Criminal Justice
Associate in Applied Science
A degree in criminal justice can open doors in law enforcement, criminal law, public policy, and beyond. The Criminal Justice Associate Degree program at YCCC will give you a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system. Our program is designed to be small and individualized to provide one-on-one instruction and career advisement.
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Degree track options
Full-time
Online (Full-time & Part-time)
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Estimate degree completion time
4 semesters, 60 credit hours
Degree questions, answered.
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Courses
Courses cover police organizations, criminal law, criminology, criminalistics, and corrections. Classes address contemporary criminal justice topics like the administration of justice and the judiciary, victim advocacy, and public attitudes on criminal justice issues. Our degree is offered online or in-person. Part-time tracks are also available.
Learning outcomes
Students will be able to:
- Identify the functions and roles of all major aspects of the United States criminal justice system.
- Describe the institutions, laws, and theories that make up the legal system.
- Explain the constitutional constraints under which police and prosecutors must operate in a free society and the reasoning behind these limitations.
- Discuss the importance and application of basic ethical behavior in the exercise of public trust and discretionary authority.
- Demonstrate effective written, oral, and electronic-based communication skills in a professional workplace.
Careers
Our criminal justice degree is designed to prepare students for entry level careers in law enforcement, corrections, emergency dispatch, victim advocacy and security. Students may also transfer to a four-year institution to continue their criminal justice education.
What our students say
Hear firsthand what our criminal justice students have to say about their experience with YCCC.
Jennifer Escoto
Department of Probation & ParoleHi, my name is Jennifer Escoto. I work for the Department of Probation and Parole for the State of Maine. I have been with the department since 2005, and I graduated from York County Community College in their Criminal Justice degree program.
Meet the Faculty
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Tracey Cornell
Acting Dean of Academics
Tracey Cornell is currently serving as the Acting Dean of Academic Affairs at YCCC. Previously she served as the Department Chair and Faculty for the Criminal Justice Department. She has her BS in Criminal Justice from Northeastern University and MA in Criminal Justice from UMass Lowell. Prior to joining the faculty at YCCC, she was a crime analyst at the Portland Police Department. Tracey is a member of both MACA and IACA.