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The Criminal Justice Program at Roane State reflects the growing academic emphasis of the discipline. The degree program is designed to prepare students for careers in criminal justice.
Besides this AAS career program, two transfer programs in Criminal Justice are offered:
A number of the careers listed under work settings require four-year or advanced degrees; thus, it is important that each student consult in the early stages of the enrollment process with the program director concerning career and academic goals.
The program is based at the main campus in Harriman. However, criminal justice courses are also taught at the Oak Ridge campus. The degree may also be earned partially or completely online.
Careers in criminal justice cover a wide variety of activities. Most common are the uniformed officers who form our local, county and state police agencies. However, many people are also employed in an enforcement capacity by such government agencies as the FBI, Secret Service, Border Patrol, Treasury Department, and National Forest and Park Service. Some of these agencies require a four-year degree. One may also find employment in related criminal justice occupations including corrections, retail and industrial security, probation/parole, insurance work and private investigation.
Salaries for criminal justice professionals vary greatly depending on where and for whom they work. Many jobs offer an hourly wage. Most careers with government agencies or other organizations offer salaried positions. The average starting salary for criminal justice personnel in state government is around $28,500, with starting salaries in city and county government usually a bit lower. With experience, many criminal justice professionals in East Tennessee have an earning potential of $40,000 or more.
The federal government features a graduated pay scale, with earnings based on experience and seniority. Federal agents typically earn their high-paid positions by moving up through the ranks in law enforcement or the military. Federal law enforcement agents work for a range of U.S. government agencies: the FBI, DEA and Department of Homeland Security agencies such as Customs and Border Patrol.
Federal agents earn salaries in the GS-10 grade, $48,000 and above. With overtime, they are eligible for LEAP (law enforcement availability pay), which boosts earnings 25 percent.
Elizabeth Lewis
Criminal Justice Program Director
Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
Elizabeth Lewis attended Tennessee Tech University and earned an A.S. degree in criminal justice, and a B.S. degree in psychology. After graduation from TTU, Elizabeth attended the University of Tennessee and earned her master’s degree in criminal justice. She earned additional graduate hours in sociology and criminology before becoming a full-time professor for the University System of Georgia. Before coming to RSCC, Elizabeth was the Administration of Justice program director at Virginia Western College. She is a former probation and parole officer for the State of Tennessee, and has extensive experience working with adolescents in detention centers and wilderness treatment facilities.
Mikaela D Cooney • (865) 354-3000 ext. 4366 • Click name for email address
Roane State Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulation and by Tennessee board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities. View full non-discrimination policy.