Criminal Justice gives you the skills you need for a career in law enforcement, corrections or public safety. You learn how the justice system works and how to apply that knowledge on the job.
This pathway gives you hands-on experience in real justice settings so you are ready to work when you graduate.
Columbus Campus, Grand Island Campus, Hastings Campus, Kearney Center, Online
Certificate, Diploma, Associate Degree
Certificates and diplomas build toward an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice. You can start with a short-term certificate and gain skills quickly. When you are ready, you can move up to a diploma and then a two-year degree.
Each course builds your knowledge and helps you move closer to your career in criminal justice.
The Corrections Certificate gives students a strong introduction to the correctional field and the skills needed for entry-level positions. It also helps current correctional employees build foundational knowledge to support career growth and advancement within the industry.
View Corrections Certificate Details
The Criminal Justice Certificate introduces students to law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students learn how the system works and how it helps keep communities safe. This experience helps students explore different career paths and decide which area of criminal justice interests them most.
View Criminal Justice Certificate Details
The Police Certificate gives students an inside look at careers in law enforcement. You learn about the daily duties and challenges officers face on the job. The certificate also teaches basic skills you will use in entry-level law enforcement positions.
The Criminal Justice diploma can be completed in about one year and includes the credits needed to prepare students for entry-level roles in the criminal justice field. The coursework builds practical skills and knowledge while creating a clear path for continued education or career advancement.
The Criminal Justice AAS Degree gives you a broad overview of the criminal justice field. You learn the skills needed for entry-level jobs. The degree also helps current professionals build new knowledge and strengthen their skills.
Since 2021, Central Community College’s Criminal Justice program has partnered with the legendary rock band Metallica through the Metallica Scholars Initiative. Thanks to funding from Metallica’s foundation, All Within My Hands, more than 175 CJ students have received scholarships and additional support to help them reach their career goals. Today, CCC is one of only 75 community colleges nationwide selected to participate in this prestigious program, helping students prepare for success in high-demand careers.
“The criminal justice program at Central Community College is very inclusive and very hands-on. It gets you involved with many law enforcement agencies throughout the community. Ultimately, it led me to become an officer with the Grand Island Police Department.”
Asia Mason, ’25
“This program helped me get my foot in the door with all of the real world issues and examples that each instructor had. I also learned lots that I didn’t even realize that went into criminal justice. The college is very flexible and friendly to all students. I felt welcomed and supported and even known in the facility of Central Community College.”
Joseph Sumner, ’23
“This program helps focus young people, who are interested in a career in law enforcement and corrections, to kick the tires on our agency and see if our culture and work resonate with them. This enables us to attract people who will more likely make a long and satisfying career out of what we do. The collaboration with Central Community College is mutually beneficial because it allows students to experience a real-world classroom by visiting and interning with our agency and it provides higher education opportunities to the police officers we currently have. This makes the whole career and academic process more efficient and effective which ultimately ups our customer service and response to our community.”
Kevin Denney, Grand Island Chief of Police
Do you have questions about Criminal Justice at Central Community College? These answers can help you decide if this pathway is right for you and what to expect along the way.
You can complete this degree within 2 years.
Yes, absolutely! We offer online, in-person or hybrid options.
Yes. You will get hands-on experience by using the crime house, field trips, conferences and virtual reality systems.
Call us to get some more information or request information with the form below.
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