Make a difference by joining the fight for justice
Clackamas Community College’s Criminal Justice Associate Degree overview
The two-year criminal justice program at CCC will equip you with the knowledge and skills for careers in law enforcement, courts and corrections. The program focuses on areas like community policing, criminal investigation, patrol procedures and criminological theory. You will gain a comprehensive understanding of the different parts of the criminal justice system and how they work together.
This program has flexible enrollment, so you can start any term. Additionally, it includes a cooperative work experience component, providing hands-on experience at various local, federal and state law enforcement agencies.
Required classes for the Criminal Justice Associate Degree
Beyond the badge: Diverse opportunities and strong growth in the criminal justice field
The criminal justice field offers a variety of exciting career opportunities with stable job growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job outlook for criminal justice occupations is expected to grow 8% by 2028. You’ll be prepared for career opportunities such as law enforcement, loss prevention and Homeland Security officer.
For more information on career opportunities for this program, view the course catalog.
Build the skills to make a difference in the criminal justice system
Our comprehensive curriculum — developed in collaboration with industry professionals — equips you with the knowledge and skills necessary qualify for criminal justice careers. Upon successful completion of this program, you should be able to:
- Analyze the criminal justice system: Identify and explain the different stages of a criminal case, along with critically evaluating how cases progress through the system.
- Understand law enforcement and corrections: Gain knowledge of the historical background, structure and contemporary issues concerning law enforcement and correctional facilities in the United States.
- Demonstrate ethical conduct: Apply ethical principles in both academic and professional settings.
- Work in diverse environments: Develop the skills necessary to interact and collaborate effectively with individuals from different backgrounds and cultures.
- Analyze the causes of crime: Identify the factors contributing to crime and how the criminal justice system responds to them.
- Communicate effectively: Develop strong verbal and written communication skills to convey information clearly and concisely in a criminal justice context.
Investing in your future
Clackamas Community College offers some of the lowest tuition rates in the Portland metro area. To begin building the cost for your program, you can start with the base estimate below.
This estimate includes the cost of tuition and the general fees applied per class and per academic term. This estimate does not include additional fees required for many courses or the cost of course materials. Contact the program to learn more about additional costs that may apply.
You can also find more information about the costs of attending CCC on the Tuition and Fees page.
Get help paying for college
Scholarships and grants (free money!) are available for students in this program. For help with financial aid and scholarships, contact the Financial Aid Resource Lab.