Associate Degree

Criminal Justice

An affordable path to prepare for a career in law enforcement, emergency services, or the legal field. This associate’s program transfers to a bachelor’s degree.

Talk to an Enrollment Coach

2022 Schedule

Home Programs Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice

Part of the overall mission of Georgia Military College is to guide students in their attainment of a two year degree and to develop the skills necessary to transfer to four-year colleges and universities.  GMC’s Criminal Justice programs have the same mission with respect to the criminal justice field. The criminal justice program is designed to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, emergency services, or the legal field. The criminal justice program can also serve as building the groundwork for students pursuing training in other related areas such as social work. Students within the criminal justice program will not only learn the basic components of the criminal justice system, but will also apply theories and practices of criminal justice to structuring, managing, directing, and controlling a variety of criminal justice agencies associated with police, courts and corrections. While actively learning about the criminal justice system, the criminal justice program at GMC provides students with the courses needed to fulfill the requirements of the core curriculum and degree requirements for the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or Associate in Applied Science degrees in criminal justice. GMC’s Criminal Justice program provides a holistic approach to educating students by not only providing students with a well-rounded skill and knowledgebase, but also emphasizing character education and critical thinking.

Core Curriculum Requirements for the AA Degree

Core Curriculum Requirements for the AS Degree

Core Curriculum Requirements for the AAS Degree

Criminal Justice Concentration Degree Requirements

Careers

Police and Detectives
Overall employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 67,100 openings for police and detectives are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Employment of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2020 to 2030, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 8,100 openings for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Forensic Science Technicians
Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,500 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Correctional Officers and Bailiffs
Overall employment of correctional officers and bailiffs is projected to decline 7 percent from 2020 to 2030. Despite declining employment, about 35,700 openings for correctional officers and bailiffs are projected each year, on average, over the decade. All of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Employment of paralegals and legal assistants is projected to grow 12 percent from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. About 43,000 openings for paralegals and legal assistants are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Judges and Hearing Officers
Overall employment of judges and hearing officers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2020 to 2030, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 2,200 openings for judges and hearing officers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

What You Will Learn

checkmark

Students will be able to critically evaluate the various theories in criminal justice

checkmark

Students will be able to analyze aspects of the criminal justice system.

checkmark

Students will be able to design a literature review in preparation of advanced learning.

checkmark

Students will be able to debate contemporary issues as they relate to the criminal justice system.

plus minus

About

Part of the overall mission of Georgia Military College is to guide students in their attainment of a two year degree and to develop the skills necessary to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. GMC’s Criminal Justice programs have the same mission with respect to the criminal justice field. The criminal justice program is designed to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, emergency services, or the legal field. The criminal justice program can also serve as building the groundwork for students pursuing training in other related areas such as social work. Students within the criminal justice program will not only learn the basic components of the criminal justice system, but will also apply theories and practices of criminal justice to structuring, managing, directing, and controlling a variety of criminal justice agencies associated with police, courts and corrections. While actively learning about the criminal justice system, the criminal justice program at GMC provides students with the courses needed to fulfill the requirements of the core curriculum and degree requirements for the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or Associate in Applied Science degrees in criminal justice. GMC’s Criminal Justice program provides a holistic approach to educating students by not only providing students with a well-rounded skill and knowledgebase, but also emphasizing character education and critical thinking

plus minus

Program Benefits

This degree will help students gain the skills to compete effectively in the criminal justice profession. While for some entry level positions a degree is not required, given the job market, having an associate degree makes a qualified candidate more competitive. Moreover, this degree prepares students to transfer to four year programs. Most associate degree graduates are competitive for entry-level positions in corrections, private and corporate security, and office support for law enforcement departments. Bachelor degree graduates may start in similar positions, but will be prepared to later assume supervisory or management responsibilities. Students who are interested in graduate school or law school will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

plus minus

Program Cost

Average Cost for the Degree:
$13,230 – $14,406

plus minus

Social and Behavioral Sciences/Justice Studies Division Chair

Degree Program Coordinator:
Sam Akers, sakers@gmc.edu

Division Chair:
Lynda Lamarre, llamarre@gmc.edu

Start when you're ready
Choose an upcoming start date:

Oct 19, 2022

Jan 11, 2022

Oct 19, 2022

Jan 11, 2022

Register by: Oct 19, 2022
Register by: Jan 11, 2022
Apply Online

Why choose GMC?

Explore GMC’s flexible course formats to craft the college experience that works best for you.

2017

Best Community Colleges in Georgia - Universities.com
image

9th

Best Community College - CNN Money
image

7th

Fastest Growing Community College - Community College Week
image

Top 25

Best Community Colleges - CollegeAtlas.Org
image
image
image

Academic Excellence.
Since 1879.

We’ve been educating bright minds for well over a century. That’s why a degree from GMC means more than just a great education. It means success.