About our Criminal Justice
Associate Degree
The Criminal Justice program provides students with the skills and abilities they need to succeed in dynamic and rewarding criminal justice careers.
Students will find career opportunities in law enforcement, forensics, corrections, probation/parole, private security and investigations, and juvenile and adult protective services. The professional expertise of the faculty provides an important blending of academic accomplishment and practical experience.
Students benefit from their professors’ real-world expertise in police patrol, investigations, evidence technology/forensics, crime scene reconstruction, drug and selective enforcement, supervision, management/leadership, corrections and criminal prosecution. Career guidance and networking opportunities with criminal justice agencies and practitioners further enhance students’ academic preparation and career success.
Graduation Outcomes
- Apply substantive criminal law and the law of criminal procedure as used by practitioners in the criminal justice field.
- Demonstrate knowledge of substantive and procedural due process as it relates to the criminal justice system.
- Demonstrate knowledge of how practitioners in the criminal justice field use science and technology.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the predominant theories of criminal behavior.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the organizational structure, operation and philosophy of the police, courts and corrections of our criminal justice system.
What opportunities does this program provide?
Launch Your Career
SMCC graduates in this program have gone on to work as:
- Police Officer
- Correctional Officer
- Fish and Game Warden
- Legal Assistant
- Paralegal
- Private Investigator
- Probation Officer
Continue Your Education
SMCC graduates have used our transfer agreements to continue their education at:
- Johnson & Wales University
- Maine College of Art
- Mount Holyoke College
- Saint Joseph’s College
- Southern New Hampshire University
- Thomas College
- University of Maine
- University of New England
- University of Southern Maine
- Wellesley College
To view our seamless transfer agreements, visit our Transfer webpage.
How do I complete this program?
Browse the information below to view our program requirements and how you might complete this program.
Estimated Full-Time Degree Completion Time
Please note, these estimates are based on a student taking an average of 15 credits per semester and do not include college preparatory or developmental courses.
Interested in viewing full program and course details?
- View full program details in our academic catalog.
- View a list of current major-specific courses for this program.
- View all current courses.
Are you a current student?
Be sure to view the degree program requirements for your specific program. Log into MySMCC and click My Maine Guide, MyDegree to learn more.
Related Programs
Not ready to commit to a degree program? We may have other options that work for you.
Did you know that we offer a broad array of short-term workforce training programs that allow you to enter the workforce and start earning quickly? These programs are a great way to enter a career in your area of interest and to become accustomed to college classes. They are also often grant-funded (free of charge to trainees). And, if you find you want to keep going, we can help you find a related academic degree or certificate program of interest with which you can continue your education.
Learn More:
Costs & Financial Aid
This degree program may have specific associated costs which are important to know before attending. We encourage you to apply for financial aid which provides funds in the form of grants and scholarship (free), loans (need to repay) and student employment (earned money.)
Want to learn more?
Fill out a quick form and we’ll reach out to provide more info.
Ready to apply?
Learn how to apply and fill out our online application when you’re ready.
Contact Us:
Admissions: 207-741-5800 or admissions@smccME.eduÂ
Department Chair: Tom Joyce, 207-741-5551 or tjoyce@smccME.edu