Criminal Justice AAS

MCC’s Criminal Justice degree develops students who are skilled in the basic concepts and terminology needed to analyze the process of American criminal justice as it unfolds daily across the country.

Classes introduce ethical critical thinking skills, training for various public policy situations, the administrative side of the criminal justice system, and substantive and procedural criminal law. We’ll also explore topics such as the judicial process, corrections, criminology, and community policing.

The program provides the foundation for you to begin an exciting and rewarding career in criminal justice or to graduate ready to continue your studies. The degree is also a good fit if you're working in the criminal justice field and looking to advance in your career.

Contact (815) 479-7511 with specific questions about this program.

(in-district) Total Amount: $11,486

Credit Hours to Complete: 60

Weeks to Complete: 64


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What you need to know about getting your Criminal Justice AAS (CIP 43.0107)

Total Criminal Justice AAS Costs
Cost in-district out-of-district out-of-state international
Tuition $6,990 $19,749 $27,763.8 $27,763.8
Additional Costs $4,496 $4,496 $4,496 $4,496
Program Total $11,486 $24,245 $32,259.8 $32,259.8

What makes MCC's Criminal Justice AAS better than or distinct from similar programs at other institutions?

  • All classes are taught by local, real-world practitioners in the field. Our academic classes are instructed by master's degree-educated professionals who are either retired or still working.
  • We educate students on the academic discipline while incorporating real field experience.
  • Our classes go further and incorporate guest speakers and trips that feature actual McHenry County area subject matter experts and facilities.
  • Mission

    The mission of McHenry County College’s Criminal Justice Program is to develop students who are skilled in the basic concepts and terminology they will need to intelligently analyze the process of American Criminal Justice as it unfolds on a daily basis across the country. MCC students shall be distinguishable by their critical thinking, effective communication, professionalism, and technical competency. Students will use current and contemporary practices to demonstrate mastery in the Program Learning Outcomes. Students who graduate from the criminal justice program may work in law enforcement as a police officer, school resource officer, evidence technician, a community service officer, or may work in the court system or correctional system. Though the AAS is not designed as a transfer degree, students may also choose to pursue a bachelor’s degree after completing the AAS in Criminal Justice.

  • Program Learning Objectives
    1. Students will be able to analyze information about the criminal justice system as measured by effective study and research.
    2. Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to think critically and be open to new ideas and perspectives as exhibited in classroom discussions.
    3. Students will be able to demonstrate an awareness of and commitment to ethical behavior in criminal justice as measured by examination and written reports.
    4. Students will use written and verbal communication skills necessary to work in the criminal justice community as measured by the presentation of research papers.

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Semesters to complete assumes students are taking a full-time credit load of 12 credits per semester (the minimum required for federal financial aid).

Proportion of students completing in normal time is the percentage of completers who earned the credential within the specified time of their first enrollment at the College.

Students attending part-time or changing their program of study are two common reasons why they may not complete in "normal" time.

Tuition and fees are set by the Board of Trustees. Prices for books and supplies are subject to change.

See additional information about international student costs.