Criminal Justice
Associate in Arts (Transfer)
A career in criminal justice can be a fulfilling, rewarding, and exciting career. With the Criminal Justice Associate in Arts degree, students can pursue job opportunities in criminal justice after graduation, or transfer to a four-year college or university.
700
Scholarships available – and one might have your name on it
Students can complete their general education classes while receiving knowledge of criminal justice, taught by faculty who have an extensive background in this field.
Admissions Office
Faculty have extensive expertise in criminal justice on the local, federal and international level.
ICC offers leadership and academic recognition opportunities such as the Student Government Association and honor societies.
Police Officer, Correctional Officer, Youth Counselor, Security Officer, Probation Officer
COMPLETION TIME
24 Months
if Full Time
5 Semesters60 Total Credit Hours
What if I attend part-time?
Our Student Success Advisors help with an academic plan that works for you.
ESTIMATED COST
$9,600
+ supplies & fees
Based on 2024-25
What financial assistance can I receive?
Find the plan right for you by connecting with our Financial Aid office.
AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
25 Students
average per class
Small class sizes mean more individual attention and a higher rate of success.
View the College Catalog to see a complete list of classes for this program.
Meet Our Students and Alumni
This is a comprehensive degree which prepares students for continued educational pursuits and/or a career in the Criminal Justice field.
Doug Heuermann, Criminal Justice Program Coordinator and Retired Chief, U.S. Probation Office
How Do I Get Into the Criminal Justice Program?
You want to make your community a better place for your neighbors to live, work, and thrive. A degree in Criminal Justice can set you on the path to a rewarding career. Talk to an Admissions representative to learn how to get started.
- Complete our quick admissions application. It’s free and easy!
- Apply for financial aid (FAFSA).
- Apply for ICC Scholarships. Just 1 application for over 700 scholarships.
- Previous ROTC or military experience can be beneficial for this program.
- Commitment, integrity and a desire to help others are important values for students in this program.
What Can I Expect As A Criminal Justice Student?
- Entry level jobs such as police officer or correctional officer are available with this degree.
- ICC has transfer agreements with Illinois State University, University of Illinois – Springfield, and Eureka College.
- Graduates have also transferred to programs at Western Illinois University and Bradley University.
- Graduates are employed by the Peoria Police Department, the Peoria County Sheriff’s Office, the Tazewell County Sheriff’s Office, and the Pekin Police Department.
How Am I Going to Manage This?
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What if I am working while going to school?
We have you covered. Many of our students are working adults who balance life and school. We have great resources on campus to help keep you going!
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What are my options for funding my education?
Do this first: fill out and file your FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Even if you don’t want federal aid, this document is used by many scholarship and grant programs to evaluate aid packages.
Look for scholarships and grants first because usually they don’t have to be paid back. The ICC Foundation sponsors some scholarships, and grants may be available from Illinois or federal programs. Other organizations also offer scholarships, and we can help you research those opportunities.
Federally guaranteed student loans can be a smart way to fund college. Think about your transfer plans and what your career looks like. Some sources recommend that you cap your borrowing at the level of what you (realistically!) can expect to earn at your first job after college. So, research careers and pay, too.
Of course, savings, jobs, and work-study are key parts of your budget. Your employer may offer tuition reimbursement. Find the tools to make a complete plan for paying for school.