What is Criminal Justice?
In the Criminal Justice program, you will take in-depth criminal justice and law enforcement courses as well as writing, psychology, communications, government, sociology, and other courses to assist you on the job. When you have completed your degree, you will understand the theory, principles, and techniques used by police, court administrators, institutional corrections officers, and community supervision officers. You will know how to perform traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, follow due process and procedures, collect and preserve evidence, arrest and prosecute violators of the law, and supervise professionals in criminal justice fields. This program also provides you a foundation for a pre-law degree.
What are my career choices?
Careers in Criminal Justice include local or state police, vehicle enforcement, institutional corrections, correctional supervision, and court administration.
What are my degree, diploma, or certificate options?
| Criminal Justice AAS - Corrections Track: 61-64 Total credit hours | Requirements |
| Criminal Justice AAS Criminal Justice Track: 61-64 Total credit hours | Requirements |
| Criminal Justice AAS Law Enforcement Track: 61-64 Total credit hours | Requirements |
| Criminal Justice AAS Security and Loss Prevention Track: 61-64 Total credit hours | Requirements |
| Computer Forensics Certificate: 23 Total Credit Hours | Requirements |
| Criminal Justice Core Certificate : 18 Total Credit Hours | Requirements |
| Criminal Behavior Certificate: 18 Total Credit Hours | Requirements |
| Community Reentry Specialist Certificate: 18 Total Credit Hours | Requirements |
| Law Enforcement Certificate: 18 Total Credit Hours | Requirements |
| Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate: 23 Total Credit Hours | Requirements |
| Advanced Technologies in Criminal Justice Certificate: 18 Total Credit Hours | Requirements |
| Security and Loss Prevention Certificate: 18 Total Credit Hours | Requirements |
| Industrial Safety and Security Certificate: 18 Total Credit Hours | Requirements |
Criminal Justice professionals can earn 13 college credits after successfully completing the state academy basic training program.
The Department of Criminal Justice Training & KCTCS articulation agreement awards graduates of the 16-week state academy basic training program with 13 credit hours toward the Criminal Justice AAS as follows:
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CJ 204 Criminal Investigations | 3 |
| CJ 216 Criminal Law | 3 |
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CJ 215 Police Patrol | 3 |
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| CJ 107 Introduction to Firearms | 1 |
| Course | Credit Hours |
|---|---|
| KHP 120 Self Defense | 1 |
| KHP 126 CPR | 1 |
| KHP 133 Safety and First Aid | 1 |
13 credit hours total
Contact Criminal Justice Program Coordinator Kim Wallace for full details.
Other Important Information
Most potential employers will require that graduates have a criminal background check and security clearance. A felony conviction or a bad driving record could keep you from gaining employment. Also, keep in mind that some agencies will usually have physical fitness requirements.
Additional Information
Length of Program
You can earn an associate in applied science degree in two years if you maintain full-time status.
This information should not be considered a substitute for the KCTCS Catalog. You should always choose classes in cooperation with your faculty advisor to ensure that you meet all degree requirements.
