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Overview

The MCC Criminal Justice Program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice with Corrections or Law Enforcement options. The degree prepares students to directly enter the workforce in a career field of their choice (law enforcement, courts, corrections). It also satisfies most of the requirements for transfer to four-year institutions offering a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

Additionally, MCC partners with local and state law enforcement agencies. Upon completion of a POST accredited law enforcement academy, or the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center, students may receive up to 13.5 credit hours.

Degrees & Certificates Offered

Associate in Applied Science:

JOB & SALARY OUTLOOK

With a Criminal Justice degree, you may find yourself working in local, state, or federal law enforcement, working as a probation officer, or in jail or prison. Additionally, you may choose to work at a residential treatment facility, juvenile detention, facility, private security company, at a bank in the fraud/security department, or attend law school.

There is never a shortage of jobs in this field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a four percent (4%) growth rate between 2014-24 and a 14% growth rate is social service/treatment facility jobs.

Individuals considering a degree or employment in the criminal justice profession must be aware of strict employment qualification. Criminal Justice agencies carefully scrutinize candidates to select those who will always maintain the public's trust and confidence.

A Criminal Justice career requires a person to have integrity, a sense of responsibility, good judgment, and physical fitness. Mental stability and discipline are also necessary to succeed in this challenging career field, as are excellent communication skills and attention to detail.

  1. The biggest disqualifier is if you have a felony conviction. A felony is a crime for which the punishment is more than one year in a prison. This conviction applies even if committed as a juvenile.
  2. The next major disqualifier is conviction of a crime involving character such as theft, perjury, burglary, assault, robbery, sexual assault, spouse, and child abuse.
  3. If you have a criminal conviction, contact our program director to discuss if your criminal history will prevent you from working in the criminal justice field.

MCC Criminal Justice Facebook

Instructor/Program Director: Diane Sjuts, 531-622-1359
Instructor/Online Lead: Brenda Jennings, 531-622-4514
Instructor: Brenda Smith, 531-622-4629

Find quarter class schedules