The Department of Criminal Justice & Social Sciences is ready to help you prepare for variety of exciting careers. Law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice and homeland security are quickly expanding fields. Psychology is one of the Redlands’ most popular degrees. This degree field offers you opportunities for personal growth while giving you options in interesting and challenging careers. If you love working with children, we also have programs to help you prepare for a job as a child care professional or teacher.
Regardless of your career path, our department offers programs of study that will prepare you for a successful future. Our courses set you on a path to a two-year degree, or they transfer to a four-year university.
Contact Us:
Todd Hobson
Department Head of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences, Professor of Criminal Justice
Phone: 405.422.6253
hobsonpt@redlandscc.edu
Child Development
- Family Studies & Child Development AA
- Child Development AAS
- Certificates of Mastery
Criminal Justice
- Criminal Justice AA
- Criminal Justice AAS
- Certificates of Mastery
Psychology
- Psychology AA
- Certificates of Mastery
Pre-Education Elementary
Transfer Agreements
We work with universities around the state to ensure that you can transition smoothly from completing an associate degree at Redlands to earning a bachelor's degree at a four-year institution. Learn more about your degree options in these programs.
Program Outcomes
Criminal Justice
The criminal justice program provides students with an understanding of the nature of crime and the personnel, institutions and process that prevent or respond to crime. Students learn both the theory and practice of the criminal justice system. The curriculum covers crime and criminal behavior, law enforcement, courts, and corrections. It provides a solid foundation for further study or entry into a variety of criminal justice professions. Students must obtain an overall grade point average of 2.0 or higher for successful degree completion.
Intended Program Outcomes
- Explain the structure of the American criminal justice system in terms of its major components (i.e., police, courts, and corrections) and the functions they serve.
- Measured by effectively communicating thru reading and writing assignments as well as exams.
- Communicate in writing to express solutions in criminal justice topics.
Measured by completing writing assignments that demonstrate effective critical thinking to identifying and defining problems and then formulating conclusions based upon reading assignments.
- Apply critical thinking skills to analyze and solve a variety of complex problems in the criminal justice environment. Assess the philosophy, theories, policies, practices, processes, and reforms of the criminal justice system
Measured thru completion of writing assignments and exams as well as a series of class discussions.
- Use technology to develop specialized technical knowledge and skills relevant to the field of criminal justice. (computer & writing skills)
Measured by demonstrating basic technology skills for class success, i.e. computer, research, on-line discussions.
- Review the major historical and contemporary issues facing the criminal justice system including events, information, programs, policies, and concepts that affect the operation of criminal justice agencies as well as issues of society ethnic and gender diversity.
Measured by reading and writing assignments as well as exams.
Child Development & Family Studies
The child development & family studies program(s) provide students with an understanding of children’s growth and development, developmentally appropriate environments, family and community relationships, and professional practices that promote the learning of young children. Students learn meaningful curriculum and practices that will help them to demonstrate knowledgeable informed decisions when working with children. The curriculum covers health and safety, knowledge of state and federal guidelines, positive guidance strategies, meaningful learning experiences, developing meaningful relationships with families and community, evaluation and observation of children, how to address individual children to grow physically, emotionally, and cognitively according to their own individual needs. The child development program provides a background for further study or entry into a variety of child development professions. Students must obtain an overall grade point average of 2.0 or higher for successful degree completion.
Intended Program Outcomes
- Explain the multiple influences and positive ways that affect children’s ability to grow and learn in various environments that are supportive, challenging, respectful, and healthy.
- Measured by effectively communicating thru reading and writing assignments, observations, and exams.
- Communicate in writing to express solutions in child development topics.
Measured by completing assigned writing assignments that demonstrate effective critical thinking to identifying and defining problems and then formulating conclusions based upon assigned reading assignments.
- Apply critical thinking skills to observe and evaluation children’s development.
Measured thru completion of performance-based assessments and observations.
- Develop specialized technical knowledge and skills relevant to the field of child development. (computer & writing skills)
Measured by demonstrating basic technology skills for class success, i.e. computer, research, on-line discussions.
- Assess the philosophy, theories, policies, practices, processes, and environments of the child development field.
Measured by exams, observations and writing assignments.
- Review and explore the historical, philosophical and social foundations that influence children’s growth and development as a professional by using appropriate professional literature, organizations, resources and experiences in order to improve the practice of teaching young children.
Measured by exams, observations, and writing assignments.
Psychology
- Demonstrate familiarity with key concepts, theoretical perspectives and historical trends in psychology.
- Understand and apply psychological principles to personal, social, and organizational issues.
- Communicate effectively in both oral and written formats.
Todd Hobson, Department Head for Safety and Behavioral Sciences
405.422.6253
Email
Office: S-107-C, Ray Porter Academic Complex
Todd Hobson earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a Master of Education degree from the University of Central Oklahoma. He spent several years working in corrections in both the private prison system and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. He previously served as the assistant director of training and development at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City and as a senior program specialist at the University of Oklahoma. He joined Redlands in 2004.
