Criminal Justice Degree

Overview

About the program

Develop basic skills and instincts for work in law enforcement and corrections; understand the various components of and countermeasures for criminal behavior and activity; apply Ohio law to various situations; integrate technology into law enforcement work.

Program format(s)

Students enrolled in an Earn & Learn program will take classes two days a week with the opportunity to earn wages while working in the field on non-class days.  

Degree option

Two-year full-time degree schedule; the curriculum is a mixture of criminology and forensic science courses and studies in communications, information technology, and field experience internship courses.

Certificate option

The 30-hour certificate is a one-year, full-time schedule with a mixture of criminal justice and general education courses, including studies in private security, corrections, criminology, communications, information technology, cultural diversity, mathematics, and composition. Attainment of the certificate will produce a well-rounded student who is ready for an entry-level position in a criminal justice field while they continue to work towards their two-year associate or four-year bachelor's degree in criminal justice.


Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of basic law enforcement skills, criminal justice techniques, and problem-solving methodologies.
  • Describe and apply current laws (federal, state, and municipal) to various situations involving crimes and/or civil offenses.
  • Apply learned information, concepts, and theories to successfully investigate crime/accident scenes.
  • Demonstrate the appropriate use of first aid, especially first aid that may be required of a first responder.
  • Develop the skills necessary to successfully conduct interviews and interrogations.
  • Use appropriate technology to conduct investigations and to communicate with other agencies having a common interest in law enforcement.
  • Demonstrate the effective use of public speaking skills in areas related to criminal justice (oral presentations, suspect interrogations, victim interviews, courtroom testimony, and public relations).
  • Use learned forensic skills to process crime scene evidence.
  • Develop the skills to successfully analyze drugs and narcotics.

Career Opportunities

  • Police Officer
  • Corrections Officer
  • Jailer
  • Court Officer
  • Juvenile Center Manager
  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • Private Investigator
  • Deputy Sheriff
  • Private Security Officer
  • Dispatcher
  • Probation/Parole Officer
  • Fingerprint Technician
  • State Highway Patrol Trooper

Application Requirements

  • MTC Application for Admission and nonrefundable applicable fee.
  • Final high school transcript (or GED results) and college transcripts (if applicable).
  • Demonstrate college-readiness by achieving the required minimum score on a placement test, successfully completing any required college foundation courses, or satisfying other measures including but not limited to high school coursework, previous college coursework, samples of work, etc.