Overview
Commitment to the safety and well-being of the public and the rights of all individuals are cornerstones of our society, and key aspects of a career in criminal justice. Get a head start on that career by starting at Waubonsee. Our classes will broaden your knowledge and sharpen your skills.
Get paid and gain experience with Waubonsee's Police Cadet Program
Get paid to gain experience in law enforcement - Download the Cadet Program Screening Application (PDF) or pick one up or in person at the Sugar Grove or Aurora Downtown Campuses.
Studying Criminal Justice at Waubonsee
Waubonsee’s Criminal Justice program introduces students to the field through experienced instructors with diverse backgrounds and relevant expertise. The program’s curriculum provides practical and theoretical courses and explores ethics, the court systems, patrol operations and other essential subjects. Upon graduation, you’ll have a well-rounded foundation and be ready to transfer to a four-year university.
Working in Criminal Justice
Broadly defined, criminal justice refers to procedures and organizations that uphold the law. But more specifically, criminal justice works through law enforcement, court and corrections systems to give every individual equal rights, the right to legal representation, and rehabilitation if needed.
Eligibility and Hiring
Law enforcement agencies conduct a thorough background check on all job applicants, to include both their adult and juvenile records. It is highly unlikely that an agency will hire someone who has been convicted of a felony offense. Depending on the seriousness and circumstances of the crime, some agencies may hire applicants who have been convicted of a misdemeanor. Certain organizations have a zero tolerance policy when it comes to illegal drug use by applicants.
Law enforcement agencies require that police officer candidates be U.S. citizens, usually between 20 and 35 years old, and meet rigorous physical and psychological standards. Examinations often include tests of vision, hearing, strength, agility and mental health. Hiring usually depends on competitive written examinations and previous education and experience.
Students should contact specific agencies for detailed hiring policies and procedures.
Transfer Guide
With proper planning, our transfer degrees can take you anywhere, but check out this Criminal Justice Transfer Guide (pdf) for specific course recommendations for select area four-year schools.
Meet Your Faculty
View a listing of faculty members in this program.
Costs and Payments
Learn how affordable your dreams can be at Waubonsee.
Program Outcomes
- Students will learn an overview and analysis of the criminal justice, correctional, and court systems, including a historical and philosophical overview of their development, with special emphasis on the system’s primary components and the relationship of these components in the administration of criminal justice, constitutional law, and juvenile justice in the United States.
- Students will examine and analyze the structure and function of substantive criminal law and the principles of criminal law. The acts, mental state, and attendant circumstances that are the necessary elements of crime are included. Statutory law and case law regarding search, seizure and use of force will be discussed. Criminal law, as it relates to probable cause and totality of the circumstances, will be emphasized.
- Students will learn an overview and analysis of the juvenile justice system in the United States. History and the philosophies of society’s reaction to juvenile behavior and problems. Interaction among the police, judiciary, and corrections are examined within the context of cultural influences. Introduces theoretical perspectives of causation and control.
- Prepare students to transfer to a Criminal Justice program at a four-year school.
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