Criminal Justice

Learn about the field of law enforcement and do it hands-on. Study defensive tactics, evidence, and prepare for the fitness exam. We cover it all. Departments here and across the U.S. are seeking qualified candidates. Our expert instructors prepare you to walk into a great career. Iowa's Last-Dollar Scholarship may even cover your tuition.

What You Learn in the Criminal Justice Program

Learn about the justice system, government, and the dynamics of crime and society. How to identify and test evidence, and defend yourself in the field. Job shadow. Leave EICC with a short-term certificate or a two-year degree. Either way, you have skills to launch a career.

What Can I Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?

Keep your community and neighbors safe by serving as a local, state, or federal law enforcement officer. Dispatch life-saving emergency services while calming the caller who dialed 911. Work in corrections or provide security services. Your education and skills are in high demand. Climb the ranks and make your mark.

16Total Credits

Criminal Justice, Certificate

Start here and learn about criminal justice, ethics, and corrections. Get a great overview of the field and the roles you can play. Take this short-term education into the workforce right away or keep working toward a diploma.

See your classes

32Total Credits

Criminal Justice, Diploma

Courses include Criminology and Juvenile Delinquency. Get hands-on and take part in scenario-based training. Eager to jump into the field? You can, or keep going and earn your degree.

See your classes

62Total Credits

Criminal Justice, AAS Degree

You wrap up your degree at the SCC main campus. Study Criminal Law, Criminal Investigations, Government, and Law Enforcement. Learn to interview witnesses. Complete a job shadow or an internship. Graduate ready to step into a job or enter the police academy.

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A Solid Foundation

Criminology

How did you develop?

Criminology

Study human behavior and crime. Learn about personality development, cultural, and social forces.

Communications

Learn to talk.

Communications

Take Spanish or American Sign Language. Build interviewing and cultural communication skills.

Explore Careers

Why look within?

Explore Careers

ID your interests, abilities, and values. Pinpoint a career goal. Develop the needed skills.

Conditioning

Get physical!

Conditioning

Get in shape. Law enforcement physical training. Weights, running, stretching, and more.

Similar Programs

Not quite right? Consider these instead:

SEE ALL PROGRAMS

Make a difference in your hometown

Did you know Scott County Sheriff Tim Lane and former Davenport Police Chief Paul Sikorski have more in common than just their badges? And desire to protect and serve? Each got their start, along with many other local law enforcement professionals, by earning an associate’s degree with an emphasis in Criminal Justice from Eastern Iowa Community Colleges (EICC).

In EICC’s service area alone, there are law enforcement opportunities at the municipal, county, state, and federal level.

“The future is wide open for those people who want to join law enforcement,” said Scott County Sheriff Tim Lane. “There is a lot more demand than people pursuing the field.”

Our AAS program will give you the hands-on training to start a successful career - just like these two alums!

Pictured: Former Davenport Police Chief Paul Sikorski

Read full story Protect & Serve

Ready to go?

To graduate with an AAS, you need to complete a 64-hour job shadow experience. If you have a criminal background, it may make this process more challenging, as most agencies conduct thorough background checks. If you have questions, contact Program Director Jason Elswick at jelswickFREEEICC. He'll talk you through your options.

Two adults sit at a table during a criminal justice fingerprinting activity. The table is covered with fingerprinting supplies, including brushes, ink pads, sample cards, tape, and cups. One person holds a fingerprint brush while the other demonstrates using a tool. Classroom materials and trays are visible in the background.

Program Standards

To successfully complete each phase of this program, Criminal Justice students are expected to meet specific technical standards that reflect industry requirements.

LEARN MORE ABOUT PROGRAM STANDARDS

Leading With Heart- And a Badge

When Elexiana Oliva took the stage as a graduation speaker, her voice was steady, but the emotion behind it was unmistakable. She had something to say, and people were listening. Graduating with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice represented more than an academic milestone. Oliva represented a vision for the future of law enforcement—one grounded in compassion, awareness, and strength.

READ ELEXIANA'S STORY

Two students talking with Student Services staff member

Iowa's Last-Dollar Scholarship

Training for a high-demand career? Iowa's Last-Dollar Scholarship may cover the tuition your other financial aid doesn't. This program applies to more than two dozen career programs, including this one. File your FAFSA by July 15 to see if you qualify.

Learn More

Start at Any Campus

You choose. Complete the first year of your Criminal Justice AAS at our Clinton, Muscatine, or Scott campus. Then complete your second year at the Scott campus, learning and training in classrooms and labs designed specifically for this program.

Transfer student in class with instructor smiling

Transfer Major

If EICC is your first stop to a four-year degree, consider our Transfer Major Associate Degree program. We’ve partnered with universities and colleges to layout the precise course path you complete here before you transfer to the four-year college. Complete general education courses as well as courses required for your major here. The credits fully transfer toward your bachelor’s degree.

Learn about Transfer Majors

Criminal Justice student practicing fingerprinting

Start in High School

Get a jump on your college education while you're in high school. Choose a Career Academy and complete a semester to a full year of courses. It's free for most students and cuts down on the time you spend completing your EICC degree, often in half. Save time and money, and launch your career sooner.

LEARN MORE ABOUT CAREER ACADEMIES

Your Degree = Success

Complete your education in two years. Qualify for better jobs. Earn a higher salary. Enjoy a better quality of life. The benefits of an associate's degree are impressive and wide-ranging.

Explore the value of an associate’s degree

Employment and Wage Outlook

How to Pay for EICC

College costs add up. So do the ways to help pay for it. Start here, see what fits, and get help putting the pieces together.

Financial Aid 101

Fill out the FAFSA to see what federal and state aid you may qualify for, including grants, Work-Study, and federal student loans.

Complete the FAFSA

Scholarships

Here's a way to lower what you pay for college. Apply and see what’s available through EICC foundations and other supporters.

Apply for Scholarships

Grants & Work-Study

Grants can help cover college costs. If you qualify for Work-Study, you can earn a wage while you’re in school, plus a tuition stipend.

Grants & Work-Study

Contact Admissions

Contact the admissions representative from the college you plan to attend. If you’re not sure, you may contact any rep. Each can answer questions about any college or program.

Office Hours: Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

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