Criminal Justice
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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; police procedures; homeland security and emergency management; the American judicial system; and criminology.

The course work focuses on introductory and career-focused material designed to help you begin your career or continue your education to a Bachelor program. Our courses allow you to develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills that are necessary for entry-level jobs in all fields.

The Criminal Justice Homeland Security & Emergency Management Associate in Applied Science degree will introduce students to 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). This program is offered in both the traditional and online format.

The Criminal Justice - Generalist (AAS) program is offered in both the traditional and 100% online format. Faculty teaching in the online program have completed a mandatory faculty distance learning training and development program to ensure you have an engaging, valuable, and consistent learning experience.

The Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement program is offered in both a traditional and 100% online format. 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.

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.”
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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.

Campuses

Programs are primarily offered on the Auburn Hills campus. Program is also offered online.

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 full-time online student can progress through the courses each semester and which semester the courses are offered for all students.

OCC Online provides fully online services such as admissions, registration, counseling, academic support/tutoring, financial aid, bookstore, and library.

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.

Graduation from OCC's Criminal Justice programs meet the educational entrance requirements for 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.

Job Market Outlook

Degree Programs

Degree Program Plans

"OCC is the best place to learn about emergency services" - Jon Roberts