Criminal Justice
Two-Year Associate in Specialized Business (ASB) Degree Program
Available at the State College Main Campus
Available at the State College Main Campus
The Criminal Justice program at South Hills will launch you on a career in the field of justice—from law enforcement to corrections to advocacy. The program is designed to be very hands-on, combining theory with practice and application. The CJ program provides students with an understanding of the criminal justice system and the socio-economic factors that impact the field. As a South Hills Criminal Justice student, you will learn investigative techniques, basic security skills, and the criminal legal process/procedures for the Pennsylvania court system, as well as the basics of criminal and family law. Students even receive training to earn Oleoresin Capsicum Aerosol Training (OCAT - pepper spray) and Practical and Tactical Handcuffing (PATH) certifications.
Our Criminal Justice graduates are working in careers as local and state Law Enforcement Officers and Deputies, Juvenile Justice Center Professionals, Corrections Officers, Private Security Guards, Loss Prevention Managers, and Victim Advocates.
Successful students in this program will be ethical, hard working, willing and eager to learn, and believe in the criminal justice system and the law.
Complete Course List
Criminal Justice Course List
Criminal Justice Course List for 2019-20
This program information appears in the 2019-20 school catalog. Click here for all course descriptions.
| Term | Course # | Course Name | Credits | Clock Hours | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Term | GE183 | Business English 1 | 4 | 60 | ||
| LE119 | Family Law for CJ | 2.5 | 36 | |||
| CJ123 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 5 | 60 | |||
| CJ125 | Introduction to Law Enforcement | 4.5 | 48 | |||
| GE213 | Oral Business Communications | 2 | 24 | |||
| PD110 | Professional Development | 2 | 24 | |||
| CJ128 | Sociology for CJ | 4 | 48 | |||
| First Term Totals: | 24 | 300 | ||||
| Second Term | LE118 | American Constitutional Law | 4.5 | 48 | ||
| GE180 | Applied Psychology | 3 | 36 | |||
| GE184 | Business English II | 4 | 60 | |||
| LE120 | Intro to the Law of Torts | 3 | 36 | |||
| CJ122 | Introduction to Corrections | 5 | 60 | |||
| CP283 | Microsoft Office | 4 | 60 | |||
| Second Term Totals: | 23.5 | 300 | ||||
| Third Term | CJ225 | Criminal Investigations | 3 | 36 | ||
| CJ227 | Criminology | 5 | 60 | |||
| CJ124 | Introduction to Criminal Law | 5 | 60 | |||
| GE181 | Introduction to Statistics for CJ | 3 | 36 | |||
| CJ126 | Introduction to Victimology | 4.5 | 60 | |||
| CJ232 | Terrorism & Homeland Security | 3 | 36 | |||
| Third Term Totals: | 23.5 | 288 | ||||
| Fourth Term | CJ119 | An Introduction to the PA Criminal Justice Handbook | 3 | 36 | ||
| CD104 | Career Development I | 2 | 24 | |||
| CJ224 | Criminal Evidence | 3 | 36 | |||
| CJ226 | Criminal Procedures | 5 | 60 | |||
| CJ120 | Forensic Science | 3 | 36 | |||
| CJ127 | Rehabilitation of the Offender | 3 | 36 | |||
| GE182 | Writing for CJ | 4.5 | 60 | |||
| Fourth Term Totals: | 23.5 | 288 | ||||
| Fifth Term | CD105 | Career Development II | 2 | 24 | ||
| CJ233 | Criminal Justice Capstone Project | 4 | 60 | |||
| CJ234 | Criminal Procedures II | 3 | 36 | |||
| * Elective | 3 | 36 | ||||
| CJ229 | Emergency Procedures | 2 | 24 | |||
| GE178 | Human Relations in the Workplace | 2.5 | 36 | |||
| CJ121 | Human Rights Issues in Criminal Justice | 3 | 36 | |||
| CJ230 | Juvenile Delinquency | 4.5 | 60 | |||
| Fifth Term Totals: | 24 | 312 | ||||
| Fifth Term Elective Choices | * CJ228 | Drugs, Crime and Criminal Justice | 3 | 36 | ||
| * CJ231 | Media and Criminal Justice | 3 | 36 | |||
| Sixth Term | CD106 | Career Preparation | 0.5 | 10 | ||
| CJ236 | Criminal Justice Internship | 11 | 330 | |||
| CJ235 | Specialized Certifications for CJ | 2.5 | 36 | |||
| Sixth Term Totals: | 14 | 376 | ||||
| CJ PROGRAM TOTAL CREDITS | CJ PROGRAM TOTAL HOURS | |||||
| 132.5 Credits | 1,864 Clock Hours |
Careers in Criminal Justice
With two years of hands-on training and strong skillsets, our Criminal Justice graduates are prepared for a variety of career options, including:
- Local Law Enforcement Officer
- Corrections Officer
- Juvenile Justice Center Official
- Loss Prevention Specialist
- Private Security Guard
- Sheriff’s Deputy
- State Law Enforcement Officer
- Victim Advocate
Each student completes a summer-long internship before graduation, providing real world experience. We have placed interns at locations including:
- Centre County Correctional Facility
- Centre County Sherrif’s Office
- Clearfield County District Attorney’s Office
- Clinton County Correctional Facility
- Huntingdon County Emergency Management Agency
- Lewistown Borough Police Department
- State Correctional Institution at Houtzdale
- State Correctional Institution at Rockview
- State College Police Department
