Serve and Protect with NOVA's Criminal Justice Programs
Prepare for a rewarding and challenging criminal justice career serving and protecting your community, upholding the law, and pursuing justice with a degree or certificate from NOVA.
Criminal Justice
AVAILABLE PROGRAMS
Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
Build a broad foundation in criminal justice and security administration so you can launch or advance your career with NOVA’s Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Criminal Justice. With our associate degree, you could become a local, state or federal enforcement officer, police officer, private or government investigator, adult/juvenile correction officer, probation/parole officer or security director/manager, to name a few.
- Length:
- Two Years
- Credits:
- 64-65
- Locations:
- Alexandria, Annandale, Loudoun, Manassas, Woodbridge
Associate Degree in Criminal Justice: Homeland Security Specialization
If your career goal is to work in homeland security, NOVA’s Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Degree in Criminal Justice with a homeland security specialization is ideal for you. Your NOVA associate degree will prepare you to work as a local, state, or federal law enforcement officer, commercial and industrial security officer, police officer, or private or government investigator, particularly in homeland security.
- Length:
- Two Years
- Credits:
- 64-65
- Locations:
- Annandale, Manassas, Woodbridge
Criminal Justice Certificate
If you only want to take courses that directly relate to the law enforcement field, NOVA’s Criminal Justice Certificate is ideal for you. You’ll get a basic foundation for jobs in the criminal justice field that do not require a degree.
- Length:
- One Year
- Credits:
- 31
- Locations:
- Alexandria, Annandale, Manassas, Woodbridge, Online
Why Study Criminal Justice at NOVA?
Experienced Criminal Justice Faculty
You’ll learn from NOVA faculty who are not only exceptional teachers but who have long and impressive careers with federal government agencies like the FBI and the CIA.
Courses for the Real World
You’ll take classes that explore real-world issues that may be complex, controversial and related to local, state, national and global concerns.
Affordable Criminal Justice Programs
You’ll receive an affordable criminal justice education. You may even qualify for NOVA scholarships to offset the cost of your tuition and other expenses.
Accreditations
Northern Virginia Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award the associate degree in administration of justice degrees and certificates.
Credits and
Transfer Info
Credit for Prior Learning
Credit for prior learning (CPL) generally refers to the process of granting college credit for learning gained in nontraditional ways, including but not limited to: certifications, AP or IB exams, military training, or life experience.
Transferring
Learn more about possible transfer opportunities associated with this program of study. Students interested in transferring should contact an advisor or counselor to further discuss their plans.