Criminal Justice—FAQs

What jobs require the criminal justice degree?
Some local police agencies (and the Chicago Police Department) require a two-year college degree or 62 credit hours. There are no current degree requirements for court services or correctional officers in Cook County or Illinois. However, the pursuit of college courses does demonstrate a professional commitment to the field. The Job Placement Center (T904) can assist students in preparing resumes and seeking employment. They can be reached at (708) 974-5737 or www.morainevalley.edu/jpc.

At what age may I apply for entry-level criminal justice positions?
Most law enforcement, courts and corrections positions require applicants to be 21 years of age. You may, however, apply for a youth supervisor position within the Illinois Department of Corrections at the age of 18.

Can I obtain college credit for my job experience in the criminal justice field?
Yes, Moraine Valley Community College offers a mechanism that allows students to earn college credit for what they already know from prior learning or work experience. It is called Achieved Prior Learning (APL). For more information on APL, contact the Alternative Learning office at (708) 974-5710 or visit the Web Site at www.morainevalley.edu/alternativelearning.

Can I receive an A.A. degree with the A.A.S. degree in criminal justice?
Please see pages 69 to 90 of the 2007-2009 college catalog for the criminal justice transfer degree and associate of applied sciences degree information. Students should meet with an academic adviser in order to meet the requirements for both degrees.

Can I transfer criminal justice courses from Moraine Valley to four-year schools?
At least five of the criminal justice courses transfer to colleges and universities. The Illinois Articulation Initiative (www.itransfer.org) guarantees that the following Moraine Valley courses count toward a degree at the new school.

• CRJ-101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
• CRJ-105 Criminology
• CRJ-106 Introduction to Corrections
• CRJ-107 Juvenile Delinquency and Procedures
• CRJ-206 Substantive Criminal Law

To assist in the transfer process, the Academic Advising (office C220, advisor@morainevalley.edu 708-974-5721) has prepared a suggested full-time schedule for criminal justice students.  This information is available on the college site at the Career Program web site. It is a good idea for new students to take CRJ-101-Introduction to Criminal Justice with some of the required general education courses during their first semester at Moraine Valley.

Can I transfer course credit into the program?
Criminal justice coursework from other community colleges or four-year schools may be transferred into the program. The staff of Admissions (Room C125) facilitates this process. Currently enrolled students should make an appointment with an Academic Advisor for advice on articulation of credits.  Students who have not yet enrolled will have their courses reviewed after they have matriculated to the college.

Is there a math requirement for the criminal justice degree program?
Students who pursue the A.A.S. degree are required to have a minimum level of competency in mathematics for all A.A.S degrees. This minimum competency may be demonstrated in one of two ways:

1. Placement in MTY-098 or higher; or
2. Successful completion of BUS120, or MTH095 or higher, or the equivalent course at another college, with a grade of “C” or higher. Students who pursue the AA degree (liberal arts transfer) are required to take MTH-120 or higher (see page 69 of the 2007-2009 college catalog).

Does the program include an internship experience?
An optional elective part of Moraine Valley's criminal justice program is the internship component, which allows you to gain valuable experience through a firsthand view of the system. You will work 200 hours during the semester at approved sites, as well as meet in a weekly seminar to discuss your experiences and research issues in the field. To qualify for an internship, you must complete:

• CRJ-101 (Introduction to Criminal Justice- 3 credits) and six additional criminal justice course credits
• Possess a GPA of 2.0 or higher
• Submit an application to B150 Career Programs Subdivision Office
• Seek the internship coordinator's consent.

By participating in an internship, you will make strong professional contacts and form concrete career goals. For applications and information on CRJ-233/237, contact:

Elizabeth M. Webb
Professor and Internship Coordinator
Office Location: A220
Phone: (708) 974-5570
Fax: (708) 974-8970
E-mail: webb@morainevalley.edu