Criminal Justice Degree

The criminal justice degree program at Central Arizona College prepares students for instruction that focuses on the criminal justice system, its organizational components and processes, and its legal and public policy contexts. Students who graduate from the criminal justice degree program will have knowledge in criminal law and policy, police and correctional systems organization, the administration of justice and the judiciary, and public attitudes regarding criminal justice issues. Get more details below including other Arizona colleges that offer criminal justice degrees.

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Central Arizona College

Also known as Pinal County Community College

2525 N Country Club Rd, Tucson, AZ

About
Central Arizona College, located in Coolidge, Arizona, was founded in 1961 to provide education to residents of Pinal County. The school is a public two year institution providing service and educational opportunities to over 12,000 students annually. In addition to the Coolidge campus, the school operates the Aravaipa campus in Winkelman and the Superstition Mountain campus in Apache Junction.

The school also operates six education centers providing additional services in its expanded service area. The school prides itself on its quality education and diverse population of students, allowing for intellectual and cultural exchange.

Academics
Central Arizona College provides students a large number of programs that may result in either a degree or certificate. Students may pursue academic transfer of career training opportunities in a field that best suits one's goals. Academic transfer programs allow students to complete the lower division portion of a four year education, typically taking two years to complete.  Upon successful completion, students can submit an application for transfer to a four year institution to continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree.

Four year institutions have varying transfer requirements, and it is recommended students meet with an academic advisor to develop a curriculum that best assists in transfer to a student's desired school or schools.

Career programs provide the development of skills and abilities necessary for entry into the workforce as professionals. Through a combination of practical and classroom courses students will develop valuable experience and knowledge useful for seeking employment.

Programs take between one and two years to complete, resulting in a certificate or degree which demonstrates competency and allows graduates to obtain work immediately after graduation. Such are usually reflective of the needs of the community and are often for high demand fields.

Programs offered at CAC include:

• Fine Arts
• Accounting
• Nursing
• Graphic Design
• Early Childhood Education

Admissions and Financial Aid
CAC is an open enrollment institution allowing any student who submits a completed application and meets the minimum requirements for admission to enroll. Students must provide transcripts from previous schools as well as take a placement exam, which may be waived if standardized test scores are provided. First time students are encouraged to visit student orientation, as well as meet with a guidance counselor to outline a curriculum and discuss goals. Registration for classes takes place prior to the start of each semester and tuition due shortly thereafter.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants and work study programs. Students in need of financial assistance must submit a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information provided from which will be used to determine financial need, aid program eligibility, and monetary awards. Financial aid must be reapplied for prior to the start of each academic year. Students may be asked to provide additional financial information to ensure that the FAFSA is accurate and verified prior to the disbursement of funds. This selection is federally required and the students are selected randomly. Students in need of assistance regarding the application process may make an appointment with a financial aid counselor.

Students Enrolled in the Criminal Justice Program

Get more details below regarding enrollment, academics, and school demographics. Pinal County Community College offers an associate's degree program in criminal justice.

Students by Gender (2019)

Students by Race (2019)

Source: IPEDS Survey 2012-2020: Data obtained from the US Dept. of Education's Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Data may vary depending on school and academic year.

Career Options for Graduates

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Description

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers

Description

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Description

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.

Career Outlook & Projections ()

According to the BLS, first-line supervisors of police and detectives employment is expected to grow at a rate of 4.2% from 2014 to 2024

Salary & Wages

• Tucson, AZ
  • Total Employment: 270
  • Average Hourly Rate: $46.11
  • Average Annual Salary: $95900

Source: Job descriptions, estimated salary and wages, and projected job growth are taken from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).