Prepare for a Career in the Legal System
Earn your criminal justice degree and get ready for real-world opportunities in law enforcement, corrections and other areas of the criminal justice system. Our associate in applied science (AAS) program gives you the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level positions and career growth. You’ll learn how the U.S. legal system really works and gain experience that prepares you to make a difference in your community.
What is Criminal Justice at St. Louis Community College?
STLCC’s criminal justice program prepares you for careers in law enforcement, corrections and other justice-related fields. You’ll learn how the system works, understand constitutional rights and explore how social and legal issues shape the field.
By the time you graduate, you’ll be able to:
- Identify the three main parts of the criminal justice system and how they function.
- Distinguish between adult and juvenile justice systems.
- Analyze crime and criminal behavior and its impact on public safety.
- Conduct effective interviews with witnesses, suspects or those in corrections.
- Produce clear, professional documentation.
What Can You Do with a Criminal Justice Associate Degree?
Earning a criminal justice associate degree from STLCC opens the door to a variety of entry-level careers in the justice system. Graduates often begin their careers in:
- Law enforcement, including patrol or community policing.
- Security and investigations.
- Case management and dispatch.
- Correctional facilities.
- Court administration.
This program also provides a strong foundation for continuing your education toward a bachelor’s degree, giving you more opportunities to advance in the criminal justice field.
AAS in Criminal Justice
- Degree offered: Associate in applied science
Certificate of Proficiency (CP) also available - Locations: Florissant Valley, Forest Park, Meramec, Online
- AAS Hours to complete: 60
- CP Hours to complete: 30
- Program contact name: Jennifer Lorentz
- Program contact email: jmoldthan@stlcc.edu
Tuition for district residents is $122 per credit hour for in-district students. Find out more about our straightforward and low-cost tuition structure.
Why You Should Choose STLCC's Criminal Justice Program
Graduate With Little or No Debt
We believe cost should never be a barrier to achieving your potential. Save more than $4,700 per year with tuition that's one-third less than other local institutions. Plus, we'll help you navigate scholarship options and financial aid.
Schedules Built for Your Busy Life
Fitting a quality education into your busy life is easy with the flexibility STLCC offers: day and evening, in-person, live virtual lecture, online and hybrid.
Expert Faculty
STLCC draws its faculty members from professional ranks, including judges, lawyers, police officers, detectives and federal agents. Students will learn from working professionals who take them far beyond the textbook and share insight into real cases.
Hands-on Learning
STLCC covers hands-on job skills that others don’t teach. Students will gain a working knowledge of criminal law and procedures, constitutional law and rules of evidence and criminal investigations.
STLCC. What's your reason?