issues and challenges confronting the profession. - Describe the role of the courts in the criminal justice system and the process of prosecution, criminal trial, and sentencing. - Discuss the key aspects of corrections including its history, community and institutional corrections, prison life, and parole. - Examine special issues in criminal justice related to juvenile justice, terrorism, human trafficking, hate crimes, and the #MeToo Movement. - Demonstrate proficiency with academic writing related to criminal justice. |  |  |  |
|  | BCJ 230 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| *Criminal Investigation* aims to provide students with an overview of the criminal investigation field. Course topics include the fundamentals of criminal investigation, follow-up investigative processes, methods for obtaining information, and how to approach the investigation of different types of crimes. **Course Objectives** Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: - Identify and define the study of criminal investigation and discuss the foundations of criminal investigation. - Demonstrate an understanding of follow-up investigative processes and analyze the legal issues involved. - Discuss best practices for obtaining information through interviews, interrogations, criminal intelligence and surveillance operations. - Examine the various types of crimes related to people, property and national security. - Demonstrate proficiency with academic writing related to criminal investigation. |  |  |  |
|  | BCJ 240 | Procedures in the Justice System | 3 |
| *Procedures in the Justice System* is organized around the theme of balancing the need to detect, investigate, prosecute, and punish crime against the constitutional commitment protecting the rights and liberties of individuals. This course is designed to help students develop a working knowledge of the procedures involved in the justice system and covers the fundamental principles and procedures employed throughout the legal process. Topics include factors related to investigating crimes, considerations and practices related to the procedural and prosecutorial processes, and the trial, sentencing, and appellate processes. **Course Objectives** Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: - Describe the criminal justice process and the sources of criminal procedure. - Demonstrate an understanding of the factors and requirements related to searches and seizures. - Examine practices related to interrogations, lineups, and identifications. - Evaluate the different remedies for constitutional violations. - Examine the pretrial and trial process, sentencing, and appeals. - Demonstrate proficiency with academic writing related to procedures in the justice system. |  |  |  |
|  | BCJ 351 | Forensic Science | 3 |
| *Forensic Science* provides an introduction to the field of forensic science as it relates to crime and terrorism. Students will examine best practices within the field including evidence collection, preservation, and analysis. The methods and science used to analyze physical evidence is presented. This course will also introduce students to the role of forensic science related to terrorism and homeland security. **Course Objectives** Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to: - Define forensic science and criminalistics including commonly used terms and key concepts. - Examine the concept of trace evidence and pattern evidence related to fingerprints, shoeprints, document analysis, and firearms. - Explore the concept of chemical evidence related to metals, gunshot residue, arson, and drugs of abuse. - Explore the concept of biological evidence related to toxicology, biological fluids, and DNA typing. - Assess the role of forensic science as it relates to terrorism investigation. - Demonstrate proficiency with academic writing related to forensic science. |  |  |  |

### Prerequisites to Admission:

The applicant should meet the following prerequisites in order to be admitted to the program: An applicant must be at least 18 years of age and have successfully obtained a high school diploma, GED, or its equivalent.

### FAQ About Coursework

**Required units may be satisfied in the following ways:**

- **CCU Course with Study Guide**

  California Coast University has developed comprehensive Study Guides, for each course, that are designed to coordinate and sequence the learning materials within the required textbook. The following points will help to illustrate how the Study Guides are designed:

  - Study Guides are based on specific college level textbooks, which may be obtained from local bookstores, the publisher, or the University's Rental Library.
  - Each Study Guide is organized with a complete syllabus, along with instructional materials to guide the student chapter by chapter through the corresponding textbook.
  - Each Study Guide contains an overview and summary of all textbook chapters, along with a listing of important keywords (with definitions), and self-tests (with answers) on key points.
  - Study Guides include 4 unit exams equally spaced throughout the instructional materials, one writing assignment per unit, and the final examination.
  - Examinations are designed to test the student on the information contained within the preceding chapters.
  - All tests have no time limit and may be completed as open book tests.
- **Transfer of Credit**

  Transcripts of previously completed academic work are evaluated and credit may be transferred to meet existing coursework requirements. The following guidelines are utilized when accepting transfer credit for a certificate program:

  - The University will accept transfer credit from applicable courses completed at colleges or universities accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or foreign equivalent.
  - Certificate students may receive transfer credit for up to 6 semester units of previously completed coursework. Students may transfer up to 9 semester units of credit completed at California Coast University.
  - To be eligible for undergraduate academic credit, transfer grades must be equivalent to a letter grade of C (2.0 GPA) or higher.
- **Challenge Examinations**

  During the admissions process, all professional experience is reviewed to determine if an applicant has sufficient occupational experience to warrant completing a Challenge Examination in lieu of a Study Guide for a particular course. The following factors are considered:

  - An applicant may be offered an opportunity to complete a Challenge Examination if the candidate's occupational expertise appears to be comparable to the objectives identified for a particular course.
  - Successfully passing a Challenge Examination will demonstrate an acceptable level of competence for that course.
  - If a student does not pass a Challenge Examination they are assigned a Study Guide for completion.
  - The maximum amount of Challenge Examinations allowed for each program level are: Associate 4; Bachelor's 10; Master's 2; Doctorate 0; and Certificates 1.

