Heald College Salinas

Founded in 1990, Heald's Salinas campus is characterized by its unique Spanish architecture and beautifully landscaped grounds. Since its establishment, Heald Salinas has evolved into a leading career college that offers a range of programs in health care and business. As the greater Salinas area emerges as a great market for new jobs, we continue educating students to become uniquely qualified for rewarding careers with top local employers.

It's a great place to go to school

• 36,000-square-foot facility, conveniently located off of North Main, between the mall and downtown
• Easy access to the freeway
• Free and plentiful parking

Where you'll have everything you need to succeed

• Classrooms designed to maximize student comfort
• Round tables to encourage team building and communication
• Learning Resource Center featuring a library and a computer lab
• Free email and internet access on campus
• Bookstore on campus
• Dress for Success policy on select days that promotes workplace professionalism

Where you'll make lifelong friends

• 500 students enrolled on average
• 33 faculty members on staff on average
• 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio on average
• One-on-one tutoring

Criminal Justice - Associate's or Diploma

Is it right for me?

Criminal Justice students may earn an Associate of Applied Science or a Diploma. This program is designed to teach you a variety of entry-level skills for use in law enforcement, corrections, social services, security and other related private and public sector jobs.

If the following qualities describe you, criminal justice might be a good career choice:

• Trustworthy
• Possess strong ethics and moral values
• Organized and detail-oriented
• Value physical fitness
• Enjoy responsibility

What's the outlook?

The U.S. Department of Labor has predicted that by 2010 there will be more than a 29% increase in the demand for FBI Agents, Police Officers, Private Detectives, U.S. Customs Agents and many others, but the growing emphasis on homeland security has created an unprecedented demand for criminal justice and security professionals.*

Due to increasing populations in prison, as well as those on probation and on parole, the criminal justice field enjoys relatively consistent growth, despite a fluctuating economy. The demand for employees in this line of work is steadily increasing to keep up with personnel needs in the private sector, as well in federal, state and local government agencies.

While a degree in Criminal Justice may open the door to many of these careers, it is important to note that certain jobs may require additional certification, graduation from higher education programs and completion of additional training. Also, you may be required by some prospective employers to consent to a nationwide criminal history check, personal credit report check and a drug test.

What will I learn?

At Heald, we believe the best way to learn is to do. In this program, you will develop a thorough understanding of practices and procedures expected of professionals in the field. You will be able to effectively communicate with supervisors, peers and the public. You will also recognize and respond to safety and security issues as they occur in a detention and/or corrections environment. This program will teach you to apply basic procedures and investigative techniques for processing a crime scene.

Major topics of the program include an exploration of the nature and variety of crimes, constitutional law and related legal issues and protections, law enforcement procedures, criminal investigations, juvenile justice, corrections, victim's issues, organized crime and terrorism. Common program themes include increasing cultural awareness and developing effective, critical thinking skills.

What will I do?

Criminal justice graduates may obtain entry-level employment related to such areas as criminal investigations, insurance investigations, corrections, customs and security. There are also opportunities to work for administrative support staff positions in various law enforcement agencies. Criminal Justice internships may also be available to help you obtain practical experience in a real-world setting.

Employment of criminal justice and security professionals are projected to grow 29% by 2010, fueled by the growing emphasis on homeland security.*

Related programs include:

• Paralegal

The information on this sheet serves as a general overview for this program. For details, please refer to our academic catalog. Program availability and educational options vary by campus and by quarter.

*Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition,
-Bureau of Labor Statistics

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