Program Overview
MCC Campus(s):
MCC-Blue River: Police Academy
MCC-Longview: Rick Turner, 816.604.2290
MCC-Penn Valley: Karen Curls, 816.604.4284
Description
Criminal justice careers include correctional officers and jailers who guard inmates in penal, rehabilitative or juvenile detention and may guard prisoners in transit. Probation officers help rehabilitate law offenders in custody or on probation or parole and make recommendations for treatment of offenders. Police officers enforce laws and ordinances, regulate traffic, control crowds, arrest violators and work to prevent crime.
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.
Criminal Justice Students Meeting Border Patrol
There are three ways you can enter this field:
Associate in Applied Science degree
- Choose this degree if you want in-depth study of a criminal justice area, and do not plan to transfer.
Associate in Arts: Criminal Justice Emphasis
- Choose this degree if you plan to transfer and take two years of college credit with
you. Our transfer agreements make this an easy transition to four-year colleges and
universities like UMKC and others. Examples of classes taken include:
- Intro to Criminal Justice
- Criminology
- American Corrections
- Juvenile Delinquency
- Criminal Investigation
Check with your transfer school and your MCC academic advisor for the most accurate and timely transfer information.
Police Academy
- Choose these to become a police officer. You must take a block of courses held at
the MCC-Blue River Police Academy. The two-year degree includes courses that prepare
existing law enforcement officers for positions of increased responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a degree 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.
How long does it take to earn a degree in criminal justice?
Full time students can complete the Associate of Arts or Associate in Applied Science degrees in six semesters.
Will my credits transfer to other colleges or universities?
Yes, both the Associate of Arts and Associate in Applied Science degrees transfer to several four-year colleges and universities.
Is there an opportunity for a criminal justice internship?
Yes, 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.
What are the advantages of taking classes at MCC?
We deliver the most cost-effective career preparation in Kansas City, MO. We are a publicly funded college with quality programs and full accreditation.
- Hands-on, interactive learning environment.
- Small classes assure you get personal attention.
- Exceptional instructors.
- Our graduates are in demand.