Criminal Justice Program
Criminal Justice is a vast and vital field
For those who believe in justice, protecting their communities, and protecting individual rights while upholding the law, Criminal Justice provides a rich variety of careers for people with different strengths and interests.
A degree in Criminal Justice is not only for those in law enforcement, who are professionally dedicated to fighting crime. There are also other important careers in the field, such as: probation and parole, juvenile detention, corrections, forensic science, and cyber-security.
Although Kirtland’s Criminal Justice Degree program is currently set up as a pre-service training for students to enter the Police Academy, your advisor can help you arrange a program of courses that leads to other achievements and jobs in Criminal Justice if that’s where your interests lie. You can also pursue a degree in Cyber Security here at Kirtland.
Law Enforcement
A career in law enforcement is about your commitment to justice and serving the greater good
Law enforcement officers are entrusted with protecting our American ideals by helping maintain law and order and doing all they can to keep their communities safe, which includes protecting each individual’s constitutional rights.
Law Enforcement isn’t just a job – it’s a calling, an honorable profession made up of men and women from all races, backgrounds, and cultures. Depending on their assignments, they may be called upon to rescue people who are in trouble, assist at emergency scenes, de-escalate people in great distress, respond to criminal activity, monitor the flow of traffic and the safety on the roadways, and so much more.
On a day-to-day basis, the overarching responsibility of law enforcement officers is to protect the public. It can be a challenging, but it’s always an extremely rewarding career.
At times, the job is dangerous and highly stressful. It is also rewarding because, as a law enforcement officer, you have the potential to impact so many people’s lives.
Maintaining law and order has many facets. As a police officer, building and maintaining the trust of the communities you serve is a crucial feature of your work. Fostering the public trust* and being seen as a positive force requires effort and consistency and applying the law equally to all. Whether you’re an officer, deputy, a state police trooper, or a DNR officer, becoming a trusted member of your community is one of your most important responsibilities.
Your natural abilities in communications, empathy and awareness are just as important as the critical training you’ll receive in firearms, operations, defensive tactics and understanding how to apply the law. Today’s job landscape for newly trained police officers is more promising than in any other period in memory. Because officers are in short supply, if you choose this career, you’ll have a powerful negotiating chip when it’s time to look for a job. You may even have a job lined up before you complete your academy training.
*As a result of a 2016 Executive Directive by then Governor Snyder, a study was undertaken to set out a series of recommendations for addressing public trust and confidence in law enforcement in Michigan.
There is a need for more manpower
If you choose law enforcement as your career, it’s an understatement to say you’ll be in high demand. Although we can’t specifically make a promise to you about your employment, your chances of getting a job right out of school are excellent.
You can potentially earn a very good salary. The trend now is toward higher wages and better benefits. Many agencies are returning to pensions after abandoning that approach to retirement some years ago. Most jobs now come with excellent benefits and job security.
There’s less competition for promotions. It’s probable that you’ll have opportunities to advance more quickly than in the past.
You can choose where to apply for a job. New entrants can go just about anywhere right now, which is unusual for this field.
Career Opportunities
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers
Median Salary (2021) in Michigan: $64,510
Employment growth (2021-31): 8%
Salary data according to O*NET Online
Is Kirtland where YOU belong?
If you agree with most of these ideas, the answer may be YES …
- I’m motivated by a strong feeling that I can help make the world a better place.
- I want a job and career that’s rewarding, where I can have a sense of satisfaction for having done something constructive for my community.
- I want to be able to provide well for myself and my family.
- I want a kind of work that makes me proud of my position in life.
- I have a strong sense of teamwork and duty.
- I believe in law and justice and want to contribute to safer communities.
- I want to be part of protecting communities and maintaining fairness and justice for all whether I’m working on the streets, the courts, in detention facilities, laboratories, rehabilitation centers, or digital workplaces.
At Kirtland you’ll finish with an Associate in Applied Science, Criminal Justice Pre-Service
- You will have general education requirements, most of which are also available online.
- Your final semester will consist of attending the Police Academy.
- If you choose another area of Criminal Justice besides law enforcement, you can talk to your advisor about a degree path that will work in your favor and allow you to transfer to a four-year college or university after you leave Kirtland.
Small Class Sizes
At Kirtland, you won’t feel lost in an environment where there are large numbers of students vying for the instructors’ attention. Our class sizes are small enough that your expert instructors will know your name and take an interest in you!
Passionate student-focused advisors provide the guidance you need to succeed.
Our advisors are well-known among current and former students alike for their kindness and exceptional level of interest and commitment to our students’ success. They’ll do their best to answer your questions and get you the right information.
Kirtland makes it easier to work out the finances
You can save a lot of money by enrolling here. Our tuition rates are one-third the cost of most four-year schools and universities, which puts you at a real advantage!
We also have many resources for financial aid and professional staff who’ll help you apply.
Get help with your financial aid
You may be surprised by how simple it is to apply for government grants, scholarships and loans.
Your credit history is not a major consideration in qualifying for federal aid. You DON’T need to attend school full-time to qualify. And we will assist you with the process you’re dreading IF you need help. Often students are eligible for more money than they’re expecting.
Your pursuit of an honorable and rewarding career starts here
Step 1 — Get Started
Apply for admission to the college. Apply for financial aid. p.s. If you need assistance with your financial aid application, we’re here to help!
Step 2
Speak to an advisor!
They’ll help you navigate the process, dot the I’s and cross the T’s! Once you’ve made your decision, declare Criminal Justice as your program of study with your advisor.
Step 3
Complete your coursework.
Step 4
Complete your training at the Police Academy in the last semester of the program.
Step 5
Graduate with your Associate in Applied Science, Criminal Justice Pre-Services. Celebrate!
FINAL STEP
Get a job! Your career opportunities are endless.
Bonus STEP
In-service training at Kirtland to gain additional skills and certifications.