Criminal Justice
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Department: Criminal Justice
Program Type: Fire Science and Public Safety
Planning to Transfer? Learn more about the transfer process including the importance of choosing a major and transfer school.
Overview
The increasing complexities of society and its laws are prompting criminal justice agencies to prefer candidates with a college education. Elgin Community College's degree in criminal justice features opportunities to learn essential knowledge for preparedness to work in policing. Still, it does not cover the professional courses that lead to police certification.
We offer opportunities for police officers and other practitioners to receive credit for their experiences in this program. Coursework includes community policing philosophies, professional ethics, personal fitness, broad criminal justice education, and writing across the curriculum. The certificate is designed for individuals seeking a basic understanding of the criminal justice field. It is ideal for those interested in law enforcement, corrections, probation, or private security careers. Get additional information, including course listings and class descriptions.
The AAS does not cover the professional courses leading to police or corrections officer certification.
Prepare for Immediate Employment
The future employment outlook for criminal justice is expected to be positive. This growth is driven by increased demand for security and law enforcement services in the public and private sectors. This field is expected to grow significantly faster than other occupations, creating 131,000 new jobs over the next decade.
The BLS predicts strong job opportunities for police officers, detectives, correctional officers, bailiffs, and security guards in the future. Additionally, the need for forensic science technicians and cybercrime specialists is expected to increase as technology advances. The criminal justice field is expected to provide numerous job opportunities for individuals pursuing a career in this area. Refer to Career Coach to learn more about related professions and compensation.
Plan of Study and Course Descriptions
Review the ECC catalog for details about the criminal justice plan of study and course descriptions.
Associate of Applied Science
Basic Vocational Certificates
Digital Forensics
The Associate in Applied Science in Digital Forensics is part of the Criminal Justice Program. It focuses on computers and other digital devices used in business and personal life. In the Digital Forensics Program, you'll study how people communicate, store data, and analyze the evidence trails left electronically. ECC’s digital forensics degree will prepare you to identify, collect, and preserve digital artifacts for reliable court evidence.
The Basic Vocational Specialist certificate in digital forensics is designed for law enforcement, criminal justice, and private sector professionals. It helps them expand their skills for work in the field. For additional information, including course listings and class descriptions, click here.
The college also offers certificates in public safety communications for work as 911 dispatchers and telecommunications officers in police stations, fire stations, hospitals, or centralized city communications centers.
Learn more about the Criminal Justice department at ECC!
Earning an Associate Degree at Elgin Community College can set your career in motion.
Contact
Admissions & Recruitment
Building B, Room B110
847-214-7385
Fax: 847-608-5458
admissions@elgin.edu
Hours
Monday through Thursday: 8 am to 7 pm
Fridays: 8 am to 4 pm
*Bilingual Admissions Coordinator: 847-214-7689