Welcome to the Criminal Justice program at TSC!
Dr. Christopher Alvés
Mission Statement
The criminal justice faculty at Texas Southmost College are committed to providing students with the necessary knowledge and critical thinking skills that will lead to a successful career in the Criminal Justice system. Students are provided the practical tools to be able to critically examine issues in the Criminal Justice system, crime in society, and foundation of criminal law. The program is committed to the development of criminal justice professionals through rigor, stimulation of student curiosity, academic advancement, and fostering student success.
Criminal Justice Program
Texas Southmost College offers an Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice. Students who complete this 2- year program have the option to seek employment or to continue their education. Students pursuing a degree in criminal justice learn concepts in courses designed to develop a strong foundation in criminal justice. With dynamic classroom discussion and engagement, the criminal justice course offerings foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
The Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice is excellent preparation for transfer to an accredited undergraduate program to complete a four-year degree in Criminal Justice. The Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice is a terminal degree allowing current law enforcement officers to receive 24 credit hours for their state law enforcement training. The program also prepares students for entry level positions in municipal police and sheriff’s departments, corrections, and juvenile services.
Goals
The criminal justice faculty at Texas Southmost College is committed to providing a rigorous program that allows students to demonstrate and expand their knowledge of all facets of the Criminal Justice system. Students will analyze and discuss crime in our society and the fundamental elements of crime that define criminal activity. Students preparing to enter the criminal justice field will gain explicit knowledge of ethics and the application of such in the communities they serve.
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLO)
Program Student Learning Outcomes (PSLO) are statements that specify what students will know, be able to do or be able to demonstrate when they have completed the program.
PSLO (1): discuss constitutional freedoms and rights of citizens and explain how an ethical criminal justice system and participatory citizenship protects those freedoms and rights.
PSLO (2): demonstrate knowledge of the three major areas of America’s criminal justice system (Police, Courts, & Corrections).
PSLO (3): analyze a criminal case and understand its relevance to protect freedoms and rights.
PSLO (4): demonstrate knowledge of fundamental elements of criminal law.