Criminal Justice Program

Associate of Applied Science Degree Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice Guidesheet

What is Criminal Justice?

Arm yourself with a degree or certificate in criminal justice from IVCC to better serve and protect your community.

The IVCC Criminal Justice Program options offer a full two-year course of study, either full-time or part-time, as well as fast-track certificate programs, that focus upon the three main components of the criminal justice system: policing, the courts, and corrections. Our fast-track certificate programs take far less time for those who are interested in specific aspects of criminal justice, or want to specialize in your current degree program, or simply not ready for a full degree program, while still exploring options, Students gain a strong foundation in the social sciences through theoretical application, coupled with instructor expertise in such fields as policing, police administration, the legal environment, corrections, scientific crime scene application, social services, criminology, and much more. The program prepares students to become viable criminal justice professionals within a variety of roles as well as educational transfer opportunities to pursue baccalaureate degree programs and beyond.

Program Options

Students can explore the field through a certificate program in criminal justice and or take those certificate courses earned and apply them to a full, two-year AAS degree. Students may also pursue a criminal justice transfer degree option that will lead the student to a four-year institution offering a baccalaureate degree within their chosen field of study. 

Required Background Checks

Applicants should understand that careers in criminal justice often require meeting specific pre-employment standards. These may include comprehensive background and character checks, physical fitness requirements, drug testing, polygraph exams, oral interviews, and other steps based on current hiring practices.

For more information about the program, please contact Program Coordinator Jonathan Hubbell at (815) 224-0491 or jon_hubbell@ivcc.edu.