170

##### **Per Unit**

#### Total Courses:

**4**

Core Courses:

4

#### Total Units:

**12**

[learn more](https://www.calcoast.edu/request-for-information-landing.html)

Meet The Dean

[![Dr. Mohamad Khatibloo](https://www.calcoast.edu/assets/components/phpthumbof/cache/mkhatibloo_headshot.c2667ac1bc9a15962e4b1bcdaee1c2c2.jpg)](https://www.calcoast.edu/dr.-mohamad-khatibloo.html) [Dr. Mohamad Khatibloo](https://www.calcoast.edu/dr.-mohamad-khatibloo.html)

[Dean, School of Criminal Justice](https://www.calcoast.edu/dr.-mohamad-khatibloo.html)

[Dr. Khatibloo has a highly diverse background in both academics and the private sector.](https://www.calcoast.edu/dr.-mohamad-khatibloo.html)

"The educational value from what I learned is beyond valuable. Professionally, I am able to take what I learned and implement ideas and concepts. Personally, it's a huge accomplishment for me to receive a master's degree."

![graduation cap](https://www.calcoast.edu/assets/components/phpthumbof/cache/gradheadshot-placeholder.654ae56f67e7887f51e0a9878730abcf.png)

R. Ramirez

Alumni  
Organizational Leadership

<https://www.calcoast.edu/r.-ramirez.html>

"I found it to be extremely rewarding to finish my schooling and receive the degree. Very flexible to work around being a parent and working full time to complete the schooling necessary for the degree."

![graduation cap](https://www.calcoast.edu/assets/components/phpthumbof/cache/gradheadshot-placeholder.654ae56f67e7887f51e0a9878730abcf.png)

D. Paschel

Alumni  
Business Administration

<https://www.calcoast.edu/d.-paschel.html>

"In a world where a degree is practically required for any decently paying job, this program made obtaining a degree feel more accessible to someone like me."

![graduation cap](https://www.calcoast.edu/assets/components/phpthumbof/cache/gradheadshot-placeholder.654ae56f67e7887f51e0a9878730abcf.png)

S. Fidel

Alumni  
Business Administration

<https://www.calcoast.edu/s.-fidel.html>

"This college degree holds value both personally and professionally. It fostered critical thinking, discipline, and a deeper understanding of the world, while also serving as a credential that can open doors, enhance my career prospects, and signals a commitment to my long-term goals."

![graduation cap](https://www.calcoast.edu/assets/components/phpthumbof/cache/gradheadshot-placeholder.654ae56f67e7887f51e0a9878730abcf.png)

M. Perez

Alumni  
Criminal Justice

<https://www.calcoast.edu/m.-perez.html>

"Getting my degree was a personal goal, I am now the first person in my family to have obtained my Bachelor's degree."

![graduation cap](https://www.calcoast.edu/assets/components/phpthumbof/cache/gradheadshot-placeholder.654ae56f67e7887f51e0a9878730abcf.png)

M. Raymond

Alumni  
Business Administration

<https://www.calcoast.edu/m.-raymond.html>

"I am so happy to have a degree from CCU and plan to pursue future education. The staff and the university as a whole is wonderful!!!"

![graduation cap](https://www.calcoast.edu/assets/components/phpthumbof/cache/gradheadshot-placeholder.654ae56f67e7887f51e0a9878730abcf.png)

K. Wilson

Alumni  
Health Care Administration

<https://www.calcoast.edu/k.-wilson.html>

"I am just so thankful for having the option of online education as I work full time. I feel it is a personal accomplishment and I am very proud."

![graduation cap](https://www.calcoast.edu/assets/components/phpthumbof/cache/gradheadshot-placeholder.654ae56f67e7887f51e0a9878730abcf.png)

A. Quiroz

Alumni  
Psychology

<https://www.calcoast.edu/a.-quiroz.html>

"I’m very happy that this could work with a full-time work schedule. I will be recommending to anyone who is looking for flexibility."

![graduation cap](https://www.calcoast.edu/assets/components/phpthumbof/cache/gradheadshot-placeholder.654ae56f67e7887f51e0a9878730abcf.png)

K. Kast

Alumni  
Criminal Justice

<https://www.calcoast.edu/k.-kast.html>

"Being in my late 40’s I never thought I would complete my bachelor's degree with a busy career and family. My B.S degree raises my salary at work and creates more opportunity for promotion. I am honored and feel a sense of personal accomplishment"

![graduation cap](https://www.calcoast.edu/assets/components/phpthumbof/cache/gradheadshot-placeholder.654ae56f67e7887f51e0a9878730abcf.png)

M. Moore

Alumni  
Criminal Justice

<https://www.calcoast.edu/m.-moore.html>

"Personally, I have gained a wealth of confidence in completing my degree. I always wanted to do this, and it was made possible through this program."

![graduation cap](https://www.calcoast.edu/assets/components/phpthumbof/cache/gradheadshot-placeholder.654ae56f67e7887f51e0a9878730abcf.png)

T. Grimes

Alumni  
Health Care Administration

<https://www.calcoast.edu/t.-grimes.html>

"I found this form of learning was superb for me. Especially as a stay-at-home mom with little babies at home, who was going to return to work after a few years. It was truly a blessing to have found this school in all of my research, due to the freedom of learning as you go."

![graduation cap](https://www.calcoast.edu/assets/components/phpthumbof/cache/gradheadshot-placeholder.654ae56f67e7887f51e0a9878730abcf.png)

L. Barrientos

Alumni  
Human Resource Management

<https://www.calcoast.edu/l.-barrientos.html>

"CCU is an excellent option for people who have busy careers. Getting my degree was important to me and CCU helped me obtain that."

![graduation cap](https://www.calcoast.edu/assets/components/phpthumbof/cache/gradheadshot-placeholder.654ae56f67e7887f51e0a9878730abcf.png)

B. Odell

Alumni  
Criminal Justice

<https://www.calcoast.edu/b.-odell.html>

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