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Hands-On Training

Online And On-Campus Classes

Committed Career Service Team

Laptop For Every Student


What NCC Criminal Justice Professional School Offers You

The Criminal Justice Professional diploma program at Northwest Career College is outlined to help you develop both the technical and interpersonal skills that make security roles effective and meaningful. Our instructors guide you through criminal law, criminal procedure, ethics, security principles, and professional writing for criminal justice, including hands-on practice with real-world scenarios.

Your training leads to a supervised externship in a professional environment in Las Vegas, where you apply what you learned in class, work with experienced security professionals, and take part in daily operations and patrols. Many students admit this experience helps them feel confident and prepared for their first job.

The curriculum also prepares you thoroughly for entry to mid-level roles in security organizations, ensuring you are ready to meet the expectations employers value most. Throughout the program, our Career Services team works with you one-on-one. You receive support with resume writing, interview preparation, and job placement. Graduates from this program are now working in various security and protection roles across Nevada.

A smiling student in a purple shirt promotes the criminal justice professional program, graduating in as little as 9 months.
Median Salary Icon
$44,014
Median Annual Salary *1
Job Placement Icon
84%
Job Placement Rates *2
Retention Icon
71%
Retention Rates *2

Sources

  • *1 According to the Median Annual Salary Report for Criminal Justice Professionals at Indeed
  • *2 Find the detailed definitions of the Job Placement Rate and Retention Rate on our Annual Outcomes Data page.

Criminal Justice Professional Program Accreditation

NCC is institutionally accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES). Their contact information is listed below for applicants who wish to request additional information regarding the program’s accreditation.

6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730

North Bethesda, MD 20852

Phone: 301-291-7550

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Hear From NCC's Criminal Justice Professional Graduates
Review stars Review stars Review stars Review stars Review stars
(944 reviews)
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"Northwest is the best choice I’ve made!"
"This school compares to no other! It’s an amazing school and all the staff mean what they say! They are all very helpful, supportive, and caring!"

Kylee Angelo

Northwest Career College Graduate

Three colleagues collaborate at a computer, smiling and engaging in a positive work environment.
Brisa Noriega
Reviewed on Google
Great experience so far at NCC! I cannot recommend this school enough!
Carrie Oliver
Reviewed on Google
NCC remains steadfast in its mission to make education accessible for everyone. They go above and beyond to provide support
Tori Fletcher
Reviewed on Google
I just started taking classes here, and I cannot express enough how happy I am with my choice to further
Adriana Valdespino
Reviewed on Google
I’m very happy with my decision to begin my career at this school. They support you and care about helping
Carolyn
Reviewed on Google
★★★★★ A Truly Transformative Educational Experience My time at NCC College was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I
Leisha Trammel
Reviewed on Google
From the first message I got a call back from Tyler he was full on energy. When I went in
Brisa Noriega
Reviewed on Google
Great experience so far at NCC! I cannot recommend this school enough!
Carrie Oliver
Reviewed on Google
NCC remains steadfast in its mission to make education accessible for everyone. They go above and beyond to provide support
Tori Fletcher
Reviewed on Google
I just started taking classes here, and I cannot express enough how happy I am with my choice to further
Adriana Valdespino
Reviewed on Google
I’m very happy with my decision to begin my career at this school. They support you and care about helping
Carolyn
Reviewed on Google
★★★★★ A Truly Transformative Educational Experience My time at NCC College was nothing short of exceptional. From the moment I
Leisha Trammel
Reviewed on Google
From the first message I got a call back from Tyler he was full on energy. When I went in

Why Should You Enroll In The Criminal Justice
Professional Training Program At NCC?

You should enroll in the Criminal Justice Professional program at NCC, which fast-tracks your graduation in just 9 months through flexible blended format (night classes and online coursework), hands-on webcam training, field trips, financial aid, and expert instructors from law enforcement. Hands-on 2-month externships and a dedicated Career Services team ensure you are prepared for entry to mid-level roles.
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Professional Instructors

Your education is delivered by an elite faculty of licensed attorneys, former law enforcement officers, paralegals, and justice system veterans who bring decades of field expertise to every class, strengthening critical thinking on topics like constitutional law, multicultural policing, court procedures, corrections management, and the latest technologies in security.

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Hands-On Learning

Our program prepares you for real-world scenarios, with organized field trips throughout the Las Vegas valley to observe justice operations firsthand, complemented by a required 2-month externship in a professional security environment that lets you apply classroom knowledge in live settings. You will polish critical skills including criminal justice report writing, evidence collection and assessment, interrogation techniques, and ethical decision-making.

