Future Students
Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for immediate employment in criminal justice agencies that do not require academy basic training prior to employment or that require their own academy training after hire. Students can select a combination of courses that align with their interests in law enforcement, corrections, law, or other areas of criminal justice.
Interested in law school? DCC's criminal law classes are accepted by the University of Montana's Pre-Law Certificate program. This is a great way to get started with lower tuition and smaller class sizes.
Online learning option. Can't attend in person? Criminal justice classes are offered in Hyflex format. This means you have the flexibility of learning online or in the classroom.
For more information about this program and plan of study, please refer to the current catalog.
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Associate of Applied Science
The two-year Associate of Applied Science degree supports both the goals of employment and academic transfer.Â
Program Outcomes
- Build a strong base of knowledge in the field of criminal justice and provide academic and practical, skills-based exposure to the overall criminal justice-related fields (law enforcement, courts, corrections, security and loss prevention).
- Prepare students for entry-level employment in public/ private criminal justice related organizations
- Assist students in the development of critical thinking and problem solving skills, and the ability to conceptualize ideas
- Expose students to courses in computation, communications, and human relations, and will assist students in developing an understanding and appreciation for diversity, social responsibility, and the participation in public affairs
- Provide opportunities for higher education and training for criminal justice professionals via regional training courses, and through online or independent study courses
- Serve those students seeking a career in criminal justice and/or planning to pursue an education beyond the associates level
| Suggested Courses | Credits | |
|---|---|---|
| CAPP131 | Basic MS Office | 3 |
| CJLE109 | Police Report Writing | 3 |
| CJLE110 | Interview/Interrogation | 3 |
| CJLE209 | Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| CJUS121 | Intro to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CJUS125 | Fundamentals of Forensic Science | 3 |
| CJUS200 | Principles Criminal Law | 3 |
| CJUS208 | CJ Ethics/Leadership | 3 |
| CJUS215 | CJ Community Relations | 3 |
| CJUS220 | Intro to Corrections | 3 |
| CJUS231 | Criminal Evidence/Procedure | 3 |
| COMX111 | Intro to Public Speaking | 3 |
| ECP100 | First Aid/CPR | 1 |
| M111 | Technical Math | 3 |
| PSCI210 | Intro to American Government | 3 |
| PSCI260 | Intro to State and Local Government | 3 |
| PSYX100 | Intro to Psychology | 3 |
| SOCI101 | Intro to Sociology | 3 |
| SOCI201 | Social Problems | 3 |
| SOCI206 | Deviant Behavior | 3 |
| SOCI211 | Intro to Criminology | 3 |
| SOCI260 | Intro to Juvenile Delinquency | 3 |
| WRIT101 | College Writing I | 3 |
| WRIT122 | Intro to Business Writing | 3 |
| WRIT201 | College Writing II | 3 |
Explore the Dawson Community College catalog for course descriptions.
The Eastern Montana Criminal Justice Institute (EMTCJI) is administered by DCC and encompasses professional training and education for law enforcement and corrections:
Reserve Officer Training Academy
This program provides the state-mandated 88 hours of training to become certified as a Reserve Officer in Montana. It is comprised of two parts: Part 1 is 45 academic hours (3 credits) taken online over one semester. It is a work-at-you-own-pace course and students must pass a final exam with a score of 70% or better to move on. Part 2 consists of a 5-day (2 credits) in-residence training at the DCC campus in Glendive, MT. This part covers firearms marksmanship, use-of-force, and defensive tactics. Parts 1 and 2 can be taken in tandem or separately, depending on the student’s needs. Both result in a certificate of completion. This course is also available for DCC students as an elective!
911 Dispatcher Program
This program trains students to work in public safety dispatcher roles across Montana. Completion of the program results in preparation for the state certification exam as well as certification in First Aid and CPR. The course is 40 hours and prepares the student for day-one success as a dispatcher and preparation for training at the Montana Law Enforcement Academy’s Public Safety Communicator Basic Course.
Advanced Training
The EMTCJI hosts training courses that address advanced topics such as Active Shooter, Leadership, Dangerous Drug Recognition, Crime Scene Investigation, and others. Additionally, DCC has a state-of-the-art use-of-force simulator that students and local professionals can utilize to sharpen their skills and abilities.
