Criminal Justice

Choose your path: Law, courts or corrections

In the criminal justice system, you have three separate yet equally important paths. The three legs of the criminal justice system each have a particular function:

  • enforce the law (for example, police or border forces)
  • safeguard the judicial process (think of lawyers, judges, clerks, bailiffs and more)
  • prevent future criminal behavior (corrections and probation officers, for example)

This is the start of your story. Consider your strengths and where you want to serve. Which adventure do you choose?

Why study Criminal Justice with us?

Work with our Academic Success Advisors, or your own instructors, to plan your transfer to a 4-year institution. We can recommend schools that fit your future goals. Your instructors know you by name, not by number. At CLC, the instructors are teachers first. They dedicate their careers to helping you learn and understand the significance of the criminal justice system to the way we live.

You learn the same material studied at 4-year schools, while you receive the personal attention and feedback possible only in small class sizes.

Find out more about different roles and career paths in criminal justice.

Highlights

Degrees & Certificates

For students planning to transfer to a 4-year college or university for a bachelor’s degree.

These programs are built around general education classes that lead to an associate degree designed to transfer to a 4-year school. CLC participates in the Illinois Articulation Initiative (IAI) to ensure that approved courses will transfer to other participating colleges and universities. Transfer degrees typically take 2 years* to complete.

*Assumes full-time enrollment.

For students who want to start or shift to a new career or advance in their current career.

You can earn an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree at CLC in 2 years*. Gain job-ready skills from experienced instructors and earn work-based experience from apprenticeships and internships. Some of the courses you’ll take earn college credit, which can transfer to a 4-year college or university toward a bachelor’s degree.

*Assumes full-time enrollment.

For students who want to earn job skills for entry level occupations, or level up in their career.

Certificates are designed to be completed in less than 2 years. Many certificate programs contain Career Degree core courses so you can continue with additional study or stack certificates to earn an A.A.S. degree.

Need help?

Your College & Career Navigator (CCN) helps you

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

Talk to a CCN


*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours. This includes in-district tuition and other fees, such as books and materials before financial aid is applied, as well as grants, loans or scholarships. There are many opportunities for financial assistance at CLC. Learn more about Cost of Attendance.


Courses in the program

Build your foundation in core Criminal Justice courses. Then, choose from electives that match your interests and goals.

Meet our instructors

Experience the benefit of small class sizes and personalized instruction from your CLC instructors.



Take the next step...


Be debt-free at CLC

CLC has some of the lowest tuition around. Financial aid and scholarships are available—even for working adults.

Paying for college

Explore careers

Discover majors and career paths to complement and extend your intuitive interests and abilities.

Explore Career Coach

Request info

Your education is a big investment of your time, money and attention. Gather all the info you need.

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Start your application today—it’s free and easy to complete. When you’re ready, we’re ready to help you take the next step.

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