Criminal Justice A.A.S.

Become a criminal justice professional

Cape or no cape, you’re a hero: pursuing a career poised to serve society and guard our integrity. Start on the road to your future with an Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice.

Your degree program uses an interactive lecture and discussion model. You do the day’s work before class and then interact with other students and the professor during class to ensure mastery of concepts. Become qualified for roles in the three areas of criminal justice:

law enforcement
courts
corrections

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

You can help make the world safer with an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Criminal Justice. This program grounds you in criminology, legal studies, corrections and policing, which opens various pathways to your pursuit of justice.

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

police officer
deputy sheriff
correctional officer
loss-prevention supervisor
private security supervisor

With additional education, you can become a:

state's attorney
defense attorney
federal agent

Highlights

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).
Career Degree

Gain in-demand technical and job-ready skills by earning an associate degree in 2 years.
Program Length: 2 Years

Finish in 2 years as a full-time student.
WIOA Program

Become eligible for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA)-awarded vouchers.

*Estimated cost is based on recommended pathway credit hours for full-time students for academic year 2025-2026. This includes in-district tuition and comprehensive fees, 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 CLC. Learn more about the Cost of Attendance.

Career Outlook

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $63,299
  
  Median
  
  $116,336
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $230,149
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30.43
  
  Median
  
  $55.93
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $110.65
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  8.93%
  
  Certificate
  
  6.72%
  
  Some college
  
  1.27%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  5.33%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  63.38%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  14.38%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $57,860
  
  Median
  
  $106,343
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $174,854
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $27.81
  
  Median
  
  $51.12
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $84.06
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  32.48%
  
  Certificate
  
  19.72%
  
  Some college
  
  17.86%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  19.95%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  10%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan and direct disaster response or crisis management activities, provide disaster preparedness training, and prepare emergency plans and procedures for natural (e.g., hurricanes, floods, earthquakes), wartime, or technological (e.g., nuclear power plant emergencies or hazardous materials spills) disasters or hostage situations.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $64,765
  
  Median
  
  $108,859
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $185,314
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $31.13
  
  Median
  
  $52.33
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $89.09
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  4.55%
  
  Some college
  
  9.09%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  4.55%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  68.18%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  13.64%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $108,173
  
  Median
  
  $145,502
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $175,179
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $52.00
  
  Median
  
  $69.94
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $84.21
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  56.42%
  
  Certificate
  
  0.92%
  
  Some college
  
  19.62%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  3.62%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  19.42%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Resolve disputes between workers and managers, negotiate collective bargaining agreements, or coordinate grievance procedures to handle employee complaints.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $68,116
  
  Median
  
  $108,463
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $160,868
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $32.74
  
  Median
  
  $52.14
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $77.34
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  9.52%
  
  Certificate
  
  4.76%
  
  Some college
  
  9.52%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  9.52%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  42.85%
  
  Master's Degree
  
  19.04%
  
  Doctorate
  
  4.76%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $63,299
  
  Median
  
  $116,336
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $230,149
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30.43
  
  Median
  
  $55.93
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $110.65
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  13.64%
  
  Certificate
  
  9.09%
  
  Some college
  
  9.09%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  9.09%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  59.1%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).
Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.
- Salary Levels
  
  Take a look at the average annual or hourly earnings for this career in Lake and Cook Counties.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $63,448
  
  Median
  
  $116,306
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $132,050
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
  
  Entry-Level
  
  $30.50
  
  Median
  
  $55.91
  
  Senior-Level
  
  $63.48
  
  Lightcast earnings figures are based on OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) data from the BLS (Bureau of Labor Statistics) and include base rate, cost of living allowances, guaranteed pay, hazardous-duty pay, incentive pay (including commissions and bonuses), on-call pay, and tips.
- Top entry-level education
  
  Here’s a quick look at the most common degree levels people have in this career.
  
  High school diploma or less
  
  40.4%
  
  Certificate
  
  21.31%
  
  Some college
  
  14.65%
  
  Associate Degree
  
  17.09%
  
  Bachelor's Degree
  
  6.56%
  
  Lightcast educational attainment levels are the educational attainment percentage breakdown for a career (e.g. the percentage of people in the career who hold a bachelor degree vs. an associate degree).

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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, see the CLC college catalog.