- Tiadaghton Valley Regional Police
- Trough Creek Forestry Camp
South Hills Criminal Justice graduates are well-trained and in demand for their knowledge and work ethics. Some of the many locations employing our graduates include:
- Abuse Network
- Centre County Sheriff’s Office
- Centre County Correctional Facility
- Central Counties Youth Center
- Centre County Youth Service Bureau/Stormbreak
- Clearfield County Prison
- Clinton County Correctional Facility
- Elk County Prison
- Payton and Associates
- Pennsylvania State Police
- State Correctional Institution at Rockview
- St. Moritz Security Services
Meet the Faculty
Jennifer Stover
Program Coordinator / Instructor
State College Main Campus
Jennifer's Biography
Jennifer Stover has been a Criminal Justice instructor since 2008 and currently serves as the Coordinator of the Criminal Justice program. She is an advisor to the second-year Criminal Justice students and is the advisor for the Community Outreach & Public Service (C.O.P.S.) Club at South Hills. Jennifer is certified as an instructor in Practical and Tactical Handcuffing (PATH) and Oleo Capsicum Aerosol Training (OCAT).
Jennifer is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She began her employment in the criminal justice field working with the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office and the Lycoming County Drug Task Force before becoming an Investigator for the Inspector General’s Office. During her years of employment, Jennifer loved the criminal justice field which led her to decide to share her passion through teaching. She then earned her Master’s Degree in Education before joining the South Hills team.
Jennifer Stover has been a Criminal Justice instructor since 2008 and currently serves as the Coordinator of the Criminal Justice program. She is an advisor to the second-year Criminal Justice students and is the advisor for the Community Outreach & Public Service (C.O.P.S.) Club at South Hills. Jennifer is certified as an instructor in Practical and Tactical Handcuffing (PATH) and Oleo Capsicum Aerosol Training (OCAT).
Jennifer is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice. She began her employment in the criminal justice field working with the Lycoming County District Attorney’s Office and the Lycoming County Drug Task Force before becoming an Investigator for the Inspector General’s Office. During her years of employment, Jennifer loved the criminal justice field which led her to decide to share her passion through teaching. She then earned her Master’s Degree in Education before joining the South Hills team.
John McCullough
Adjunct Instructor
State College Main Campus
John's Biography
John McCullough has been an instructor in the Criminal Justice program since 2008. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Ursinus College and a Master’s degree in Social Service from Bryn Mawr College School of Social Work.
He has worked in two federal and four state prisons in the following positions: Social Worker, Director of a drug program, Director of Treatment, Deputy Superintendent (Camp Hill and Rockview), Superintendent (Houtzdale), Supervising Superintendent (Houtzdale, Huntingdon, Smithfield, and Cresson), and Deputy Secretary for the Western Region of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. He also taught part-time at Penn State in the Administration of Justice program.
John McCullough has been an instructor in the Criminal Justice program since 2008. He has a Bachelor of Science degree from Ursinus College and a Master’s degree in Social Service from Bryn Mawr College School of Social Work.
He has worked in two federal and four state prisons in the following positions: Social Worker, Director of a drug program, Director of Treatment, Deputy Superintendent (Camp Hill and Rockview), Superintendent (Houtzdale), Supervising Superintendent (Houtzdale, Huntingdon, Smithfield, and Cresson), and Deputy Secretary for the Western Region of the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. He also taught part-time at Penn State in the Administration of Justice program.
Sarah Stoltz
Adjunct Instructor
State College Main Campus
Sarah's Biography
Sarah Stoltz has been an instructor at the South Hills State College campus since 2011. She teaches legal courses in the Criminal Justice and Business Administration programs, as well as English courses in various programs.
Sarah graduated magna cum laude from Mount Aloysius College in 2005. She then earned her Juris Doctor in 2009 from Penn State, The Dickinson School of Law.
Before joining South Hills, Sarah served as a law clerk to the Honorable Pamela A. Ruest at the Centre County Court of Common Pleas. In addition to teaching, Sarah continues to practice law as a part-time Student Legal Services attorney at Penn State.
Sarah graduated magna cum laude from Mount Aloysius College in 2005. She then earned her Juris Doctor in 2009 from Penn State, The Dickinson School of Law.
