Criminal Justice A.A.

Associate in Arts
Transfer Degree
Cost
$10,500* (estimated)

Defend and advocate for justice

Get prepared to uphold the laws or prevent crime from occurring攏ow and in the future. With your Associate in Arts in Criminal Justice, you are guided by experienced faculty toward a clear pathway to graduation as you learn employable skills.

Your degree program uses an interactive lecture and discussion model. To ensure mastery of concepts, you do the day檚 work before class and then interact with other students and the professor during class.

What can you do with an A.A. in Criminal Justice?

An A.A. in Criminal Justice ensures you檙e prepared for a variety of bachelor檚 programs攏ot just criminal justice. You can work in federal law enforcement, the courts and judicial process, and the corrections system.

Work with an Academic Success Advisor who recommends the best way to transfer.

Start right away with your associate degree in roles such as:

  • police officer
  • deputy sheriff
  • correctional officer

With additional education, you can become a:

  • federal agent
  • lawyer
  • juvenile caseworker
  • U.S. marshal

Highlights

  • Online Classes Available

    Most classes can be completed online.

  • Credit for Prior Learning

    Receive college credit for what you already know.

  • Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

    Explore ways to pay for college (based on need/achievement).

  • Transfer Degree

    Save money on your first 2 years and transfer your credits to the 4-year school of your choice.

  • Program Length: 2 Years

    Finish in 2 years as a full-time student.

*Estimated cost is based on the minimum number of credit hours to complete the program. This estimate includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees for the 2026-2027 academic year, before financial aid, including grants, loans and scholarships, is applied. Actual cost may vary to include additional fees, materials and other cost of attendance factors such as living expenses, transportation, etc. Explore opportunities for financial assistance at 黑料社区. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Need help getting started?

Ask us for help. Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) will help you:

  • complete the admission process
  • choose an academic program
  • enroll in first-semester classes
  • get access to helpful resources

Talk to a CCN

Recommended Pathway

This pathway serves as a guide for students to complete the degree or certificate assuming full-time enrollment (registered in 12 or more credit hours per semester) with Semester 1 typically representing a Fall term.

Students are strongly encouraged to meet with their College and Career Navigator (CCN) to identify coursework that will meet degree requirements based on individual academic goals. For a more comprehensive list of course options and degree requirements, .


Icon Key

  • Credit for prior learning available
  • Dual credit options available
  • Global citizenship
  • Online/Virtual options available

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    黑料社区 120

    黑料社区 120 College Success Seminar

    Class Description

    This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
         		2
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ENG 121

    ENG 121 English Composition I

    Class Description

    This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    MTH 142

    MTH 142 General Education Statistics

    Class Description

    This course focuses on statistical reasoning and the solving of problems using real-world data rather than on computational skills. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results that arise from simulation and technology-based computations using technology more advanced than a basic scientific calculator, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheets, or statistical computing software. Topics will include data collection processes (observational studies, experimental design, sampling techniques, bias), descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data, bivariate data, correlation, and least ­squares regression, basic probability theory, probability distributions (normal distributions and normal curve, binomial distribution), confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using p-values. Note: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details. Credit will not be given in MTH 142 to those with prior credit in MTH 222. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Science or Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    PSY 121

    PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

    Class Description

    This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    CRJ 121

    CRJ 121 Introduction to Criminal Justice

    Class Description

    This course examines the legal process and the administration of justice in American society. Students will be exposed to the criminal process from the police function through adjudication, sentencing, and corrections, as well as the social, moral, and political issues involved in the administration of justice in a free society.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code 黑料社区 120
      Course Title

      黑料社区 120 College Success Seminar

      Class Description

      This course is designed to teach students attitudes and skills valuable for college success. Topics may include: growth mindset, self-advocacy skills, college resources, college culture, financial literacy, and academic success strategies, such as study skills, time management, and goal setting. Throughout this course, students will develop skills necessary for promoting positive human relations in a diverse society.
      Credits 2
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title

      ENG 121 English Composition I

      Class Description

      This course is designed to help students develop their competence in college-level writing and in the analysis of texts so they can enter the dialogue of the academic community. This course includes the analysis and practice of argument and the use of critical thinking to read, analyze, and produce college-level texts.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code MTH 142
      Course Title

