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 will also 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.
Program Outcomes
Successful graduates will be able to:
- describe methods social scientists use to research and interpret evidence about patterns of human behavior, including principal methods for measuring criminal behavior;
- demonstrate an understanding of the interrelationship of the police, courts, and correctional system, and the role the Constitution plays in the criminal justice system;
- exhibit professional conduct in a criminal justice organization including legal and ethical responsibilities, roles, and boundaries;
- explain how data on crime, recidivism, and crime prevention are collected, reported, and analyzed;
- demonstrate academic skills required of all CCV graduates including competency in writing, information literacy, oral communication, and quantitative reasoning; and
- explore pathways for educational and career development in the student’s field of study.
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 within a one-year cycle and are also offered regularly at several CCV academic centers.
Career Opportunities
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)
- Southern Vermont College – B.S. degree in criminal justice
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.
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