The criminal justice program is offered to students interested in criminal justice and related careers. Students will gain exposure to a broad curriculum of criminal justice studies which stress both practical knowledge and theory.
Students will be academically qualified for positions requiring a two-year degree in fields such as law enforcement, corrections, and related fields. This program may also prepare students for transfer to a four-year college or university for further study in criminal justice or a related field.
For more information regarding credentialing and accreditation please see the Accreditation page.
This program may provide prior learning credit and extended learning opportunities for persons previously or currently employed in related professions.
For more information see the Credit for Prior Learning page.
Associate of Applied Science
- Criminal Justice AAS (curriculum map | catalog)
One Year Certificate
Less-Than-One-Year Certificate
FAQ
What will I learn in this program?
In the criminal justice program you will learn the basics of the criminal justice system, how it works, historical perspectives, current affairs plus various other aspects that creates the entire global system. We offer classes that focus on police dynamics, correctional systems, correctional interventions, substance abuse, psychological theory, ethical expectations, certification standards, teamwork, communications and many others. KCC also offers specific AAS degrees in criminal justice, plus certificates in addiction studies, criminal justice certificate and a pathways certificate in addiction studies.Is this program just for those who want to become law enforcement officers?
The answer is "No." While the criminal justice program has a path that is geared towards those who want a career in law enforcement, the core elements of the criminal justice program offer the foundation to work in the criminal justice system and to pursue advanced degrees in related fields (law school, bachelor's degrees in criminal justice, psychology degrees, etc.). The criminal justice system is huge and the career opportunities are plentiful.How accurate are shows like CSI?
Not really accurate at all. According to How Stuff Works, there is quite a bit of inaccuracy in the show. In reality, investigations and processing evidence take quite a bit longer than Hollywood makes it seem. Also crime scene investigators do not deal directly with suspects, and CSIs are only one part of a larger investigatory team.Careers in Criminal Justice
Median Annual Salary
- United States:
$77,270 - Oregon State:
$85,785 - Klamath Region:
$83,060
2025-2035 Employment Projection
4% GrowthEntry Level Educational Requirements:
High School Diploma
Prospective Jobs
| Social and human service assistant | Eligibility interviewer | Community and social service specialist |
| Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselor | Police and Sheriff's patrol officer | Social worker |
All data was gathered from the
State of Oregon Employment Department and Bureau of Labor Statistics