The increasing importance of higher education for professionals in criminal justice is one of the most noteworthy trends in recent years in this challenging field. The associate in applied science degree offered by the Criminal Justice program prepares students for careers in state, county and local law enforcement, and entry-level corrections and private security positions.
Over the past few decades, careers in all areas of criminal justice (law enforcement, courts, corrections, security) have undergone increasing professionalization. With that change has come a trend for increasing educational requirements, both for entry-level positions and promotional opportunities. It was out of this increasing need for higher education that the College of DuPage Criminal Justice program was created more than 25 years ago.
Since then, students who take criminal justice classes do so for a variety of reasons. Many (if not most) are taking the courses as part of a degree or certificate program, with intentions of pursuing or advancing in a career in criminal justice. Others take selected classes as part of a program in a related field. Some take individual courses to learn more about the criminal justice system and constitutional rights.