Erin Karl, M.A., Professor of History
405.422.6295
Email
Office: S-107-D, Ray Porter Academic Complex
Erin Karl received a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Missouri at Kansas City in 2005. She earned her Master of Arts in History-Museum Studies with honors from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2008. Following graduation, she became the director of a local historic preservation organization where she served for four years. She began teaching history part time 2009, and in 2012, she chose to focus completely on teaching and began an adjunct teaching career that spanned five college campuses in the Oklahoma City metro area. Karl began teaching at Redlands in 2015, joining the faculty full time in 2020.
Cherry Rain, Professor of Political Science, Academic Team Coach, and Coordinator of Student Clubs and Organizations
405.422.1493
Email
Office: S-111-A, Ray Porter Academic Complex
As a first-generation college student, Cherry Rain earned an Associate of Arts in pre-law at Rose State College and went on to earn her bachelor’s and master’s degree in Political Science at the University of Central Oklahoma. She has taught at several colleges in Oklahoma for many years, earning multiple awards in innovation and excellence. Cherry joined Redlands as adjunct faculty in 2005 and became part of Redlands full-time faculty in 2011. Rain has served as campaign strategist for an Oklahoma gubernatorial candidate and other local candidates. She is active in state politics and several nonprofit organizations. She is most passionate, however, about teaching beginning college students the principles and requirements of maintaining a democracy and inspiring many students in becoming active in the democratic process.
Jeffrey Sheldon, Professor of Political Science/E-Sports Coach
405.422.7054
Email
Office: LRC-02
Jeffrey Sheldon earned a Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma in 2006 and a Master’s of Arts in Political Science / International Relations from the University of Central Oklahoma in 2008. After graduation Sheldon worked in oil field services for a number of year before moving into academics. In 2015, Sheldon started adjunct teaching at Oklahoma City Community College, and then at Redlands Community College in 2016, with Rose State College finally in 2020. In 2021, Sheldon began to coach the newly created Esports club and competitive team and transitioned to full time in the Summer 2022.
Take the fastest route to a Criminal Justice degree! Discover the key features that make our program stand out and set you on the path to professional success.
Our flexible program is designed to shape your expertise in the field of criminal justice, and our focused curriculum ensures you're well-prepared for the challenges ahead. Opt for either our intensive 8-week classes or the standard 16-week classes, adapting your learning experience to align with your lifestyle and preferences.
Experience the freedom of 100% online learning, allowing you to tailor your studies to your schedule. Prefer the camaraderie of a physical classroom? Attend classes on campus and immerse yourself in a traditional learning environment. Mix and match online and on-campus classes to create a schedule that aligns with your unique needs.
Your prior training matters. Receive credit for your previous educational achievements and training, putting you on the fast track towards earning your degree.
Our program opens doors directly to fulfilling careers in criminal justice, provides career advancement opportunities or serves as a stepping stone for transferring to a four-year university.
How do I get started?
Complete the Application for Admission. Notify Todd Hobson, Department Head of Criminal Justice and Social Sciences, once this step is completed. Contact him at hobsonpt@redlandscc.edu or 405.422.6253. To complete the admission process, you will need to submit:
- An official high school transcript or copy of GED. (If you have 32 hours of college credit you won’t need to submit a high school transcript.)
- Official transcripts from each college you have attended (if any).
Electronic transcripts sent directly to Redlands Community College will be accepted.
Can I use financial aid?
Redlands is one of the top educational values in Oklahoma. Still, paying for college is a challenge for many. We're ready to help! Visit the Financial Aid webpage for more resources.
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid to be eligible for scholarships, grants and loans. The financial aid school code for Redlands Community College is 003156.
If you have questions, please contact our Financial Aid office at 405.422.6250 or email financial.aid@redlandscc.edu.
Are there payment options?
A variety of payment plans are available. Visit Paying for Redlands for a description of the different payment options. Information is also available through the Student Finance tab on your Go.Redlandscc.edu student portal. For assistance, please call 405.422.1230 or email Business.Office@redlandscc.edu.
Is there financial assistance for veterans?
If you are a veteran, financial assistance is available. If you will be using the GI Bill, please contact the VA Regional Processing Office. The toll free number is 888.442.4551 or visit the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
For VA information at Redlands, please contact Holly Avila at 405.422.6238 or Holly.Avila@redlandscc.edu.
Can I used the training I have received for college credit?
Yes, you can. You can receive up to 30 college credits for training you have received from your department or agency. Most law enforcement training applies, such as police officers, corrections or juvenile justice.
Can I still attend if I live out of state?
Yes. The degree can be completed 100% online. If you are not an Oklahoma resident and need financial assistance, please contact the registrar at Student.Records@redlandscc.edu to request a non-resident tuition waiver form.