Criminal Justice

Associate in Applied Science
Career Degree
Cost
$12,318*

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

Career Outlook

View more careers

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

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 inclusive list of course options and degree requirements, see the college 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
    ENG 121 English Composition I 3.00
    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 Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits. Prerequisite(s): MTH 105 or MTH 108 or higher level math course (C or better) -or- two years of approved high school algebra (C or better) and Basic Algebra Readiness -or- an appropriate score on the CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SAT.
         		3
    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
    CRJ 121 Introduction to Criminal Justice 3.00
    • 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
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code ENG 121
      Course Title English Composition I
      Credits 3.00
      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 Engineering Science, but may be used as elective credits. Prerequisite(s): MTH 105 or MTH 108 or higher level math course (C or better) -or- two years of approved high school algebra (C or better) and Basic Algebra Readiness -or- an appropriate score on the CLC Math Placement Test, Math ACT, or Math SAT.
      Credits 3
      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
      Course Highlights
    • Course Code CRJ 121
      Course Title Introduction to Criminal Justice
      Credits 3.00
      Course Highlights

    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
    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
    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
    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
    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 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
    • 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
    • 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
      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
      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 Highlights

    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 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 Highlights

    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
    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
    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
    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
    • 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
      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
      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
      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
      Course Highlights

    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
    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
    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
    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
    • 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
    • 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
      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
      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
      Course Highlights

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

Total Credit Hours

62

*Cost is estimated based on recommended pathway credit hours from academic year 2024-2025. 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.



Female student taking notes in class

Criminal Justice at CLC

Get the bigger picture

An A.A.S. in criminal justice is just one possible way to study legal studies and public safety. Get the bigger picture—degrees, credentials and extra options.

View the Criminal Justice Program Overview

Frequently asked questions

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

Request info

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

Send me info

Visit us

Get a feel for life on campus when you register for a tour. We'd love to show you around. Oh, and bring family and friends along for the fun, if you want!

Take a tour

Get started

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.

Start today!
1/4