Careers in criminal justice
Agencies are seeking applicants with strong communication, writing and leadership qualities. You'll need to pass several pre-hiring testing requirements, which vary from agency to agency and may include:
- Background check
- Psychological test
- Polygraph test
- Interview panel
- General aptitude test
If you're seeking employment as a sworn law enforcer, you'll also need to pass a physical fitness test and have a clear criminal background for consideration.
Careers may available in public service, including law enforcement officers, correctional staff and private security positions. Careers range from local, state and federal agencies. Learn more about these careers, their salaries and more.
Use Wingspans Explore feature to search for criminal justice-related jobs.
Course info
Class formats
Sandburg offers courses in a variety of formats to best fit your needs. Regardless of the format, make sure you have access to a reliable computer with high-speed internet. All courses use online resources and require you to access course information through mySandburg. The Galesburg and Carthage campuses have open computer labs for your use as a student.
Sample Course Schedule
Criminal Justice Certificate
Fall Semester
CRM 231
CRM 101
CRM 102
ENG 101
CRM 231
CRM 101
CRM 102
ENG 101
Note: CRM 101 and ENG 101 may also be taken online.
Spring Semester
BOC 107
CRM 103
CRM 261
CRM 121
BOC 107
CRM 103
CRM 261
CRM 121
Note: BOC 107 may also be taken online.
Criminal justice certificate
Estimated program costs and tuition breakdown
$6,540
Estimated total cost
Includes tuition, books and fees
$6,490
Based on 30 credit hours
$50
Program and administrative fees
Sample Course Schedule
Criminal Justice AAS
First Year: Fall
CRM 231
CRM 101
CRM 102
ENG 101
CRM 231
CRM 101
CRM 102
ENG 101
May also take CRM 101 and ENG 101 online.
First Year: Spring
BOC 107
CRM 103
CRM 261
CRM 121
BOC 107
CRM 103
CRM 261
CRM 121
May also take BOC 107 online.
Second Year: Fall
SPE 110
CRM 271
CRM 222
SPE 110
CRM 271
CRM 222
Second Year: Spring
POS 122
CRM 172
POS 122
CRM 172
May also take POS 122 online. CRM 262 (internship) is available TBA.
Criminal justice AAS
Estimated program costs and tuition breakdown
$12,920
Estimated total cost
Includes tuition, books and fees
$12,820
Based on 60 credit hours
$100
Program and administrative fees
Financial aid, grants & scholarships
Learn how you can take advantage of financial aid, grants and scholarships available to Sandburg students.
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) helps job seekers access employment, education, training, and support services to succeed in the labor market and to match employers with the skilled workers they need to compete in the global economy. Learn more, and complete this form to determine your eligibility.
Career and technical programs/courses follow our equal opportunity & non-discrimination statement. For more information, email the Title IX coordinator , or call 309.341.5258 or the ADA/504 coordinator at 309.341.5262.
Admission requirements
This is an open-enrollment program, meaning there isn't any criteria students must meet to be admitted.
Learn more about how to apply.
Criminal Justice Club
This club is designed for any student — regardless of major — who shares an interest in the Criminal Justice field. The Criminal Justice Club gives you a better insight into different career paths available in the field. The organization also gives you the ability to make connections with outside agencies and volunteer with local community programs as well as the opportunity to participate in many club activities from police ride-along to prison tours. You'll have the opportunity to create extended bonds that could continue past graduation.
Advisor: Christopher Barber / 309.341.5313
View a list of all student organizations.