Criminal Justice

Criminal justice careers include correctional officers and who oversee inmates in penal, rehabilitative or juvenile detention and may transport prisoners in transit.

Probation officers help rehabilitate law offenders in custody or on probation or parole and make assessments and recommendations for treatment or supervision plans of offenders.

Police officers enforce laws and ordinances, regulate traffic, control crowds, arrest violators and work to prevent crime.

Program highlights

  • Students have the opportunity to participate in traditional classes to transfer to a four-year school or a more specialized degree geared toward careers in police, courts and corrections. Those students interested in contemporary topics in criminal justice can enroll in the Saturday Series.
  • Full time students can complete the Associate of Arts or Associate in Applied Science degrees in six semesters.
  • After completing 15 credit hours in criminal justice coursework, you are eligible to apply and complete an internship with a criminal justice agency in the area of study you are interested in.

Three ways to enter this field


Student testimonials and interviews

"I like that we don't just focus on one thing. We spent time exploring them all. From the police academy to the jail, courthouse, crime scenes, the morgue, and in community, I've learned something valuable in each that I'll take with me even past graduation. I got to see the community. I got to experience the people and share their stories. I was a part of their stories. That's a relationship that never would have been possible without the Criminal Justice program." - Adrian Ausler, Kansas City, student

"I received so much more than just a degree. I was able to meet friends and it was more than I expected. The instructors helped me make it through the program. Mentally, it challenges you. It was definitely a life-changer." - Chessina Ward, Kansas City, student

Civil Rights Pilgrimage

The Metropolitan Community College-Penn Valley Brooks Institute is proud to support one of the college's premiere experiences, its annual Civil Rights Pilgrimage.

Since 2002, students, instructors and community members have traveled to the American South on a trip, exploring the rich cultural history of our country's civil rights movement.

Every spring, MCC hosts a four-day bus tour in April, traveling to destinations that mark milestone events, many consider sacred to the expression of freedom in the United States.

Learn more about the Civil Rights Pilgrimage


Careers

To work in the field of criminal justice, degree requirements vary with each agency. Some local agencies require only a high school education while others require two-years of college credit. Most federal agencies require a four-year degree.

Careers

Visit Occupational Information Network (O*NET) to view salary information, employment outlook and personal characteristics needed for this career.

Job opportunities


Transfer made simple

Careers
Whatever your transfer destination, we'll work to make sure your credits move easily. That's why we're experts at it. We've worked out specific transfer agreements with many four-year colleges and universities.



Ready To Start Your Future?

Apply to MCC today!