Degree and Certificate Options
Criminal Justice, A.A.
Transfer to pursue a degree at a 4-year college.
Purpose
2 Years
Estimated Program Length
Police Science Certificate
$60.7K*
Potential Salary*
1.5 years
Estimated Program Length
What Will I Learn?
Regardless of the path chosen, students learn various foundational skills and knowledge to prepare them for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and related fields. Students will study policing strategies, essential criminal law concepts, the correctional system, investigative procedures, report writing, and evidence collection. Individuals with a strong sense of ethics and integrity, interest in public service and helping others, and critical thinking and problem-solving skills will excel in these programs.
Students interested in entering the workforce should choose the certificate or A.A.S. in Police Science. Students interested in starting at KCKCC before transferring to a 4-year college should choose the A.A. in Criminal Justice.
Career Paths
Graduates can pursue entry-level positions in law enforcement, corrections, security and related fields. Common roles include police officer (in some cases, additional academy training may be required), correctional officer, probation or parole officer, security guard, and private investigator.
Graduates who decide to further their education by pursuing a bachelor's or even a graduate degree in criminal justice or related fields can unlock additional and often higher-ranking career opportunities, such as detective/criminal investigator, FBI agent or federal law enforcement officer, forensic science technician, criminologist, paralegal or legal assistant, corrections manager or administrator, and criminal justice professor.
Points of Pride
Police Science and Criminal Justice courses are taught by experienced professionals who have worked in law enforcement, corrections, and other criminal justice fields. This provides students with valuable, practical insights into real-world scenarios, blending academic knowledge with firsthand experiences to prepare them for careers.
The program offers flexible learning options, such as online and in-person classes, accommodating traditional students and working professionals who wish to advance their careers while balancing other responsibilities.
KCKCC offers affordable tuition, making higher education accessible to a broader range of students.
Additional Information
KBOR Program Alignment
The Kansas City Kansas Community College Police Science program is in alignment with the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) CIP code 43.0107: Criminal Justice/Police Science. A program that prepares individuals to perform the duties of police and public security officers, including patrol and investigative activities, traffic control, crowd control and public relations, witness interviewing, evidence collection and management, basic crime prevention methods, weapon and equipment operation and maintenance, report preparation and other routine law enforcement responsibilities.
Alum Perspective
“KCKCC launched my education as a high school student in the criminal justice program and has challenged me to reach my goals for the future.”
“The program enhances your understanding of criminal justice, allowing you to gain knowledge for your passion in this field.”
*Potential salaries use third-party national and regional aggregated data, some of which may be estimates. Results may not reflect local or timely trends. Some careers listed may require additional education or degrees beyond those offered at KCKCC. Completing a program, degree, or certificate does not guarantee employment or a specific salary.