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Career Preparation

Our program directly qualifies you for entry to mid-level positions across different security and justice sectors, including private security firms, gaming surveillance at Las Vegas casinos, correction facilities, investigations, probation services, social work agencies, and entry-level policing roles.

CPT Prep with Skills That Get You Hired

Dedicated Career Services Team

Our on-campus Career Services team provides lifetime support and acts as your personal advocate, starting early in your program to provide resume building, interview coaching, job placement referrals, and exclusive networking events with top Las Vegas employers in criminal justice and security.

Three Months To Phlebotomy Certification

Accelerated Graduation

NCC’s blended Criminal Justice Professional diploma program helps you grasp a comprehensive overview of the U.S. legal system, criminal procedures, ethics, and investigation basics, making you career-ready in just 9 months. Our individual courses blend engaging online lectures with hands-on training conducted through webcam demonstrations or in-person classroom sessions.

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Financial Aid And Scholarships

Students will have full access to financial aid options, including grants, scholarships, and flexible payment plans that make this career-focused program’s affordable tuition even more attainable.

3 Steps To Kickstart A Criminal Justice Professional Career
STEP - 1
1Start Your Journey
You’ll have a dedicated admissions advisor who’ll guide you through what to expect, introduce you to industry veteran instructors, tour the training facilities, and confirm if NCC’s Criminal Justice Professional program fits your career goals and lifestyle.
STEP - 2
2Study & Gain Experience
Master criminal justice basics, security principles, ethics, policing, and corrections skills from experienced professionals through blended coursework plus a 2-month externship in professional security settings.
STEP - 3
3Launch Your Career
Our Career Services team offers lifetime support, including resume development, interview preparation, workshops, mock interviews, and employer connections to help you kickstart your career in security organizations and entry to mid-level roles.
Who Hires Northwest Career College Graduates?

Leading law enforcement agencies, correction facilities, and public safety organizations—especially in Nevada—consistently hire our Criminal Justice Professional graduates.

What You Will Learn As A Criminal Justice Professional Student At NCC

With every module, you’ll achieve new milestones. From criminal justice simulations to professional interactions, you’ll build your skills, confidence, and expertise to excel in a criminal justice career, supported by an award-winning curriculum.
CJP101: Introduction to the Criminal Justice

Explore the core structure of law enforcement, courts, and corrections. You will grasp the basics of criminal law, its theories, and career paths in justice systems.

  • Court systems (state vs. federal)
  • Crime analysis & measurement
  • Criminal law fundamentals
  • Criminal trial process
  • Criminology theories (classical, neoclassical, social process)
  • Law enforcement roles & ethics
CJP102: Introduction to Criminal Procedure

Dive into U.S. constitutional rights and procedures. You will analyze Supreme Court cases, defenses, and trial processes for justice applications.

  • Constitutional law analysis (Supreme Court cases)
  • Court systems & procedures
  • Crime classification & elements (actus reus, mens rea)
  • Criminal defenses
  • Pretrial & trial processes
  • Sentencing models
CJP103: Professional Writing for Criminal Justice

Craft precise reports and legal documents. You will master terminology, analysis, and clear communication for criminal justice records.

  • Clear, concise communication
  • Criminal justice terminology
  • Critical thinking & legal analysis
  • Legal writing & documentation
  • Memo & court document preparation
  • Professional report writing
CJP104: Criminal Justice Ethics

Navigate moral dilemmas in justice roles. You will apply ethical frameworks, reasoning, and professional decision-making standards.

  • Courtroom ethics
  • Critical thinking
  • Ethical decision-making
  • Ethical frameworks (virtue ethics, formalism, utilitarianism)
  • Moral reasoning
  • Police ethics
CJP105: Security Principles

Build skills for public and private security. You will assess risks, prevent crime, and manage operations for safety careers.

  • Cybersecurity fundamentals
  • Legal & ethical issues in security
  • Public vs. private security systems
  • Risk assessment & crime prevention
  • Security operations & management
  • Security technology & surveillance
CJP106: Introduction to Policing

Understand modern law enforcement dynamics. You will study strategies, investigations, ethics, and community relations in policing.

  • Community policing strategies
  • Crime prevention
  • Criminal investigation fundamentals
  • Law enforcement roles & structure
  • Police ethics & conduct
  • Technology in law enforcement
CJP107: Introduction to Corrections

Examine prisons, probation, and inmate management. You will analyze sentencing, rights, and policies in correctional environments.

  • Corrections systems & roles
  • Inmate rights & legal protections
  • Policy analysis
  • Prison & jail operations
  • Probation & parole
  • Sentencing processes
CJP201: Criminal Justice Professional Externship

Gain hands-on experience in justice settings. You will hone communication, teamwork, and professionalism for real-world roles.

