Criminal Justice, AAS-T
Explore the criminal justice system through an interdisciplinary social science approach. You’ll study all components of the criminal justice system, such as law enforcement, courts, and corrections. This degree prepares students for immediate employment with career pathways with the Washington State Patrol, municipal, county, and federal agencies, law practices, corrections, security, and others. You can also choose to transfer to a bachelor of applied science program.
Course Maps
A course map is a quick guide to help students figure out which courses to take each quarter. Course maps were written by BC faculty, who have used their expertise to recommend specific courses students can take to achieve their academic or career goals. Students should meet with an advisor to learn more.
Courses & Requirements
The course catalog is a great place to find detailed information on this program.
Sample Courses
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Criminology
- Criminal Law
- American Corrections
- Principles of Criminal Investigation
Points of Pride
Top-Tier Ranking
Rated second in Washington State for online criminal justice programs, behind #2 nationally-ranked Washington State University.
Featured Faculty
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Charlene Freyberg
- Program Chair
A former federal investigator and corrections officer, Charlene Freyberg received her B.A. in Political Science, Pre-Law, and Criminal Justice from Washington State University. She earned her M.S. in Criminal Justice from Weber State University. Her published writings have focused on corrections programming, parenting in prison, death penalty issues, and human trafficking in Washington.
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Kelli Callahan, Ph. D.
- Faculty
Dr. Callahan holds a Ph.D. in Psychology with research emphasis, a Master’s degree in Forensic Science, a B.A. in Anthropology, and a B.S. in Psychology – with forensic emphasis in both undergraduate areas. She is a P.O.S.T.-certified academy instructor, a published author, and a member of several professional forensic science and criminal justice organizations.
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Michelle Bennett
- Adjunct Faculty
Michelle has held a number of top law enforcement positions in the Seattle area since 1990 and is currently the police chief of the city of Mercer Island. She has taught for various colleges and universities since 1998, including Highline College, Shoreline College, Northwest University, Central Washington University, Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, and the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center (police academy).
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Michael Collier
- Adjunct Faculty
Michael Collier brings fifteen years of federal investigative experience to the classroom. He has been teaching for over a decade and he emphasizes plain language before terminology, real cases over textbook scenarios, and feedback timely enough to act on.
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Enedelia Garcia
- Adjunct Faculty
Enedelia Garcia has spent her career working in various settings including community mental health, reentry care coordination in corrections facilities, and most notably as a Forensic Navigator working for Department of Social and Health Services-Behavioral Health Administration in the Office of Forensic Mental Health.
The Criminal Justice Club is Open to All BC Students
All BC students are welcome to join the “Criminal Justice Club” to further explore topics and issues in the criminal justice field. The club provides career information, tours of criminal justice facilities, as well as discussion, campus activities and films within the criminal justice world. More information is available by contacting the club advisor, Charlene Freyberg (charlene.freyberg@bellevuecollege.edu).