Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice

Justice Careers Start Here

Examine issues relating to crime, law, and justice. You’ll learn to analyze situations and events in a logical way, organize the parts of a problem effectively, appreciate diversity, work with a wide cross-section of the community, and believe in your abilities and judgment – all while recognizing your personal limitations and developmental needs.

Go straight into the workforce to begin your career in this exciting field after graduation, or if you're interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to continue your studies, take a look at our Liberal Arts degree in Criminal Justice.

How to ApplyProgram Details

Kirkwood offers more than $3 million in scholarships for students each year, and there are many specifically for students enrolled in the Criminal Justice program.

Graduates of the Criminal Justice program will be able to:

  • Develop a working vocabulary of criminal justice terminology.
  • Demonstrate basic knowledge of the methods used in criminal justice research, including sources and data.
  • Identify career opportunities in the field of criminal justice.
  • Describe the components of the American criminal justice system, their functions, and their organization.
  • Relate the structure and function of the American criminal justice system to contemporary society (e.g. Democratic values).
  • Construct and evaluate strategies to address ethical/moral challenges faced by criminal justice practitioners.

It is highly recommended that students earn an Associate of Arts degree and transfer to a four-year institution.

Students typically transfer to Mt. Mercy University, the University of Northern Iowa, Central Missouri State, Upper Iowa University, St. Ambrose University, Simpson College, Iowa State University and Iowa Wesleyan, and pursue bachelors degrees in Criminal Justice, Criminology or Crime Analysis.

Explore future career opportunities:

Career Coach

Program Costs

Criminal Justice 

School Year: 2023–24

Program Entry Semester: Fall, Spring

Fall Spring Fall Spring Total
Credit Hours per Semester 16 16 18 15 65
In-State Tuition $3,360 $3,360 $3,780 $3,150 $13,650
Technology Fee per Semester $50 $50 $50 $50 $200
Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Conferences/Seminars $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) $245 $350 $425 $340 $1,360
Course/Section Fees $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Laptop (required devices) $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Testing Fees $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Third Party Credentials $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Tool Sets $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Uniforms $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Other $0 $0 $0 $0 $0
Total Estimated Cost $3,655 $3,760 $4,255 $3,540 $15,210

 

Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $210 (In-State), $281 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).

To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.


What career could this lead to?

Graduates with a Criminal Justice degree can obtain jobs in a variety of different career opportunities.
Explore Careers

Meet Our Faculty

 

Andrea Wilson
Title: Program Coordinator
Phone: 319-398-5534
Email: andrea.wilson@kirkwood.edu
Office: 1033 Cedar Hall

 

Jeff Hembera
Title: Faculty
Phone: 319-398-5716
Email: jeff.hembera@kirkwood.edu
Office: 1020 Cedar Hall

Adjunct Faculty

Mike Penrod
George O'Donnell

Mission Statement

At Kirkwood Community College, our mission is to provide high school students with a comprehensive and engaging Introduction to Criminal Justice program that not only equips them with fundamental knowledge but also fosters critical thinking, ethical awareness, and a passion for justice. Through a combination of rigorous academic content and practical experiences, we aim to prepare our students for further studies and potential careers in the field, all while instilling a strong sense of social responsibility and respect for the principles of justice, fairness, and equality.

Kirkwood Student Lane Davis

“Kirkwood doesn’t feel like any other college – in a lot of ways it’s smaller, less stressful, and more laid back, but it’s big enough that you can have a lot of fun and always find things to do around campus too.”

Lane Davis,
Keosauqua, Iowa


Questions?

Social Sciences Department
2092 Cedar Hall
319-398-4911
social.sciences@kirkwood.edu