The Criminal Justice Program prepares students for career employment in criminal justice agencies and related fields as well as for transfer to bachelor's degree programs.  The curriculum emphasizes both an academic and practical approach to the three major areas of criminal justice: police, courts and corrections, providing the student with basic knowledge of legal issues facing practitioners in these fields.  Emphasis is place on oral and written communications skills, as well as interpersonal skill building and understanding of multicultural issues necessary for working with diverse populations.  The program's faculty bring many years of professional job-related experience to the classroom.  Several courses offer the opportunity for students to engage in service-learning in the community.

Students have their choice of two areas of emphasis:
Administration of Justice Option
The Administration of Justice Option is designed for students interested in working in such criminal justice fields as probation, parole, corrections, victim/witness advocacy and related occupations.  Students are able to develop a strong foundation in criminal justice and also study topics such as victimology, juvenile justice and corrections.
Law Enforcement Option
The Law Enforcement Option is designed for students interested in working as police officers and in other law enforcement careers.  This option provides students with a strong foundation in criminal justice and the opportunity to focus their studies in the areas of law enforcement and policing.

Admissions Prerequisites
· High school diploma or G.E.D.
· Score of 68 or better on reading portion of MCC Placement Test. Ability to successfully complete English Composition (ENG 101) and Algebra II or equivalent (MAT 080 or equivalent).

Program Specifics
· Students can take both general education and criminal justice course days or evening at the Bedford or Lowell campus.
· Developmental course work may be required based upon college placement testing.
· Students must maintain an overall grade average of 2.0 (C-) or better to be graduated from the program.
· Students who choose to enroll in the internship courses must arrange their own transportation to the job site.
· Many graduates of the program have gone on to obtain bachelor's and master's degrees at other institutions.

Standard Skills for Criminal Justice
· The program requires that students demonstrate sufficient emotional maturity, academic ability and analytical skills to attain positions of responsibility in the community.
· Applicants are expected to understand and respect the diversity of people and possess a willingness to work with all segments of society.
· A felony conviction may be an impediment to employment in certain criminal justice fields.

Employment Outlook
· Graduates of the Criminal Justice Program are prepared for entry-level positions in police, court and corrections agencies.  Many graduates have found success in the expanding private security field.   Related human service employers include victim advocacy offices and agencies providing transitional housing for victims of domestic violence.
· Many employers offer career incentives that provide financial assistance for coursework; some employers also offer salary increases to employees who have earned associate degrees.