      MTH 142 General Education Statistics

      Class Description

      This course focuses on statistical reasoning and the solving of problems using real-world data rather than on computational skills. Emphasis is on interpretation and evaluation of statistical results that arise from simulation and technology-based computations using technology more advanced than a basic scientific calculator, such as graphing calculators with a statistical package, spreadsheets, or statistical computing software. Topics will include data collection processes (observational studies, experimental design, sampling techniques, bias), descriptive methods using quantitative and qualitative data, bivariate data, correlation, and least ­squares regression, basic probability theory, probability distributions (normal distributions and normal curve, binomial distribution), confidence intervals and hypothesis tests using p-values. Note: A specific graphing calculator is required for this course. Contact the EMPS Division office for details. Credit will not be given in MTH 142 to those with prior credit in MTH 222. This course does not meet the math requirement in the Associate of Science or Associate of Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PSY 121
      Course Title

      PSY 121 Introduction to Psychology

      Class Description

      This course presents the basic concepts and theoretical perspectives for understanding psychology with an emphasis on cultural competence and social justice. It encompasses factors affecting human behavior and mental processes and includes, but is not limited to, the history of psychology, research methodology, the brain and behavior, learning, memory, cognition, language, intelligence, development, personality, abnormal psychology, therapy and social psychology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CRJ 121
      Course Title

      CRJ 121 Introduction to Criminal Justice

      Class Description

      This course examines the legal process and the administration of justice in American society. Students will be exposed to the criminal process from the police function through adjudication, sentencing, and corrections, as well as the social, moral, and political issues involved in the administration of justice in a free society.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other  instead of MTH 142. Students can choose instead of PSY 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    ENG 122

    ENG 122 English Composition II

    Class Description

    This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    CMM 121

    CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

    Class Description

    For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    SOC 121

    SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

    Class Description

    This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    CRJ 122

    CRJ 122 Introduction to Policing

    Class Description

    This course examines the history, structure, and behavior of police in America. Students will be exposed to various topics, such as: the heritage of American policing; police systems including federal, state and local policing; the patrol function; police discretion; police-community relations; police accountability; and police and the Constitution.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    CRJ 123

    CRJ 123 Introduction to Criminology

    Class Description

    This course is designed to familiarize the student with the social and legal aspects of crime in American society. An emphasis is placed on the definition of crime and deviance, the nature and extent of the crime problem, the history of criminology, criminological theory, violent crime, economic crime, public-order crime, and victimology.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ENG 122
      Course Title

      ENG 122 English Composition II

      Class Description

      This course furthers the work done in English Composition I by providing students more experience as academic writers, readers, researchers and critical thinkers. To help students construct their own meaning while engaging with the texts of others, they will develop the ability to collect, evaluate, and incorporate varied sources in thoughtfully-written analyses and arguments. Students' work should demonstrate the ability to position themselves within the context of academic and societal conversations using a variety of texts, which may include literature, arguments on various issues, news articles, films, advertisements, and websites.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CMM 121
      Course Title

      CMM 121 Fundamentals of Speech

      Class Description

      For students interested in improving their oral communication competency. This course combines a theoretical basis with practical verbal and nonverbal skills to enhance public speaking effectiveness. Students learn how to develop, research, organize, adapt, deliver and critique messages.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code SOC 121
      Course Title

      SOC 121 Introduction to Sociology

      Class Description

      This course introduces the basic concepts and perspectives for understanding sociology. The course examines how society influences and shapes human behavior. Topics of analysis include, but are not limited to, the development of sociology, theoretical perspectives and research methodologies, culture, social institutions, social change, and social inequality on the basis of class, gender, race and ethnicity, and sexuality.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CRJ 122
      Course Title

      CRJ 122 Introduction to Policing

      Class Description

      This course examines the history, structure, and behavior of police in America. Students will be exposed to various topics, such as: the heritage of American policing; police systems including federal, state and local policing; the patrol function; police discretion; police-community relations; police accountability; and police and the Constitution.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CRJ 123
      Course Title

