Criminal Justice

Contact:B. Irene Britt, bbritt@ivytech.edu (574)289-7001 ext. 5368

Here’s a program that can take you in many different directions. Interested in joining the police force? Heading up your own security or private investigation firm? Helping troubled youth? Advocating for the accused in a court of law? Ivy Tech’s Criminal Justice Program prepares you to step into entry-level positions in these and many other rewarding careers, and provides continuing education opportunities for those currently working in the field. The Associate of Science degree program transfers into four-year programs in criminal justice at IU South Bend and criminology at Indiana State University.

Degrees, certificates and specialties

Program description

Degrees, certificates and specialties

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All classes are 3 credits unless indicated

Program descriptionThe Criminal Justice Program prepares professionals to work in a wide variety of both public and private criminal justice facilities and service providers. Students acquire an in-depth understanding of the various psychological, social and environmental needs of clients served by these facilities. Program objectives include training the entry-level professional and providing education to upgrade the skills and knowledge of those currently employed in the field. Students may specialize in Corrections, Law Enforcement or Youth Services.
Program optionsOptions include the Associate of Science (AS) and Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degrees. The AS degree program transfers completely into bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice at IU South Bend and criminology at Indiana State University. Other transfer opportunities also are available with both degrees.
Typical careers• Corrections officer
• Probation and parole officer
• Social service or government agency employee
• Case worker
• Victim advocate
• Court-appointed special advocate
• Youth counselor
• Substance abuse counselor
• Human services agency counselor
Employment outlookEmployment in the criminal justice field is expected to grow faster than average (21 to 35 percent) through 2008.
Occupational areas• Prisons
• Agency offices
• Adult and juvenile correctional facilities
• Community correctional programs
• Child advocacy agencies
• Victim advocacy, protective services, other human services agencies
Earnings, probation officerNational: Average wage $19.35 an hour
Indiana: Average wage $13.99 an hour
Earnings, corrections officerNational: Average wage $15.71 an hour
Indiana: Average wage $11.81 an hour
Earnings, detective/investigatorNational: Average wage $23.96 an hour
Indiana: Average wage $19.67 an hour
South Bend: Average wage $19.15 an hour
Earnings, social and human service assistantsNational: Average wage $11.46 an hour
Indiana: Average wage $11.18 an hour
South Bend: Average wage $12.04 an hour
Sources: CHOICES; Indiana Career and Postsecondary Advancement Center (ICPAC)

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