Program Details
Associate of Applied Science Degree in Correctional Services
Associate of Applied ScienceMountain Empire Community College
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Correctional Services is to prepare individuals for carers in the criminal justice and Corrections occupations. It is not designed to train for any specialty, but rather to provide a broad foundation, which will prepare students to enter any of the many criminal justice fields.
Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will be able to:
1. Demonstrate proficiency in discussing current Criminal Justice Issues.
2. Perform job within the legal/constitutional framework.
3. Demonstrate proficiency in proper procedures of Criminal Investigation techniques.
4. Identify, exhibit and apply ethical behavior on the job.
5. Demonstrate appropriate workplace behavior and exhibit appropriate interpersonal communication skills.
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 | The Associate of Applied Science degree in Correctional Services is to prepare individuals for careers in the criminal justice and Corrections occupations. It is not designed to train for any specialty, but rather to provide a broad foundation, which will prepare students to enter any of the many criminal justice fields. |
Program Requirement Notes | Program Requirement Notes Students should have English and Mathematics skills assessed. Deficiencies in these areas may be corrected by completing the appropriate developmental studies courses. Each applicant must meet with the College’s Protective Services faculty for a personal interview. Applicants not already employed in criminal justice are cautioned as to the qualifications usually required for criminal justice agency employment: 1) Excellent moral character, no felony convictions or any crime involving moral turpitude, nor an excessive number of traffic citations. 2) A background investigation is normally conducted by the employing agency to confirm these conditions. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
An academic advisor will review your preparation in Mathematics and English with you. You’ll be guided to appropriate preliminary coursework to give you the greatest chance of success in this program.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | Each applicant must meet with the College’s Protective Services faculty for a personal interview. Applicants not already employed in criminal justice are cautioned as to the qualifications usually required for criminal justice agency employment: 1) Excellent moral character, no felony convictions or any crime involving moral turpitude, nor an excessive number of traffic citations. 2) A background investigation is normally conducted by the employing agency to confirm these conditions. |
Doing More With Your Degree | Job openings are available in the law enforcement and the protective services fields with positions open in public law enforcement agencies, private security firms, as well as state and federal agencies. |
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 | The transfer education program, which includes freshman and sophomore courses in arts and sciences and pre-professional education, allows students to transfer into baccalaureate degree programs and four-year colleges and universities. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School |
Credit for Prior Learning | VCCS Policy 5.6.5.1 |
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? | Mountain Empire Community College's mission is to provide our region with accessible, quality higher education, workforce training, and community programs to ensure an educated population and globally competitive workforce. Mountain Empire Community College's mission is fulfilled through the following avenues: General Education, Career-Technical Education, Transfer Education, Developmental Studies, Dual Enrollment, Distance Education, Student Services, Workforce Development, and Community Services. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | |
First Year Student Catalog Year | The catalog year is based on the admission term that the student applies for. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Rappahannock Community College | AAS Degree in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
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 |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, 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 |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Corrections Science | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
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 |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
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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 |
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 |
33-1011.00 | First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers. | Protective Service Occupations |
33-1012.00 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force. | Protective Service Occupations |