View program in catalog

Icon Key

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

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CLC 120	CLC 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	English Composition I (opens in a new window)	3.00	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	Introduction to Criminal Justice (opens in a new window)	3.00	Credit for prior learning available Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CLC 120
Course Title	CLC 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
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	ENG 121
Course Title	English Composition I (opens in a new window)
Credits	3.00
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
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
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
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
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CRJ 121
Course Title	Introduction to Criminal Justice (opens in a new window)
Credits	3.00
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose ENG 120 instead of ENG 121. Students also can choose a math elective higher than MTH 142.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
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
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	Dual credit options available Online/Virtual options available
PSC 122	PSC 122 State and Local Politics Class Description This course introduces students to state and local politics in the United States. It is designed to help students better understand the political institutions and processes of subnational governments. The course adopts a comparative political systems approach that focuses on the variation found among state and local governments. The purpose of the course is to understand why these differences exist, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.	3	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
CRJ 130	CRJ 130 Report Writing Class Description This course is designed to expose today's criminal justice student to the purpose of report writing. Students will build the skills required to create various types of police reports thoroughly and insightfully. The student will recognize the impact that written reports have on the entire criminal justice process, while identifying and utilizing, through practice, how to build clear, concise and correct reports. Emphasis will be placed on sound grammar and syntax, while introducing the need to adhere to policy and constitutional mandates in the report writing process. Key concepts include, but are not limited to, the following: Differentiate reports based on type and purpose, construct sound narratives in both chronological and categorical formats, recognize and apply sound revision and editing techniques, and proper integration, use, and disposal of field notes.	3

Course Highlights
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
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
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
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	PSC 122
Course Title	PSC 122 State and Local Politics Class Description This course introduces students to state and local politics in the United States. It is designed to help students better understand the political institutions and processes of subnational governments. The course adopts a comparative political systems approach that focuses on the variation found among state and local governments. The purpose of the course is to understand why these differences exist, and what effect they have on both the electoral and policy making processes and their outcomes.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
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
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CRJ 130
Course Title	CRJ 130 Report Writing Class Description This course is designed to expose today's criminal justice student to the purpose of report writing. Students will build the skills required to create various types of police reports thoroughly and insightfully. The student will recognize the impact that written reports have on the entire criminal justice process, while identifying and utilizing, through practice, how to build clear, concise and correct reports. Emphasis will be placed on sound grammar and syntax, while introducing the need to adhere to policy and constitutional mandates in the report writing process. Key concepts include, but are not limited to, the following: Differentiate reports based on type and purpose, construct sound narratives in both chronological and categorical formats, recognize and apply sound revision and editing techniques, and proper integration, use, and disposal of field notes.
Credits	3

Course options: Students can choose PSC 121 instead of PSC 122.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CRJ 213	CRJ 213 Community Policing Class Description This course is a survey of community policing in the law enforcement field. An emphasis is placed on police-community relations, interpersonal skills, dealing with diversity, interacting with special populations in the citizenry, victims of crime, criminal offenders, and coordinated crime prevention efforts in the community.	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	CRJ 213
Course Title	CRJ 213 Community Policing Class Description This course is a survey of community policing in the law enforcement field. An emphasis is placed on police-community relations, interpersonal skills, dealing with diversity, interacting with special populations in the citizenry, victims of crime, criminal offenders, and coordinated crime prevention efforts in the community.
Credits	3

Course options: Students can choose other criminal justice electives instead of CRJ 213.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
CRJ 155	CRJ 155 Forensic Photography Class Description This course will explore the principles of forensic photography, photographic methods and discuss the procedures and standards of forensic photography. Students will learn image capture, processing, storage, and handling of digital files and output of digital images related to crime scene photography. Students will then apply and implement these fundamentals in forensic settings for evidence documentation. Technical instruction in Adobe Photoshop image processing software will also be covered.	3
SWK 121	SWK 121 Introduction to Social Work Class Description This course provides an introduction to the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for generalist social work in contemporary society. Social welfare services, policies, and their historical origins will be presented along with the unique experiences of diverse and at-risk populations affected by various social problems. It provides an overview of the range of public and private social services available for meeting these problems.	3	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 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
CRJ 223	CRJ 223 Ethics in Criminal Justice Class Description This course offers a thorough study of ethical philosophies and their application to criminal justice practitioners. Aspects of morality, leadership, ethical reasoning, professional standards, and codes of ethics will be addressed. Resolution of ethical dilemmas will also be considered. The practical focus of ethical decision making topics will center on law enforcement and correctional ethics and will include scenarios.	3	Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CRJ 155
Course Title	CRJ 155 Forensic Photography Class Description This course will explore the principles of forensic photography, photographic methods and discuss the procedures and standards of forensic photography. Students will learn image capture, processing, storage, and handling of digital files and output of digital images related to crime scene photography. Students will then apply and implement these fundamentals in forensic settings for evidence documentation. Technical instruction in Adobe Photoshop image processing software will also be covered.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
Course Code	SWK 121
Course Title	SWK 121 Introduction to Social Work Class Description This course provides an introduction to the knowledge, skills, and values necessary for generalist social work in contemporary society. Social welfare services, policies, and their historical origins will be presented along with the unique experiences of diverse and at-risk populations affected by various social problems. It provides an overview of the range of public and private social services available for meeting these problems.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
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
Credit for prior learning available
Dual credit options available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
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
Dual credit options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CRJ 223
Course Title	CRJ 223 Ethics in Criminal Justice Class Description This course offers a thorough study of ethical philosophies and their application to criminal justice practitioners. Aspects of morality, leadership, ethical reasoning, professional standards, and codes of ethics will be addressed. Resolution of ethical dilemmas will also be considered. The practical focus of ethical decision making topics will center on law enforcement and correctional ethics and will include scenarios.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose other courses instead of CRJ 155. Students also can choose other criminal justice electives instead of SWK 121.

