Criminal Justice
The Prairie State College Criminal Justice Program offers a comprehensive curriculum
designed to prepare students for successful careers in law enforcement, corrections,
security, and related fields.
Our program provides students with a solid foundation in criminal justice theory,
ethics, and practical skills essential for success in the field.
Proficiency Credit Opportunities
PSC acknowledges the expertise of active duty police officers and offers proficiency credit for many of our criminal justice classes based on prior experience and professional training. These opportunities allow experienced law enforcement professionals to leverage their practical knowledge and skills to accelerate their progress through the program, saving time and tuition
About the Program
Whether you are eager to begin an exciting new career or seeking to advance within
the field, PSC provides classes to support your goals. Offering an array of options
including an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.), a Technical Certificate, or an
Associate in Arts (A.A.) transfer degree leading to a Bachelor's Degree in criminal
justice, PSC equips you to become part of a growing profession.
Program Overview
PSC criminal justice faculty have professional experience and expertise in the field. Students benefit from their knowledge and skill, learning in modern classrooms and computer labs. Classes are conveniently scheduled with flexible course offerings available.
PSC offers proficiency credit for many of our criminal justice classes to full-time active duty police officers based upon previous experience and professional training. Consult with the criminal justice program coordinator, or an advisor for more information.
This program provides a foundation in criminal justice for individuals planning careers in the fields of law enforcement, corrections, probation, parole, or private security. The core criminal justice classes focus on the major components and operations of our system of justice at the local, county, state, and federal levels. Students study criminal law and procedure, corrections, and the courts.
They also review the administration, organization, and processes of the overall criminal justice system. Proficiency credits are available for actively working full-time police officers (and corrections officers) who are certified by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board as a Law Enforcement Officer or Corrections Officer. These officers must have completed the Approved Basic Law Enforcement (or Corrections) Officer Training Academies (400 or 480 hours) and have one year or more of full-time experience as a police (or corrections) officer, and they must have completed their probationary period.
Upon completion of this program, students will be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of societal impacts of crime control policies, particularly ethical dilemmas, and including different impacts by racelethnicity, social class, and gender
- Demonstrate an appreciation for the social science approach in dealing with societal issues, thus fostering the students to learn critical thinking skills so they can be successful in the criminal justice field
- Discuss the history, theory, and development of criminal justice in the United States