Criminal Justice
- Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.)
Program Snapshot
Your Learning Options
In-person, Hybrid, 100% Online
63 Credit Hours
Estimated Time to Complete
2 years (5 full-time semesters)
In-State Tuition Per Credit Hour
$176.00 | Calculate your costs
Why Criminal Justice?
Embark on an impactful career in the justice system, providing a comprehensive foundation in criminal justice and security administration.
- Gain a broad skill set in criminal justice administration, enhancing your ability to excel in different facets of the justice system.
- Upskill or reskill to enhance your professional standing in law enforcement, corrections, or related agencies.
- Explore all there is to know about criminal justice and security administration foundations.
Paying for College
We are committed to using all of the available funds to help you gain access to a college education. In fact, more than 91% of our students graduate without any educational debt. In 2023, Reynolds Community College students received over $21 million dollars in grants, loans, work-study and scholarships with the average aid awarded totaling over $4,000 per student.
Payment plans are offered to break down tuition payments. Textbook Assistance and Laptop Lending Programs are also available. Be sure to explore all the types of financial aid available as well!
Get a Skill. Get a Job. Get Ahead.
G3 financial assistance at Reynolds can help cover tuition for select programs like this one! Starting something new or changing a career path can be scary, but if you want to earn workplace certifications or an academic degree that leads to a career, G3 tuition assistance can help remove the financial barrier of going to college.
Why Reynolds?
We are more than a community college.
Reynolds is the key that unlocks the door to your academic and professional success. Here you will find a safe place to start. We will help you explore, dream, succeed, try, and try again. Our amazing faculty and highly personalized advisors, your Reynolds Navigators, are well known for guiding you to discover that "aha moment.” That means an outstanding college experience, less debt, more freedom, and a solid start on your future.
Experience the advantage of small class sizes, fostering a conducive learning environment. Benefit from better one-to-one contact with instructors who are dedicated to your academic success.
Many of our students secure employment with benefits even before completing the program. The industry's demand for skilled professionals ensures that you can quickly transition into the workforce and make a positive impact in your community.
Benefit from guaranteed transfer options with VCU and articulation agreements with Old Dominion University, offering a seamless pathway for further education and career advancement.
The only secret is to keep going… If you fall 100 times then you get up 101 times.
Keya Wingfield
Class Highlights
ADJ 140 - Introduction To Corrections
Study how criminal justice philosophies evolved from retribution to rehabilitation, and discover how modern correctional practices shape today's criminal justice system.
ADJ 201 - Criminology
Explore current and historical data pertaining to criminal and other deviant behavior. Examine theories that explain criminal behavior in human society.
ADJ 236 - Principles of Criminal Investigation
This course covers the fundamentals of criminal investigation procedures and techniques, focusing on crime scene search, evidence collection, handling, and preservation.
Program Roadmap
Get all the details on our Criminal Justice program, including class sequences, admission requirements, financial considerations, and more.
Additional Program Information
PURPOSE: The Criminal Justice program is for students anticipating a career in the justice system, as well as for persons already employed in the justice system who want to enhance their professional standing and update their skills.
OCCUPATIONAL OBJECTIVES: The Criminal Justice program is designed for students who are planning careers in law enforcement, corrections (juvenile and adult), or employment in related agencies.
STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES:
- Illustrate knowledge of the elements of proof for major and common crimes, the legal classification of offenses, the admissibility and presentation of evidence,and legal guidelines for methods and techniques of evidence acquisition.
- Explain crime and criminal and other deviant behavior in terms of current and historical theories of criminology.
- Demonstrate an understanding of the goals, methods, techniques, norms and responsibilities that govern work behavior in a police career as well as understand the contemporary issues, problems and controversies in modern law enforcement.
- Critical Thinking is the ability to use information, ideas and arguments from relevant perspectives to make sense of complex issues and solve problems. Degree graduates will locate, evaluate, interpret, and combine information to reach well-reasoned conclusions or solutions.
- Civic Engagement is the ability to contribute to the civic life and well-being of local, national, and global communities as both a social responsibility and a life-long learning process. Degree graduates will demonstrate the knowledge and civic values necessary to become informed and contributing participants in a democratic society.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the general principles of US criminal law, the elements of major crimes, and the basic steps of the prosecution procedure.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the major components of the US Criminal Justice system to include the evolution, philosophy, structures, and processes of the US justice to include ethical practices within the field of criminal justice.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS: General college curricular admission.
The following high school units are strongly recommended for the Criminal Justice program:
- four units of English,
- three units of college preparatory mathematics,
- one unit of laboratory science,
- and two units of foreign language.
There are no physical requirements such as height, weight, eyesight, and physical dexterity; however, the student should understand that there may be such requirements for employment in criminal justice agencies.
EMPLOYMENT CONSIDERATIONS: Certain illegal activities and/or convictions may prohibit employment in law enforcement. Employing agencies may require additional training such as completion of a police academy for some positions. Employing agencies may have minimum age requirements for some positions and may require a physical examination.
COMPUTER COMPETENCY REQUIREMENT: Students in this program will meet the college’s computer competency requirement by successfully completing SDV 101.
PROGRAM NOTES: The purpose of the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree curriculum is to prepare students for immediate employment upon graduation. Four-year college and university transfer opportunities for AAS degrees, if existing, are usually very specific in nature. Reynolds has formal transfer articulation agreements with four-year institutions that enable graduates who qualify to transfer courses completed in the AAS degree. These transfer articulation agreements are subject to change or expiration.
In addition, students may substitute some courses in the AAS degree curriculum with courses that typically transfer to senior institutions. Students interested in transferring in general or transferring under a formal transfer articulation agreement should consult with their faculty advisor upon program entry for further guidance.
