Criminal Justice Associates Degree

The criminal justice curriculum is designed to provide students with a foundation in the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary for employment in the criminal justice field. Students may pursue either the Associate of Arts-transfer degree or the Associate of Applied Science degree with Certificate. Students who earn the Associate of Applied Science or Certificate of Criminal Justice are prepared for applying for entry-level employment in policing, courts, and corrections, along with entry-level positions in private security.

Program graduates may obtain immediate employment with public or private agencies concerned with public safety, crime prevention, security, or the apprehension and rehabilitation of criminals. A person convicted of a crime may have limited job opportunities in some criminal justice careers.

Many program graduates choose to continue their education in the area of Criminal Justice by transferring to a four-year academic institution or university. NIACC’s articulation agreements facilitate the transfer of NIACC credits to many institutions. A person considering employment with a public agency should check to determine the necessity of successfully passing psychological examinations as well as meeting standards related to physical fitness and eyesight capabilities, as a prerequisite to such employment. The College assume no responsibility for paying such examinations.