Examine issues relating to crime, law, and justice. You’ll learn to analyze situations and events in a logical way, organize the parts of a problem effectively, appreciate diversity, work with a wide cross-section of the community, and believe in your abilities and judgment – all while recognizing your personal limitations and developmental needs.
Go straight into the workforce to begin your career in this exciting field after graduation, or if you're interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to continue your studies, take a look at our Liberal Arts degree in Criminal Justice.
Kirkwood offers more than $3 million in scholarships for students each year, and there are many specifically for students enrolled in the Criminal Justice program.
Graduates of the Criminal Justice program will be able to:
It is highly recommended that students earn an Associate of Arts degree and transfer to a four-year institution.
Students typically transfer to Mt. Mercy University, the University of Northern Iowa, Central Missouri State, Upper Iowa University, St. Ambrose University, Simpson College, Iowa State University and Iowa Wesleyan, and pursue bachelors degrees in Criminal Justice, Criminology or Crime Analysis.
Explore future career opportunities:
School Year: 2023–24
Program Entry Semester: Fall, Spring
Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | Total | |
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Credit Hours per Semester | 16 | 16 | 18 | 15 | 65 |
In-State Tuition | $3,360 | $3,360 | $3,780 | $3,150 | $13,650 |
Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $200 |
Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $245 | $350 | $425 | $340 | $1,360 |
Course/Section Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Laptop (required devices) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Uniforms | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Total Estimated Cost | $3,655 | $3,760 | $4,255 | $3,540 | $15,210 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $210 (In-State), $281 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
Graduates with a Criminal Justice degree can obtain jobs in a variety of different career opportunities.
Explore Careers
Andrea Wilson | ||||||
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Title: | Program Coordinator | |||||
Phone: | 319-398-5534 | |||||
Email: | andrea.wilson@kirkwood.edu | |||||
Office: | 1033 Cedar Hall |
Jeff Hembera | ||||||
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Title: | Faculty | |||||
Phone: | 319-398-5716 | |||||
Email: | jeff.hembera@kirkwood.edu | |||||
Office: | 1020 Cedar Hall |
Mike Penrod |
George O'Donnell |
At Kirkwood Community College, our mission is to provide high school students with a comprehensive and engaging Introduction to Criminal Justice program that not only equips them with fundamental knowledge but also fosters critical thinking, ethical awareness, and a passion for justice. Through a combination of rigorous academic content and practical experiences, we aim to prepare our students for further studies and potential careers in the field, all while instilling a strong sense of social responsibility and respect for the principles of justice, fairness, and equality.
“Even though I live at home, I still feel like I have lots of opportunities at Kirkwood. I’m involved in Student Ambassadors, Student Leadership Council, and Dance Marathon — these activities have opened lots of doors for me.”
Amanda Charlton,
Cedar Rapids, Iowa