NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Criminal Justice

Criminal justice is the system though which crimes and criminals are identified, apprehended, judged and punished. When taking courses in criminal justice, you'll gain knowledge in the criminal justice system and its various agencies and processes established by governments to control crime and impose penalties on those who violate laws.

Program Outcomes: 

• Demonstrate an understanding of the criminal justice curriculum and the criminal justice process
• Understand the principles and philosophy of criminal law and rules associated with evidence and evidence collection
• Demonstrate the difference between various justice systems in the United States and in other countries
• Understand the roles and responsibilities of various criminal justice practitioners

Employment opportunities exist in a variety of local, state and federal law enforcement, corrections and security fields.

Examples include:

• Police Officer
• Deputy Sheriff
• County Detention Officer
• Parole Surveillance Officer
• Correctional Officer
• Loss Prevention Specialist

NWACC offers a certificate of proficiency, a technical certificate, and an associate degree in criminal justice.