Department of Criminal Justice Education and Training

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Department of Criminal Justice Education and Training

The Department of Criminal Justice Training and Education offers two-year degrees and a variety of certificate programs open to all students.

The Department of Criminal Justice Education and Training provides quality instruction for transfer, degree, and occupational students.  The courses reflect skills and knowledge that have been identified by our transfer institutions and local criminal justice employers as critical to student success in the classroom, in online courses, and in the communities where students will be employed.

Criminal Justice Education is a multi-disciplinary program that seeks to educate students on the many aspects of justice administration—from the human, social and moral problems to the larger scope of justice systems.  Students can earn a associate of science degree and or prepare for transfer to a four-year college or university in order to earn a bachelors degree or masters degree.

Catalog Information

Did You Know?

  • An estimated 5,460 job openings will be posted annually through 2028 in California for sheriff's departments and police departments.
  • The 30×30 Initiative is a coalition of police leaders, researchers, and professional organizations who have joined together to advance the representation and experiences of women in all ranks of policing across the United States.
  • Law enforcement agencies are looking for applicants of all identities especially those who speak a second language.
  • A career in the criminal justice system offers excellent entry-level pay and benefits with a high level of job security.

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Program Highlights

The Department of Criminal Justice Education and Training serves transfer, degree, and occupational students.  Students can earn an AS-T in Administration of Justice in preparation for transfer to a four-year college or university, as well as an AS degree for immediate entry into the workforce. In addition, the program offers six different skills-based certificates awarded for completion of relevant coursework. These certificate programs include:

  • Law Enforcement-Administration of Justice
  • Law Enforcement-Career Preparation
  • Law Enforcement-Community Policing
  • Law Enforcement-Crime Scene Investigations
  • Law Enforcement-Juvenile Justice
  • Law Enforcement-Mental Health & Addiction

Courses reflect skills and knowledge that have been identified by our transfer institutions and local criminal justice employers as critical to student success in the classroom, in online courses, and in the communities where students will be employed. 

We encourage you to apply for every degree and certificate you are eligible to receive. Degrees and certificates enhance your college transcript and resume. They make you a stronger applicant for employment.

Learn How To Apply For A Degree

Applying for one of the certificates listed above is easy and free!  Simply click on the link below and fill out the docu-sign form. We will take care of the rest! You can submit an application for a certificate during the semester when you will become eligible.

Apply For A Certificate 

Occupations

With more than 18,000 law enforcement agencies in the United States, including 500 in California, demand is steady for, sworn and civilian, criminal justice and law enforcement personnel. Graduates can also pursue careers in the private sector as security officers and private investigators for companies and individuals, or undertake further studies in social work, law, or technology to work in adjacent fields.

  • Deputy Sheriff
  • Police Officer
  • 9-1-1 Dispatcher
  • Evidence Technician
  • Probation Officer
  • Criminal Lawyer
  • Learn more:

After NVC

NVC has a formal agreement with National University for transfer to a four-year degree in criminal justice administration. Within the CSU system, San Francisco State offers BS programs in Criminal Justice Studies, while Sonoma State offers a BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice. To explore these and other opportunities, visit the Transfer Center. Consult with program faculty and NVC Counseling to determine the best degree path for your goals.

Program faculty

The Department of Criminal Justice Education and Training is part of the Health and Safety Division of Napa Valley College. Our credit courses, degrees and certificate programs are accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges and the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.

Dean Jerry Dunlap, Dean of KADS, Social Sciences, Administration of Justice

Professor Sean McCann
Program Coordinator Greg Miraglia

Instructor Mark Covington
Instructor Donna Kimmel
Instructor Damien Sandoval
Instructor Timothy Sowards
Instructor Erik Upson

Advisory committee

Lieutenant Justin Tharp, St. Helena Police Department (Committee Chair)
Chief Mitchell Celaya, Calistoga Police Department
Lieutenant Andre Charles, Calistoga Police Department
Lieutenant Chase Haag, Napa Police Department
District Attorney Allison Haley, Napa County DA’s Office
Sergeant Mark Harden, Clear Lake Police Department
Sergeant Felipe Hernandez, Napa County Sheriff’s Department
Professor Sean McCann, Napa Valley College
Sergeant Hoyt Maddox, Napa Valley College Police Department
Program Coordinator, Greg Miraglia, Napa Valley College

About The Police academy

The Criminal Justice Training Center closed in June of 2022 and was permanently discontinued in November of 2023. Napa Valley College no longer offers the basic police academy, 9-1-1 dispatcher course, requalification course, corrections academy or 832PC course. If you are looking for California POST certified courses, please visit the Santa Rosa Public Safety Training Center or California POST website for more information.

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