      CRJ 123 Introduction to Criminology

      Class Description

      This course is designed to familiarize the student with the social and legal aspects of crime in American society. An emphasis is placed on the definition of crime and deviance, the nature and extent of the crime problem, the history of criminology, criminological theory, violent crime, economic crime, public-order crime, and victimology.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other  instead of SOC 121.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    BIO 120

    BIO 120 Environmental Biology

    Class Description

    This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.
         		4
    • Credit for prior learning available
    MUS 124

    MUS 124 Music Appreciation

    Class Description

    This course introduces standard concert music through intensive guided listening. Representative works by major composers from each period are chosen to illustrate the principal styles, forms and techniques of vocal and instrumental music.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    CRJ 124

    CRJ 124 Introduction to Corrections

    Class Description

    This course examines the history, philosophy, and administration of corrections in America. An emphasis will be placed on philosophies of punishment, sentencing strategies, the prison community, alternatives to incarceration, and various reform efforts. Critical issues facing corrections will be examined.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    CRJ 221

    CRJ 221 Criminal Law

    Class Description

    This course explores the history and development of the criminal law as a system of social control. An emphasis is placed on legal principles and substantive law. Elements of a crime, specific statutes, and various affirmative defenses are analyzed.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    HUM 127

    HUM 127 Critical Thinking

    Class Description

    Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one檚 positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
         		3
    • Dual credit options available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code BIO 120
      Course Title

      BIO 120 Environmental Biology

      Class Description

      This course focuses on the relationships between humans and the environment. Topics include ecology, population biology, modification of our environment, resource use, land use planning, pollution, and energy. The goal is to better understand the biological and social problems that human use and misuse of the environment cause. Students may not receive credit for both BIO 120 and BIO 140. NOTE: Required, local field trips are scheduled during several (approximate1/2) of the lab periods. Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from field sites. This course is recommended for non-science majors needing a one-semester lab science course.
      Credits 4
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
    • Course Code MUS 124
      Course Title

      MUS 124 Music Appreciation

      Class Description

      This course introduces standard concert music through intensive guided listening. Representative works by major composers from each period are chosen to illustrate the principal styles, forms and techniques of vocal and instrumental music.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CRJ 124
      Course Title

      CRJ 124 Introduction to Corrections

      Class Description

      This course examines the history, philosophy, and administration of corrections in America. An emphasis will be placed on philosophies of punishment, sentencing strategies, the prison community, alternatives to incarceration, and various reform efforts. Critical issues facing corrections will be examined.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CRJ 221
      Course Title

      CRJ 221 Criminal Law

      Class Description

      This course explores the history and development of the criminal law as a system of social control. An emphasis is placed on legal principles and substantive law. Elements of a crime, specific statutes, and various affirmative defenses are analyzed.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
    • Course Code HUM 127
      Course Title

      HUM 127 Critical Thinking

      Class Description

      Students will learn sound reasoning skills (i.e. informal logic) to improve the quality of their education, work, and life. These skills include recognizing, evaluating, and analyzing arguments; obtaining and interpreting data; arguing one檚 positions with clarity and precision; problem-solving; and decision-making. Students will learn these skills through examples taken from different academic and professional areas, including the arts, politics, religion, science, business, and law.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Dual credit options available
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other  instead of BIO 120. Students can choose other instead of MUS 124. Students can choose other instead of HUM 127.

  • Course Code Course Title Credits Course Highlights
    PSC 121

    PSC 121 American National Politics

    Class Description

    This course is an introductory survey of American politics designed to help students better understand the U.S. political system. The focus of the course is on the system檚 key political actors, behaviors, processes and institutions. Empirically based explanations are offered to help students understand why these political factors are important to the system檚 operation, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    PHI 125

    PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

    Class Description

    In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
         		3
    • Global citizenship
    • Online/Virtual options available
    CRJ 222

    CRJ 222 Criminal Procedural Law

    Class Description

    This course exposes the student to the field of criminal procedural law. The course will examine certain civil liberties guaranteed in the Bill of Rights to the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions and how they relate to law enforcement procedures of arrest, search and seizure, and interrogation. An emphasis will be placed on the rulings of the U.S. Supreme and Federal Appellate Courts as well as on the rulings of the Illinois Supreme and Appellate Courts. Basic rules of evidence and formal charging will also be discussed.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    CRJ 229

