Serve with purpose.
Practice the skills and build the confidence you need for a career in criminal justice.
An A.A.S degree in Criminal Justice can help you improve the quality of life in your community and give you a career you can be proud of. Get introduced to essential concepts and acquire valuable knowledge that will aid you in your career within the criminal justice system. Moraine Valley’s program prepares students for entry-level careers, including careers in policing, the courts and corrections.
Moraine Valley additionally offers three supplemental certificate programs including Emergency Management, Homeland Security and Security and Loss Prevention.
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A Career Shaping a Safer Future
Get introduced to essential concepts and acquire valuable knowledge that will aid you in your career within the criminal justice system.
Training in criminal justice provides a broad range of career choices, with employment opportunities nationwide. Some common career possibilities include:
- Police Officer
Provide safety and security to the general public. - Security Officer
Patrol and secure hospitals, corporate and university campuses. - Probation Officer
Help criminals meet the court鈥檚 requirements for their early release. - Corrections Officer
Work with inmates in a variety of jails and prisons. - Insurance Investigator
Investigate fraudulent insurance claims. - Cyber Security Investigator
Investigate computer crimes such as hacking. - Evidence Tech
Secure evidence from a crime scene.
The Criminal Justice A.A.S. degree at Moraine Valley is designed to be completed in about two years.
This program prepares students for entry-level careers in the criminal justice system, including careers in policing, the courts and corrections. Employment of police officers is expected to grow faster than the average, while employment of correctional officers is expected to increase much faster than the average. Because of the attractive salaries and benefits, the number of qualified candidates exceeds the number of job openings in federal law enforcement agencies and in most state, local and special police departments, resulting in increased hiring standards and selectivity by employers.
Moraine Valley is proud to be partners with the Cook County Sheriff Training Institute, Illinois Department of Corrections and North East Multi-Regional Training, Inc. For more information, please email Michael Espinoza at espinozam9@morainevalley.edu.
If you鈥檙e looking for information regarding the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC), please refer to our registration/grade document to help you apply.
Potential Careers in Criminal Justice
Moraine Valley鈥檚 Criminal Justice Program prepares you for careers in law enforcement, courts and legal services, corrections and rehabilitation, forensics and investigation, community and social services and more.
Real stories of transfer success.
Begin your bachelor鈥檚 degree at Moraine Valley by taking the same general education and elective courses you鈥檇 complete in your first two years at a four-year school 鈥� at a lower cost. A.A. and A.S. degrees help you transfer smoothly, often with junior standing. Students follow the transfer guidelines of their intended university, supported by advisors who build a personalized academic plan.
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Program Details
View the catalog to explore program requirements, a suggested course sequence and prerequisite information.
| Program | Type of Credential | Curriculum Code | Department or Division |
|---|---|---|---|
| A.A.S. | 1260 | Public Service |
Faculty Spotlight
Celebrating the passionate instructors who inspire, support and engage our students every day inside and outside the classroom.
Dr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications DepartmentDr. Martinez is passionate about helping students develop strong writing, speaking, and critical-thinking skills that transfer across disciplines. Her courses emphasize clear expression, collaboration, and real-world communication.
鈥淟isa consistently goes above and beyond to support her students. She creates an inclusive classroom environment where learners feel confident participating, improving, and finding their academic voice.鈥�
鈥� Colleague, Communications Department
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