Criminal Justice
As a student in the criminal justice program, you will be provided with instruction in all parts of the criminal justice system. This program features skill-based learning from industry experts along with hands-on experience in the classroom aligned with current industry trends.
This program will also advance careers for current professionals and provide the foundation to transfer to a four-year college or university. In addition, if you are interested in pursuing a career in law, you will find the study of criminal justice at CCD a great place to begin that journey.
While here, you will be introduced to both the theory and practice of the criminal justice system. Leave this program with an understanding of the nature of a crime and the personnel, institutions, and processes that prevent or respond to crime. Learn about the structure and function of the judicial system and the roles of those inside of the courtroom through various legal studies electives.
The curriculum covers crime and criminal behavior, law enforcement, courts, corrections, security, and crime scene investigation.
It helps provide a solid foundation for further study or entry into various criminal justice professions.
Academic support is provided through CCD's Excel Zone, which helps students succeed by offering a variety of learning opportunities. We are located on campus on the 4th floor of the Confluence building.
CCD Online offers fully online certificates and degrees, and individual online courses to help match your busy schedule. This program offers 100 percent of its degree either online or through a hybrid program.
Your first step is to see if online learning is right for you. Online and hybrid environments offer much more flexibility but require more self-direction and self-discipline. Certain work habits, learning styles and skills contribute to a successful online or hybrid learning experience.
Online Experience Questions?
303.352.6785 | TLC@ccd.edu
Some programs and/or courses may require additional fees in addition to the base tuition and fees. High-cost course fees are used to support the maintenance and development of the course labs and are embedded within your general tuition.
View the 2024-2025 Course Specific Fees
This program is eligible for federal financial aid.
Your first step is to connect with the Financial Aid office to discover how you can afford college. Our dedicated staff and support services help you wade through all the legal language and get you past the first hurdle to completing your educational goals.
In addition, CCD has $1,000,000 available in scholarships. Learn More!
The criminal justice designation associate degree is a guaranteed transfer (GT) program
GT programs enable all college students to complete their first two years of college here at CCD and then transfer to any public college in Colorado as a junior. It is called the DWD program (Degrees with Designation). This program saves you money and time.
A two-year degree from CCD can lead to a four-year degree from:
- Colorado Mesa University
- Colorado State University - Global Campus
- Metropolitan State University of Denver
- University of Colorado - Colorado Springs
- University of Colorado - Denver
- University of Northern Colorado
What Can I Do with My Major?
Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes. Correctional officers are responsible for overseeing individuals who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail or prison. Employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 7 percent from 2016 to 2026.
Studying criminal justice gets your foot in the door to enter careers that are essential to any city.
- Police Officer
- Correctional Officer
- Private Investigator
- Forensic Science Technician
How Much Can I Expect to Earn?
The median annual wage for police and detectives was $74,910 in May 2023. Correctional Officer's wages average $53,300 ($25.62 per hour) in May 2023.
The information provided here is by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook.
The homeland security certificate seamlessly transfers to the A.A.S. criminal justice degree. Complete a certificate and start working while you study and finish your associate degree.