Criminal Justice

What is criminal Justice

 Criminal Justice is more than a career path. It is a calling for those who want to make a real difference in a complex and rapidly changing world. Today’s professionals work at the crossroads of public safety, technology, and human behavior, facing complex, high-stakes situations that demand critical thinking, ethical judgment, and adaptability. This program prepares students for the realities of modern criminal justice work.

Modern criminal justice careers are no longer defined by a single role or routine. Professionals are expected to wear many hats—investigator, crisis responder, problem-solver, communicator, and community partner—often within the same shift. Advances in forensic science, digital investigations, and data-driven policing have transformed how crimes are solved and how justice is delivered. This curriculum reflects those changes by combining foundational theory with practical skills that prepare students to think, act, and lead in real-world situations.

Graduates of the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Criminal Justice program are prepared to enter a diverse and dynamic range of careers across federal, state, county, and municipal agencies. Career opportunities include but are not limited to patrol, corrections, correctional treatment, probation and parole, juvenile justice, forensic support, private security, victim advocacy, undercover operations and crisis-response roles such as crisis intervention officer and hostage negotiator. Graduates are also well positioned to pursue further study in criminal justice related fields, including 4-year opportunities, graduate programs, and preparation for law school.