Criminal Justice
Take on the big responsibility of protecting and serving the community with Austin Community College’s Criminal Justice Program. Through hands-on training at the Public Safety Training Center at Hays Campus, you’ll learn practical and accessible training in the guidelines, procedures, and assorted skills to prepare you for emergencies, communication, crime prevention, investigation, and report writing. You must meet with the department chair prior to registration. Two associate degree programs and specialized certificates allow you to move straight into the workforce or transfer to a four-year university.
The Criminal Justice Program has multiple prerequisite requirements, and all students must meet with the department chair prior to registration.
Pride Points
Real-world experienced faculty
Public Safety Training Center
Tuition exemption program
*Source: Austin Police Department, 2019
Career & Salary Information
A growing field allows graduates to pursue a diverse option of careers including law enforcement, forensic science technician, private detective, or counselor. Here are some opportunities you might consider.
Click each title to learn more about important career information such as employment rates, and average salary in our region.
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Bailiffs
Maintain order in courts of law.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
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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.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
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Court Clerks
Perform clerical duties in court of law; prepare docket of cases to be called; secure information for judges; and contact witnesses, attorneys, and litigants to obtain information for court.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
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Criminal Investigators and Special Agents
Investigate alleged or suspected criminal violations of Federal, state, or local laws to determine if evidence is sufficient to recommend prosecution.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
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First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
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First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
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Police Detectives
Conduct investigations to prevent crimes or solve criminal cases.
Hourly Wage: $
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Police Identification and Records Officers
Collect evidence at crime scene, classify and identify fingerprints, and photograph evidence for use in criminal and civil cases.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
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Police Patrol Officers
Patrol assigned area to enforce laws and ordinances, regulate traffic, control crowds, prevent crime, and arrest violators.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
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Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Provide social services to assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. Make recommendations for actions involving formulation of rehabilitation plan and treatment of offender, including conditional release and education and employment stipulations.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
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Security Management Specialists
Conduct security assessments for organizations, and design security systems and processes. May specialize in areas such as physical security, personnel security, and information security. May work in fields such as health care, banking, gaming, security engineering, or manufacturing.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
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Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs
Enforce law and order in rural or unincorporated districts or serve legal processes of courts. May patrol courthouse, guard court or grand jury, or escort defendants.
Hourly Wage: $
Currently Employed:
Projections:
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Choose the Award Path That’s Right for You
ACC offers stackable credentials. Certificates prepare you for a career change or career advancement and often include credits that count toward associate degrees. Associate degrees further increase your employability and help you build a strong foundation for university transfer. Learn more.
Explore awards and follow the program maps below to stay on track.