    CRJ 229 Juvenile Delinquency

    Class Description

    This course examines juvenile delinquency in American society, including the historical, behavioral, legal, and correctional aspects of delinquency. Emphasis is placed on the nature and extent of delinquency in the United States, the traditional theories of delinquent behavior, and the legal processing of juvenile offenders.
         		3
    • Credit for prior learning available
    • Online/Virtual options available
    ESC 129

    ESC 129 Severe and Hazardous Weather

    Class Description

    This course is designed for students who wish to gain a better understanding of the causes and impacts of various types of extreme weather. Meteorological concepts and processes that cause severe and hazardous weather will be presented in a non-technical manner during the first part of the course. Subsequently, specific types of severe and hazardous weather will be examined as well as an investigation of their historical, economic, and human consequences. Severe weather topics may include lightning, hail, tornadoes, floods, drought, cold and heat waves, blizzards, ice storms, wind storms, hurricanes, and El Nino/La Nina. Students should be comfortable interpreting maps, charts, and diagrams.
         		3
    • Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PSC 121
      Course Title

      PSC 121 American National Politics

      Class Description

      This course is an introductory survey of American politics designed to help students better understand the U.S. political system. The focus of the course is on the system檚 key political actors, behaviors, processes and institutions. Empirically based explanations are offered to help students understand why these political factors are important to the system檚 operation, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code PHI 125
      Course Title

      PHI 125 Introduction to Ethics

      Class Description

      In this course, students are exposed to moral theories such as virtue ethics, utilitarianism, deontology, and the ethics of care. Students also critically evaluate general moral theories, and fundamental moral concepts. Additionally, they apply these moral theories to contemporary moral issues such as animal rights, environmental issues, reproductive technologies, abortion, euthanasia and assisted suicide, poverty and famine relief, war and peace, racism, sexism, emerging technologies, and other issues. Students develop and defend their own views on these matters, and evaluate the views of others. By studying and applying moral theories to their own lives, students are encouraged to explore different ways of effecting change in their lives and communities. Throughout the course, students learn about moral concepts such as autonomy, impartiality, utility, rights, responsibility, and justice. Specific attention is given to moral issues relevant to and philosophical contributions made by members of traditionally underrepresented groups.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Global citizenship
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CRJ 222
      Course Title

      CRJ 222 Criminal Procedural Law

      Class Description

      This course exposes the student to the field of criminal procedural law. The course will examine certain civil liberties guaranteed in the Bill of Rights to the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions and how they relate to law enforcement procedures of arrest, search and seizure, and interrogation. An emphasis will be placed on the rulings of the U.S. Supreme and Federal Appellate Courts as well as on the rulings of the Illinois Supreme and Appellate Courts. Basic rules of evidence and formal charging will also be discussed.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code CRJ 229
      Course Title

      CRJ 229 Juvenile Delinquency

      Class Description

      This course examines juvenile delinquency in American society, including the historical, behavioral, legal, and correctional aspects of delinquency. Emphasis is placed on the nature and extent of delinquency in the United States, the traditional theories of delinquent behavior, and the legal processing of juvenile offenders.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Credit for prior learning available
      Online/Virtual options available
    • Course Code ESC 129
      Course Title

      ESC 129 Severe and Hazardous Weather

      Class Description

      This course is designed for students who wish to gain a better understanding of the causes and impacts of various types of extreme weather. Meteorological concepts and processes that cause severe and hazardous weather will be presented in a non-technical manner during the first part of the course. Subsequently, specific types of severe and hazardous weather will be examined as well as an investigation of their historical, economic, and human consequences. Severe weather topics may include lightning, hail, tornadoes, floods, drought, cold and heat waves, blizzards, ice storms, wind storms, hurricanes, and El Nino/La Nina. Students should be comfortable interpreting maps, charts, and diagrams.
      Credits 3
      Course Highlights
      Online/Virtual options available

    Course options: Students can choose other  instead of PHI 125.Students can choose other instead of ESC 129.

Total Credit Hours

60



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Criminal Justice at 黑料社区

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An A.A. in Criminal Justice is just one possible way to study legal studies and public safety. Get the bigger picture攄egrees, credentials and extra options.

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