Before joining South Hills, Sarah served as a law clerk to the Honorable Pamela A. Ruest at the Centre County Court of Common Pleas. In addition to teaching, Sarah continues to practice law as a part-time Student Legal Services attorney at Penn State.
Louis Lombardi
Instructor
State College Main Campus
Lou's Biography
Lou Lombardi has been an instructor teaching at South Hills since 2010.
Prior to teaching at South Hills, Mr. Lombardi taught criminal justice courses at Penn Highlands Community College. Mr. Lombardi is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University graduating with a B.S. degree in the Administration of Justice. Upon graduating from Penn State, Mr. Lombardi joined the New York City Police Department where he spent twenty years in the agency and rose to the rank of Police Captain. While in the NYPD, Mr. Lombardi attended law school and graduated cum laude from Brooklyn Law School. He currently is licensed to practice law in three states – New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Lou Lombardi has been an instructor teaching at South Hills since 2010.
Prior to teaching at South Hills, Mr. Lombardi taught criminal justice courses at Penn Highlands Community College. Mr. Lombardi is a graduate of the Pennsylvania State University graduating with a B.S. degree in the Administration of Justice. Upon graduating from Penn State, Mr. Lombardi joined the New York City Police Department where he spent twenty years in the agency and rose to the rank of Police Captain. While in the NYPD, Mr. Lombardi attended law school and graduated cum laude from Brooklyn Law School. He currently is licensed to practice law in three states – New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Daniel McKenrick
Adjunct Instructor
State College Main Campus
Dan's Biography
Dan McKenrick has been an instructor at the South Hills State College Main Campus since 2019. He teaches legal courses in the Criminal Justice program. He has a law degree from Widener University Commonwealth Law School, and Bachelor’s of Arts degrees in Political Science, and Crime, Law, and Justice.
Currently, Dan is an attorney at Penn State Student Legal Services. Prior to this role, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in Centre County for over three years, a law clerk in the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas, and as a juvenile probation officer in Dauphin County.
Dan is active in the legal community, serving on the Executive Committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) Conference of County Bar Leaders, as a delegate on the PBA House of Delegates, PBA Young Lawyers Division Zone 11 Chair, and is a former President of the Centre County Bar Association.
Dan McKenrick has been an instructor at the South Hills State College Main Campus since 2019. He teaches legal courses in the Criminal Justice program. He has a law degree from Widener University Commonwealth Law School, and Bachelor’s of Arts degrees in Political Science, and Crime, Law, and Justice.
Currently, Dan is an attorney at Penn State Student Legal Services. Prior to this role, he served as an Assistant District Attorney in Centre County for over three years, a law clerk in the Monroe County Court of Common Pleas, and as a juvenile probation officer in Dauphin County.
Dan is active in the legal community, serving on the Executive Committee of the Pennsylvania Bar Association (PBA) Conference of County Bar Leaders, as a delegate on the PBA House of Delegates, PBA Young Lawyers Division Zone 11 Chair, and is a former President of the Centre County Bar Association.
Greg Brauser
Adjunct Instructor
State College Main Campus
Greg's Biography
Greg Brauser earned a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice from The Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin at Platteville. He also completed the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.
He has over 25 years of law enforcement experience, having started his career in the early 1990s. He has been employed by the State College Police Department since 1998. He worked patrol for many years and was promoted to Sergeant in November 2006 and to Lieutenant in January 2013. From 2013 to 2017, his primary assignment was the night shift officer-in-charge. His current assignment is heading the Community Relations / Professional Standards division with duties including direct management of community/media relations, school resource officers, employee evaluations, and insurance that officers adhere to the high-performance standards of SCPD, which is accredited through the PA Chiefs of Police.
Greg Brauser earned a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice from The Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Wisconsin at Platteville. He also completed the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command.
He has over 25 years of law enforcement experience, having started his career in the early 1990s. He has been employed by the State College Police Department since 1998. He worked patrol for many years and was promoted to Sergeant in November 2006 and to Lieutenant in January 2013. From 2013 to 2017, his primary assignment was the night shift officer-in-charge. His current assignment is heading the Community Relations / Professional Standards division with duties including direct management of community/media relations, school resource officers, employee evaluations, and insurance that officers adhere to the high-performance standards of SCPD, which is accredited through the PA Chiefs of Police.
Program Advisory Committee
State College Main Campus
| Member Name | Job Title | Company |
| Tina Baronio | Loss Prevention Supervisor | Kohls Department Store |
| Josh Brown | Corrections Officer | SCI Rockview |
| Dana Droll | Assistant Administrator | Central Counties Youth Center |
| Catie Harpster | Centre House Case Manager | Housing Transitions |
| Adam Salyards | Community Relations & Crime Prevention Specialist | State College Police Department |
| Brandon Wheeler | Corrections Officer | SCI Benner |
| Joseph Yedlosky | Corrections Officer | Centre County Correctional Facility |
