Criminal Justice

About the Programs

The Criminal Justice degree programs at Oakland Community College deliver valuable learning experiences related to law enforcement, homeland security and emergency management, and generalist criminal justice practice. You’ll study a broad range of courses, allowing you to discover foundational concepts in:

Criminal Law
Criminology
Homeland Security and Emergency Management
Investigations
Police Procedures
The American Judicial System

The course work focuses on introductory and career-focused material that allows you to develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills necessary to begin your career in the Criminal Justice field or continue your education towards a Bachelor program.

Students can earn an Associate of Applied Science degree:

Criminal Justice Homeland Security & Emergency Management |Students in this program will gain knowledge of domestic and international terrorism issues and strategies for countering terrorist threats. Best practices will be identified for successful security planning and threat assessment. The key principles of emergency management and disaster planning will be presented to deal with both man-made and natural threats. Successful students will have the opportunity to earn numerous recognitions from FEMA in Incident Command and from the National Incident Management System (NIMS).

Criminal Justice - Generalist (AAS)| This program offers students the opportunity to earn their Criminal Justice degree and provides students with an educational background in police procedures and administration, plus extensive experience in additional subjects relating to the criminal justice field. Graduation fulfills entrance requirements for the Police Academy at OCC.

Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement program | This program provides students with an educational background in police administration and procedures, criminal investigations and law. Graduation fulfills the entrance requirements for the Police Academy at OCC.

OCC’s Criminal Justice Degrees Lead to In-Demand Jobs

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “employment of protective service occupations [such as police, corrections, and security] is projected to grow 2 percent from 2023 to 2033, which will result in about 74,000 new jobs.”

Eligibility Information

Prospective students must meet standard OCC eligibility requirements. There is an open admissions policy, however in most cases a placement test and new student orientation must also be completed. Students should meet with a counselor before attempting this plan of study.

Student Success

OCC's mission is to guide our students to success that fulfills community needs. We make navigating the array of courses and student services easy and accessible. For example, Criminal Justice-Generalist Guided Pathway serves a dual function: easily maps out how a student can progress through the courses each semester and which semester the courses are offered for all students.

Credential Received

OCC's Criminal Justice programs offer a comprehensive curriculum to help prepare you for work in criminal justice. Visit our program descriptions to see what is offered. Program graduates earn an associate in applied science.

The Criminal Justice degree prepares you for entering the Police Academy at Oakland Community College or other Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards (MCOLES) approved training academies. Additional entrance requirements are available at OCC Police Academy and MCOLES.

Looking for Flexibility?

All courses within this program are available online or in-person. Browse all online programs, learn what you’ll need to get started, and access technical support.

Learn More About OCC Online

Degree Programs

Criminal Justice - Generalist (CRJ.GEN.AAS)

These outcomes are what you can expect to learn through engagement of this program.

Communicate Effectively - Written

Student demonstrates understanding of audience, purpose, and assigned task illustrated by effective focus and thesis, or introductory statement.
Student demonstrates sufficiently developed content.

Critical Thinking

Evaluates information.
Identifies the connections between ideas and concepts.
Applies knowledge, concepts, paradigms, or theories to the assigned task.

Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement (CRJ.LAW.AAS)

These outcomes are what you can expect to learn through engagement of this program.

Communicate Effectively - Written

Student demonstrates understanding of audience, purpose, and assigned task illustrated by effective focus and thesis, or introductory statement.
Student demonstrates sufficiently developed content.

Critical Thinking

Evaluates information.
Identifies the connections between ideas and concepts.
Applies knowledge, concepts, paradigms, or theories to the assigned task.
Collects, evaluates, analyzes, and interprets information and data.

Criminal Justice - Homeland Security and Emergency Management (CRJ.HLS.AAS)

These outcomes are what you can expect to learn through engagement of this program.

Communicate Effectively - Written

Student demonstrates sufficiently developed content.

Critical Thinking

Evaluates information.
Identifies the connections between ideas and concepts.
Applies knowledge, concepts, paradigms, or theories to the assigned task.

Prepare to Transfer – Even if You Are Not Planning to Today!

Maximize your OCC-applicable credits upon transfer. Plan early and work with an OCC counselor or advisor throughout your OCC experience. If you pursue an associate in applied science, you may satisfy the Michigan Transfer Agreement by taking as few as four additional courses. Save time, money and aggravation!

Whatever your program of study, OCC has many Transfer Credit Agreements with colleges and universities to help you navigate your way to a bachelor's degree. View the College Transfer Success Guide for more information.