Criminal Justice (A.S.)

The Criminal Justice program will prepare you for careers in law enforcement, investigation, corrections, courts, private security, juvenile justice, or related opportunities in the legal field. It also will help those of you who presently work in criminal justice and want to broaden or improve your job skills and knowledge, and those who want to learn more about our American legal and justice system and how laws work. In addition to law and the legal underpinnings of the criminal justice system, you will explore psychology, criminal behavior, political science, social systems and problems, communication skills, and ethics.

How & Why Our Degree Works

CCV’s Criminal Justice program boasts an excellent track record in providing a solid foundation for entering such career areas as investigation and legal research, advocacy, community and protective services, police work and national and world security. Over the past five years, 92% of our graduates report that they are either working in the field, serving in the military, or continuing their education at a four-year college. Our faculty are experts in the field and experienced teachers who offer focused, relevant approaches to current criminal justice issues. In addition, this program is flexible and convenient, since most courses are available online in a one-year cycle and are also offered regularly at several CCV locations.

The demand for qualified workers in law enforcement and criminal justice has never been
greater, as the industry is experiencing a period of steady growth at all governmental levels. Local, state, and federal jobs in the field are expected to increase nationwide by over 800,000 by the end of this decade (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2004). CCV’s criminal justice degree will prepare you for positions in law enforcement, advocacy, corrections, parole and probation, private security, or legal investigation, as well as the growing field of homeland security. It is also an excellent credential for advancement to higher levels of responsibilities for those already working in the field.

Transfer Options

CCV’s Criminal Justice degree will transfer easily to these bachelor's programs:
• Castleton State College – B.A. degree in criminal justice
• College of St. Joseph – B.A. degree in criminal justice and B.A. degree in criminal justice (focus on corrections)

CCV and the Vermont Criminal Justice Council (Vermont Police Academy) now offer
15 credits in criminal justice courses for graduates of the full-time certification program.

Program Requirements (Requires Adobe Acrobat)