  • Networking & career development
  • Problem-solving & critical thinking
  • Professional communication (verbal, written, interpersonal)
  • Professionalism & work ethic
  • Team collaboration & accountability
  • Workplace adaptability & cultural awareness
Young woman in a blue shirt sits at a desk with a laptop, engaged in criminal justice professional training.

Criminal Justice Professional Career Opportunities

Criminal Justice Professionals bridge security operations and public safety administration by supporting law enforcement, streamlining protective protocols, and keeping organizations secure. This versatility means job opportunities in private security firms, corporate protection services, government agencies, and entry to mid-level roles throughout Las Vegas and beyond. Career paths available after graduation include the following.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROFESSIONALS
Security Officer
Corrections Officer
Gaming Surveillance Officer
Private Investigator Assistant
Asset Protection Coordinator
Probation Services Aide
Social Work Support
Public Safety Dispatcher
Entry-Level Law Enforcement Recruit

Tuition Information

Current Tuition Rates Until June 30, 2026

Term 1 $5,167.00
Term 2 $5,166.00
Term 3 $5,166.00

New Tuition Rates Starting July 1, 2026

Terms 1-3 $5,500.00

More Information about the Profession

Criminal Justice Professional Program Requirements

The primary requirements for enrollment in the Criminal Justice Professional program are:

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High School Completion

Hands-on training starts on your first day! Learn to use industry-standard techniques like security protocols and report writing, enhance your professional communication and ethical decision-making skills, and more!

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U.S. Government-Issued Photo ID

We need a U.S. government-issued photo ID to verify your identity. You must be at least 18 years old. Written consent from a parent or guardian is needed to enroll if you’re under 18.

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Social Security Card

Provide your Social Security Number or Tax Identification Number (TIN) to confirm eligibility to study and work in the U.S.

Find The Best Criminal Justice School For You In Clark County

Criminal Justice Professional Program FAQs

What Is A Criminal Justice Professional?

A criminal justice professional is an individual who works within law enforcement, courts, or corrections to maintain public safety, enforce laws, and administer justice by investigating crimes, rehabilitating offenders, supporting victims, and managing legal processes. They require skills in ethical reasoning, analysis, communication, and leadership across key roles like police officers and detectives who patrol and gather evidence, court staff such as paralegals and clerks handling documentation and trials, corrections personnel, including probation officers, overseeing reintegration, and specialists like forensic analysts or victim advocates.

Yes, you can transfer your credits to another school. Northwest Career College has partnerships with several universities to help our Criminal Justice Professional diploma students advance their credentials towards higher degrees, building on your foundational skills in security principles, criminal investigations, legal procedures, ethics, report writing, evidence assessment, de-escalation, and professional operations.

For Criminal Justice Professional internships and jobs in Las Vegas, check the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department for unpaid internships in areas like Detention Services, Cold Cases, Missing Persons, Criminalistics, Sexual Assault, Property Crimes, and Domestic Violence. requiring college endorsement, U.S. citizenship or permanent residency, age 18+, and a 2.75+ GPA, plus tours.

The best way to enter the criminal justice professional field in Las Vegas is to earn a relevant education, such as a diploma, an associate's, or a bachelor’s in criminal justice or criminal justice professional, build practical skills through internships or externships, and target local employers like law enforcement agencies, courts, corrections, security firms, and government offices. Keeping a clean background, staying physically and mentally fit, networking with local professionals, creating your resume for each role, and committing to continuous learning in law and technology will significantly improve your chances of landing and advancing in criminal justice professional roles in Nevada.

With a diploma in Criminal Justice Professional from Northwest Career College, you can secure entry to mid-level positions such as security officer or corporal at Las Vegas casinos like MGM Resorts and T-Mobile Arena, corrections officer or youth parole unit manager, gaming surveillance officer or loss prevention specialist, private investigator assistant or asset protection coordinator, probation services aide or social work support, and public safety dispatcher or law enforcement recruit with Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, using skills in security principles, investigations, ethics, report writing, de-escalation, and evidence handling.

Yes, Northwest Career College’s dedicated Career Services Department provides lifetime placement assistance to Criminal Justice Professional diploma graduates, starting early in your program with resume building, interview coaching, job placement referrals, networking events with top Las Vegas employers, and direct connections to opportunities in security officer roles.

Yes, a diploma in Criminal Justice Professional from Northwest Career College is absolutely worth it, as it accelerates your entry into the workforce in just 9 months through flexible blended format with hands-on field trips, webcam training, and a required security externship, plus accessible financial aid, expert instructors from law enforcement and legal fields teaching skills like security principles, investigations, ethics, report writing, evidence assessment, de-escalation, and constitutional law.

Eligio Gandarilla Program Chair of Criminal Justice Professional
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