Some folks say 'education is education' and it does not matter where you go for your formal training, but we believe that a Christian education is a distinctive education. Criminal Justice graduates of Clearwater Christian College will leave with these basic advantages:

• A basic educational foundation in the liberal arts which deepens their knowledge base, widens their philosophical perspective across all academic subject areas, and extends their readiness to work with people from all walks of life;
  
  
• An excellent vocational preparation in their chosen field of service from highly trained, experienced, and caring faculty who sees their role as more than mere instructors, but as role models and mentors; and
  
  
• A spiritual foundation based on the teaching of the Word of God and modeled by Godly faculty and classmates that results in a perspective to seek real and lasting answers to today's problems and solace to one's heart as they face evil in society.

The B.S. in Criminal Justice includes three areas of academic coursework: the liberal arts core curriculum-courses typically completed by all liberal arts graduates; the Bible minor core-specialized, designed coursework that gives graduates a broad foundation in the main message of the Bible, a means of applying such truths to one's life, and an apologetic which helps one defend their faith in light of various secular philosophies; and the program core-courses required in your specific degree field. The liberal arts core and Bible minor curriculum are typically pursued by every student and the specific coursework can be found in the college catalog. The program core courses for the Criminal Justice major are listed below.

CJU 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
CJU 204 Introduction to Law Enforcement and Corrections
CJU 210 Ethics in Criminal Justice
CJU 220 Justice Administration and Management
CJU 230 Courts & Judicial Process
CJU 260 Criminal Justice Practicum
CJU 301 Criminology
CJU 310 Juvenile Justice
CJU 320 Public Safety and Security
CJU 330 Introduction to Forensic Psychology
CJU 340 Research Methods in Criminology
CJU 350 Substance Abuse
CJU 360 Victimology
CJU 410 Psychology, Policy, and Law
CJU 420 Criminalistics
CJU 430 Criminal Law
CJU 450 Criminal Justice Seminar
CJU 473 Advanced Directed Study and Research
CJU 480 Criminal Justice Internship
PSY 350 Abnormal Psychology

Specific course descriptions can be found in the college catalog.

One feature of our Criminal Justice program is the encouragement of practical experience. Throughout your program, you will be encouraged to investigate what is transpiring today in the world of criminal justice. Entry-level experiences include observing court proceedings and trials, participating in 'ride-alongs' with law enforcement representatives, shadowing crime scene professionals and private detectives, and ministering in jails or juvenile detention centers through Christian Service opportunities. Many of our Criminal Justice majors will seek employment in security and other related fields either on our CCC campus or in the local community where the demand is ever-increasing. Every graduate participates in a directed practicum during their sophomore year and an internship during their final or senior year. Such experiences often give graduates 'the edge' in employment situations or enhance their chances for admission to graduate school programs in criminal justice related fields.

Many Criminal Justice graduates will be looking for employment immediately after graduation. The two important questions one typically considers in this area are 'What jobs in criminal justice am I best suited for?' and 'How will CCC help me find my first job after graduation?' Most students enter college with certain employment aspirations, but with minimal knowledge or readiness for the job. In CJU 260 Criminal Justice Practicum, your instructor will guide you in your decision on a career through skills evaluation and exploration of careers in criminal justice, and give you tips on how to best pursue the field or job you want. In addition, a personality assessment will be administered to help you recognize your personal strengths and weaknesses in order to assist you in self-management and career choices. Our Guidance and Career Services Office will provide general and individualized direction to all CCC students, directing you to potential employees and providing information on proper application and interview skills.

The Criminal Justice program at Clearwater Christian College is designed to prepare our graduates for career paths or to continue one's education in graduate school. Most graduate programs in Criminal Justice require extensive writing and research competencies. CJU 473 Advanced Directed Study and Research is designed specifically to assist graduates with higher education aspirations and can be taken as an elective in your program.

Upon enrollment, Clearwater Christian College students are assigned an academic advisor whose main role is to guide their charge in making appropriate course selections each semester. However, this relationship naturally matures over time when the advisor helps the student in personal, academic, and professional matters and pursuits. Many graduates maintain this relationship after graduation as they pursue professional, spiritual, and family endeavors.