About Criminal Justice Program

The Criminal Justice program prepares students for a career in such areas as law enforcement, corrections, security, and juvenile justice. The program allows students to choose either an AA or AS degree. All students must complete the basic Criminal Justice requirements, then select other Criminal Justice classes in areas of primary interest. Classes are held on the Ankeny Campus. Selected courses in this program are offered at other campuses. Students may start this program any term.

To earn a Criminal Justice AA or AS degree, a student must complete the standard core requirements for the degree plus the Criminal Justice required courses and options and maintain a 2.0 grade point average.

Skills and Abilities Needed

• Ability to get along with people
• Possess maturity and emotional stability
• Be in good physical health including sight and hearing
• Self discipline to work with situations which may contradict your personal values
• Ability to deal with emergencies
• Function well under stress
• Ability to function effectively in a political environment

Recommended High School Courses

• Composition
• Speech
• Algebra I
• Applied Math
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Keyboarding