Program Details
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice
Associate of Applied ScienceBrightpoint Community College
This two-year program prepares students for jobs in criminal justice and law enforcement. Jobs include correction officers, security officers, and investigators.
Outcomes
By the completion of this program, students will be expected to demonstrate an introductory level of competency in the following skills:
- Model appropriate and ethical behavior during criminal justice simulations.
- Identify and describe each component of the criminal justice system (police, courts, corrections), giving at least 2 examples of each part of the system.
- Explain the purpose of the juvenile justice system, including its history, rights of juveniles, and dispositional alternatives.
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of different theories for causation of crime.
- Analyze interactive approaches of law enforcement agencies and the citizenry they serve.
Program Credit Requirements

Please note that some courses may count towards more than one requirement such as meeting a general education requirement and a major specific requirement. The course will be listed under the first matching requirement. Please contact the institution with questions.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes JTCC allows open admission for this program. More information on how to get started at JTCC can be found at: https://www.jtcc.edu/admissions/get-started-at-tyler/. Students who are Certified Virginia Law Enforcement Officers may receive up to 20 credits toward this program. Persons entering the public or private sectors of criminal justice employment will be subjected to intensive physical agility tests, background investigations, psychological testing, personal interviews, physical examinations and polygraph examinations. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | |
Program Successes & Highlights |
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
Credit for Prior Learning | Brightpoint accepts multiple forms of credit for prior learning, including scores on standardized tests such as AP/IB/CLEP/DANTES as well as courses and training completed in the military, criminal justice academies, technology certification programs, and health services certification programs. See https://www.brightpoint.edu/paying-for-brightpoint/pay-tuition/military-veterans-educational-benefits/credit-for-prior-experience/ |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | At Brightpoint, our vision is "A success story for every student." With our small classes, our large number of courses and in-demand programs (including many online!), partnerships with area employers, and our award-winning faculty, Brightpoint Community College can help you begin your journey to a Bachelor's degree, a job, or both! |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | A student's catalog year determined by their first semester of attendance. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | A student's catalog year determined by their first semester of attendance. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Not required. |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
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Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Criminal Justice Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Online |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice - Corrections Science | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice - Police Science | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Germanna Community College | General Studies - Specialization in Administration of Justice Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Northern Virginia Community College | Administration of Justice, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Rappahannock Community College | AAS Degree in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Administration of Justice Associate of Applied Science Degree | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science with a major in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Wytheville Community College | Associate in Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice (Forensic Science) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Northern Virginia Community College | Criminology and Criminal Justice, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Corrections Science | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Correctional Services | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate in Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Eastern Shore Community College | General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Eastern Shore Community College | Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Liberal Arts Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Germanna Community College | General Studies Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Northern Virginia Community College | General Studies, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Blue Ridge Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Central Virginia Community College | AAS in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Danville Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice - Law Enforcement Specialization | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Online |
Southwest Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice (Homeland Security) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice (Public Law) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
New River Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Police Science | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Patrick & Henry Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Piedmont Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Police Science | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Mountain Empire Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Police Science | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Administration of Justice: Homeland Security Specialization, A.A.S. | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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25-1111.00 | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
33-1012.00 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force. | Protective Service Occupations |
33-1011.00 | First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers. | Protective Service Occupations |
19-4099.00 | Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-4099.01 | Quality Control Analysts | Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-4099.03 | Remote Sensing Technicians | Apply remote sensing technologies to assist scientists in areas such as natural resources, urban planning, or homeland security. May prepare flight plans or sensor configurations for flight trips. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
11-9199.11 | Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.02 | Compliance Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.08 | Loss Prevention Managers | Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.00 | Managers, All Other | All managers not listed separately. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.01 | Regulatory Affairs Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.10 | Wind Energy Development Managers | Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.09 | Wind Energy Operations Managers | Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning. | Management Occupations |
33-3012.00 | Correctional Officers and Jailers | Guard inmates in penal or rehabilitative institutions in accordance with established regulations and procedures. May guard prisoners in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Includes deputy sheriffs and police who spend the majority of their time guarding prisoners in correctional institutions. | Protective Service Occupations |
33-3011.00 | Bailiffs | Maintain order in courts of law. | Protective Service Occupations |
33-3051.04 | Customs and Border Protection Officers | Investigate and inspect persons, common carriers, goods, and merchandise, arriving in or departing from the United States or between states to detect violations of immigration and customs laws and regulations. | Protective Service Occupations |
33-3021.00 | Detectives and Criminal Investigators | Conduct investigations related to suspected violations of federal, state, or local laws to prevent or solve crimes. | Protective Service Occupations |
33-3021.06 | Intelligence Analysts | Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism. | Protective Service Occupations |
33-3021.02 | Police Identification and Records Officers | Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases. | Protective Service Occupations |
33-3051.00 | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions. | Protective Service Occupations |
33-9021.00 | Private Detectives and Investigators | Gather, analyze, compile, and report information regarding individuals or organizations to clients, or detect occurrences of unlawful acts or infractions of rules in private establishment. | Protective Service Occupations |
19-3039.03 | Clinical Neuropsychologists | Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-3039.02 | Neuropsychologists | Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-3039.00 | Psychologists, All Other | All psychologists not listed separately. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-3041.00 | Sociologists | Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |