Program Details

Criminal Justice, A.A.S

Associate of Applied Science

Northern Virginia Community College

Purpose: The curriculum is designed to provide a broad foundation that will prepare students to enter any of the varied fields in criminal justice or to prepare for professional advancement. Job opportunities for students include local, state, and federal enforcement officers, police officers, private or government investigators, adult/juvenile correction officers, probation/parole officers and counselors, security directors (managers), loss prevention directors, classification managers, and personnel clearance administrators. Most of the ADJ courses in this curriculum are 'core courses' that provide a basic entry-level foundation in both criminal justice and security administration. These courses must be taken by ALL STUDENTS in this program. At several points in the curriculum, 'course options' are provided for selection by the students.

Special Curriculum Admission Requirements: Students are advised that many criminal justice and private/government security agencies require excellent moral character and a written record of conduct prior to consideration for employment.

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

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External Link

Delivery Mode

In-Person

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Delivery Mode

Online

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Delivery Mode

Hybrid

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Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree
Considerations When Selecting Courses	Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year Connect with an advisor at your community college and Northern Virginia Community College within your first year
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses
Doing More With Your Degree
Program Successes & Highlights

Program Credit Requirements

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What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript, https://www.nvcc.edu/cro/transfercredit/index.html
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	Students who have graduated with at least an associate or bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited United States institution of higher education are considered to have fulfilled NOVA's SDV requirement. Any other course transfers are evaluated based on the student's transcript.
Credit for Prior Learning	NOVA strives to provide students with opportunities to receive credit for prior learning while still maintaining the integrity of our academic programs. Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional. ways; https://www.nvcc.edu/prior-learning/
Did You Know That...	Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree? Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Northern Virginia Community College

College Level Information

Transfer Center

Visit our transfer site for more information

External Link

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

External Link

Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

External Link

Number of Transfer Students

43891

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	Our classes feature up-to-date technology and course content to prepare you for a competitive job market; We also offer courses that will transfer to colleges all over Virginia and the nation. In fact, NOVA has guaranteed admission agreements with more than 40 colleges and universities for students who meet specific requirements.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement.
First Year Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined by first semester of program placement.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	https://www.nvcc.edu/gaa/

Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution	Title	Degree	Award Name	Award Level	Delivery Mode
Mountain Gateway Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Mountain Gateway Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Business Management	Associate	Associates of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Accounting	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Science in Business Administration	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	Online
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management - Project Management Specialization	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management - Digital Marketing Specialization	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Management	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
New River Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Accounting	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
New River Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Business Management	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Paul D. Camp Community College	Associate of Sciences in Business Administration	Associate	Associate of Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Rappahannock Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Southside Virginia Community College	Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in Business Administration	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Science in Business Administration Degree	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Accounting	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Management	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Science - Business Administration	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate in Applied Science Degree in Accounting	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate in Applied Science Degree in Management	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Business	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Accounting Degree	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Management Degree	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Science in Business Administration Degree	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Business Management and Leadership	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Business Administration	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Eastern Mennonite University	Bachelor of Science Accounting	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
James Madison University	Bachelor of Business Administration, Major in Accounting	Bachelor	Bachelor of Business Administration	4-Year	In-Person
Richard Bland College	Associate of Science-Business Administration	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	Online, In-Person
University of Lynchburg	BA in Accounting	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia State University	B.S. in Accounting	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Norfolk State University	Bachelor of Science in Accountancy	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Old Dominion University	Accounting-BSBA	Bachelor	BS in Business Admin.	4-Year	In-Person, Online
Marymount University	Accounting (BS)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Bridgewater College	Business Administration Major - BA	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Ferrum College	B.S. in Accounting	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Commonwealth University	Accounting, Bachelor of Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Commonwealth University	Accounting, Bachelor of Science (online)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	Online
Averett University	Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Averett University	Bachelor of Science in Business Administration	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person, Online
Emory & Henry University	Accounting (BS)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Randolph-Macon College	Business - Finance (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Randolph-Macon College	Business - Management (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Randolph-Macon College	Accounting (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Randolph-Macon College	Business - Marketing (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Radford University	BBA in Accounting	Bachelor	Bachelor of Business Administration	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	BS in Acct & Inform Syst in Accounting & Business Analysis	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science in Business in Accounting & Information Systems	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University	BS in Acct & Inform Syst in Accounting and Information Systems	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science in Business in Accounting & Information Systems	4-Year	In-Person
Roanoke College	Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting	Bachelor	Bachelor of Business Administration	4-Year	In-Person
The University of Virginia's College at Wise	Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration and Management, Major in Accounting	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
The University of Virginia's College at Wise	Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Management, Major in Accounting	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Rappahannock Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community College	Associate of Science in Science Degree with a Business Administration Major	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Blue Ridge Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Central Virginia Community College	AAS in Criminal Justice	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Criminal Justice Major	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Mountain Empire Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Police Science	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
New River Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Paul D. Camp Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice - Corrections Science	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Paul D. Camp Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice - Police Science	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Rappahannock Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Southside Virginia Community College	Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Administration of Justice	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Southwest Virginia Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice (Forensic Science)	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice (Homeland Security)	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice (Public Law)	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Degree	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Marymount University	Criminal Justice (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Art	4-Year	In-Person
Shenandoah University	Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice and Criminology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Commonwealth University	Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Commonwealth University	Criminal Justice with concentration in Forensic Crime Scene Investigation, Bachelor of Science	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Averett University	Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Criminal Justice	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Averett University	Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Criminal Justice	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person, Online
Germanna Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Degree	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Danville Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Specialization	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	Hybrid
Rappahannock Community College	Associate of Science in Science Degree with an Elementary Education (PreK-6) Major	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
13-2011.00	Accountants and Auditors	Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.	Business and Financial Operations Occupations
13-2022.00	Appraisers of Personal and Business Property	Appraise and estimate the fair value of tangible personal or business property, such as jewelry, art, antiques, collectibles, and equipment. May also appraise land.	Business and Financial Operations Occupations
11-9199.11	Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers	Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.	Management Occupations
13-2031.00	Budget Analysts	Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.	Business and Financial Operations Occupations
25-1011.00	Business Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
11-9199.02	Compliance Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.	Management Occupations
13-2041.00	Credit Analysts	Analyze credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with credit information for use in decisionmaking.	Business and Financial Operations Occupations
25-1111.00	Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
13-2061.00	Financial Examiners	Enforce or ensure compliance with laws and regulations governing financial and securities institutions and financial and real estate transactions. May examine, verify, or authenticate records.	Business and Financial Operations Occupations
13-2054.00	Financial Risk Specialists	Analyze and measure exposure to credit and market risk threatening the assets, earning capacity, or economic state of an organization. May make recommendations to limit risk.	Business and Financial Operations Occupations
33-1012.00	First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives	Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.	Protective Service Occupations
11-9199.08	Loss Prevention Managers	Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.	Management Occupations
11-9199.00	Managers, All Other	All managers not listed separately.	Management Occupations
11-9199.01	Regulatory Affairs Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.	Management Occupations
13-2081.00	Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents	Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.	Business and Financial Operations Occupations
13-2082.00	Tax Preparers	Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.	Business and Financial Operations Occupations
11-9199.10	Wind Energy Development Managers	Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.	Management Occupations
11-9199.09	Wind Energy Operations Managers	Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.	Management Occupations

Cost To Complete

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 64 credits remaining to be completed

Residence State

Delivery Mode

Service Member?

Service Status *

Branch

GI Bill (for Spouses/Dependants)

Disability Discharge

Residence City

Hours to Complete Degree *

Minimum Term of Active Duty

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Estimated Cost for the Criminal Justice, A.A.S at Northern Virginia Community College These costs are based on an estimated 4 semesters or 2 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category		Cost	Basis	Cost (To You)	Estimated Benefits	Net Cost	Notes
Tuition		$225	Per Credit	$14,400	$0	$14,400

*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:

You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.