Course Code	Course Title	Credits	Course Highlights
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 219	CRJ 219 Criminal Investigations Class Description This course is an introduction of criminal investigation procedures, theory and practice of investigations. An emphasis is placed on methods of investigation for different types of criminal activity.	3
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
CRJ 270	CRJ 270 Criminal Justice Assessment Seminar Class Description This course is required of all the students completing the associate in applied science degree (A.A.S) in Criminal Justice. Students will be assessed as to the knowledge and foundational skills they have attained in the criminal justice program. Basic skills, thinking skills, and personal qualities will be evaluated as they relate to criminal justice occupations. Career development exercises will be conducted. A comprehensive examination is required.	3	Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
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
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CRJ 219
Course Title	CRJ 219 Criminal Investigations Class Description This course is an introduction of criminal investigation procedures, theory and practice of investigations. An emphasis is placed on methods of investigation for different types of criminal activity.
Credits	3

Course Highlights
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
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
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
Credit for prior learning available
Online/Virtual options available

Course Highlights
Course Code	CRJ 270
Course Title	CRJ 270 Criminal Justice Assessment Seminar Class Description This course is required of all the students completing the associate in applied science degree (A.A.S) in Criminal Justice. Students will be assessed as to the knowledge and foundational skills they have attained in the criminal justice program. Basic skills, thinking skills, and personal qualities will be evaluated as they relate to criminal justice occupations. Career development exercises will be conducted. A comprehensive examination is required.
Credits	3
Online/Virtual options available

Course options: Students can choose other criminal justice electives instead of CRJ 219.

Total Credit Hours

62

Criminal Justice at CLC

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Frequently asked questions

The Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice is 62 total credit hours and takes an average of 2 years to complete. Develop expertise and career-building skills in:
- verbal and written communication skills
- project management
- intrapersonal skills
- interpersonal skills
- computer software proficiency
- supervision
Over half of your courses are focused on the criminal justice field (39 credit hours) in this program. Compared to the Associate in Arts in Criminal Justice, the A.A.S. requires fewer general education classes; so you graduate with more career-related course knowledge in about the same time.
CLC's criminal justice program reflects the larger ethnically diverse community of the college. College of Lake County is committed to ALL students. Learn about our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.
You can complete your criminal justice degree 100% online or in person. Attend class in the way that works best for your learning style.
- Virtual Live: Learn remotely in real-time by taking classes that are taught in a live virtual classroom via Zoom during scheduled times.
- Online: Have the flexibility to complete coursework without scheduled meetings while staying actively engaged in a fully online environment.
- In person: Keep your degree on track with classes that meet face-to-face, providing you with opportunities to interact in person with faculty and peers.

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Become a criminal justice professional

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

Highlights

Credit for Prior Learning

Financial Aid / Scholarship Opportunities

Career Degree

Program Length: 2 Years

WIOA Program

Career Outlook

Compliance Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Detectives and Criminal Investigators

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Emergency Management Directors

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Labor Relations Specialists

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Loss Prevention Managers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers

Salary Levels

Top entry-level education

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Semester 1 14 Credits

Semester 2 15 Credits

Semester 3 3 Credits

Semester 4 15 Credits

Semester 5 15 Credits

Total Credit Hours

Criminal Justice at CLC

Get the bigger picture

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Frequently asked questions

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