Criminal Justice | HCC

Criminal Justice

Serve your community while promoting public safety. Our degree and certificate programs prepare for you for police, corrections, or security careers.

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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:

Required Courses for the AAS Degree
Course Credit Hours
CJ 204 Criminal Investigations 3
CJ 216 Criminal Law 3
Required Courses for the Law Enforcement Option
Course Credit Hours
CJ 215 Police Patrol 3
Criminal Justice Elective
Course Credit Hours
CJ 107 Introduction to Firearms 1
Kinesiology and Health
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.

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Program Contact

Criminal Justice

Program Coordinator

(270) 707-3904

Kim.Wallace@kctcs.edu