Associate in Technical Arts Degree

Criminal Justice

An Associate in Technical Arts degree (ATA) in Criminal Justice is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 90 credits of specified technical and related education coursework above 100 level with a 2.0 grade point average in both Criminal Justice Studies and overall technical degree coursework. Areas of emphasis are suggested allowing the student flexibility in choosing a career tract meeting their academic interests, career goals, and/or individual needs.

Park Services and Protection

An Associate in Technical Arts degree (ATA) in Park Services and Protection is awarded upon completion of a minimum of 90 credits of specified technical and related education coursework above 100 level with a 2.0 grade point average in both Criminal Justice Studies and overall technical degree coursework. This degree prepares students for careers in visitor services, facilities maintenance and repair, and resources protection. This area provides an academic and skills background that facilitates entry into the parks and recreation/tourism industry, and encourages growth and advancement in the disciplines of parks, recreation and wildlife enforcement.

Associate in Arts Degree, AAUCT

Students pursuing a bachelor's degree from an accredited university may choose the Criminal Justice program as their major area of emphasis. The Department Chair or counseling office can offer students assistance in choosing those courses most appropriate for pursuit of their desired degree. Acceptance of credits depends on the college a student plans to attend.

In-Service Training Credit

Students actively working with a criminal justice agency may receive credit for selected courses as a result of accredited in-service training successfully completed as recognized by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission or other documented criminal justice agency training, coupled with work experience. Evaluation of such training shall be assessed by the Criminal Justice Department Chair.

Credits for successful completion of an approved Law Enforcement or Corrections Academy, including a Police Reserve Academy, may be awarded, but do not apply toward completion requirements for the AAUCT or ATA in Criminal Justice. Students who apply to Police Reserve Academy for Skagit Valley College credit must provide appropriate documentation of having previously completed the prescribed training program as specified by the Washington State Legislature, or to have current sponsorship by a law enforcement agency and have passed a background investigation and industry-suited psychological examination as required by state law. To be awarded credit, a student must enroll in CJ 227.

Parks Law Enforcement Academy

The Parks Law Enforcement Academy (CJ 228) meets the entry requirements for work as a Law Enforcement Park Ranger within the National, State, County and local park systems. This academy is recognized and approved by the National Park Service and the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) to provide Level II law enforcement commissioning. For further information contact the Criminal Justice Department Chair.

Program Certificates

A Certificate in Parks Law Enforcement (PLEA) is awarded to students who complete the following courses with an accumulated grade point average of 2.0 and achieve technical competency.

Parks Law Enforcement Academy

CJ 228 (and related courses)

Micro-Certificates

These certificates focus on a specific skill within this program. A certificate is awarded to students who complete the following with a 2.0 grade point average or above:

• Basic Law Enforcement Reserve Academy
  CJ 227
• Community Policing
  CJ 105, 114, and 115.
• Corrections
  CJ 105, 107, 110, 112, 130, and 170.
• Investigative Techniques
  CJ 100, 105, 170, 215, 216, and 218.
• Legal Principles in Policing
  CJ 105, 110, 201, 204, 206, and 208.
• Private And Commercial Security
  CJ 105, 110, 170, 201, 204, 220
• Public Safety Communications
  CJ 105, CJ 143, CJ 144, CJ 145, CJ
• Homeland Security/Domestic Preparedness
  CJ 146, CJ 147, CJ 148, CJ 149

Contact Us

Bill Overby
Department Chair
Mount Vernon Campus
2405 East College Way

Mount Vernon, WA 98273

(360) 416-7829
bill.overby@skagit.edu

Tee Davis Overby
Program Assistant
Mount Vernon Campus
2405 East College Way

Mount Vernon, WA 98273

(360) 416-7638
tee.overby@skagit.edu