Criminal Justice Certificate

What makes MCC's Criminal Justice Certificate 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.