Criminal Justice
Program
Graduate in as little as 18 months!
- Financial aid is available.
-
Pursue careers in law firms, police organizations,
social work, and gaming surveillance.
Scholarship Available Now
Hands-On Training
Online And On-Campus Classes
Committed Career Service Team
Laptop For Every Student
Criminal Justice Degree In Las Vegas
Prepare for careers in law enforcement, corrections, or community services while making a real difference in public safety with our Criminal Justice degree.
At Northwest Career College, you’ll develop practical skills through courses in criminal law, ethics, investigation techniques, and community policing. Taught by experienced professionals, our program offers a student-focused education that is both affordable and flexible.
Whether you’re starting or advancing your career, our blended format lets you study in a way that fits your lifestyle, making us a top choice for Criminal Justice education in Nevada.
Rated 4.7 Stars on Google
"The Teachers Were Very Supportive."
"Throughout the pandemic transition to total online learning, Mrs. Kim and Miss Lisa, the Criminal Justice Program Chair, were very supportive and dedicated themselves to helping us and making the experience so much better."
Felicia Camilleri
Criminal Justice Graduate
Why Criminal Justice Program At
Northwest Career College?
Graduate in as little as 18 months
Flexible class schedules let you balance Criminal Justice training with work and family life in Las Vegas.
Financial aid is available to those who qualify
Hands-on instruction in all facets of Criminal Justice
You’ll visit courts, jails, and mediation centers to experience the law in action, making your training directly relevant to Las Vegas’ legal system.
Students are our priority
Northwest’s student-centered philosophy means you’re our top priority. Every part of our program is built around your success.
Professional legal team instructing all classes
As a Criminal Justice student, having a strong grasp of the law and the justice system is critical. At Northwest Career College, you’ll learn from attorneys, paralegals, and justice system specialists who bring real-world knowledge into the classroom. They’ll show you how your education applies across legal, business, and public service careers in Las Vegas.
Flexible class schedules that fit your life.
Northwest’s Criminal Justice program offers on-campus and online classes to fit your work and family schedule, creating a fine balance.
Are all of the courses held on campus?
Northwest Career College offers a blended program. Licensed attorneys teach all core Criminal Justice and law classes on campus. While general education courses are available online, instructors are available on campus to provide support and guidance throughout your learning experience.
Work on your own laptop for exceptional training
Each student is provided a laptop for easy internet and online class access.
Committed career services team on campus
Northwest’s Career Services team works with you to help find the best employment opportunity utilizing your Criminal Justice degree in Las Vegas.
Criminal Justice Program Mission and Goals
Goal 1: Demonstrate Understanding of Criminal Justice Administration and Policy.
- Analyze and critique current Criminal Justice policies to evaluate their effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
- Gain a thorough understanding of the administrative functions and leadership roles within diverse organizations.
- Explore the responsibilities and challenges faced by leaders in the Criminal Justice field.
Goal 2: Enhance Communication and Interpersonal Skills.
- Demonstrate practical oral and written communication skills by writing clear, concise reports and presentations and engaging in professional dialogue.
- Utilize negotiation techniques to manage disputes and apply conflict resolution strategies in real-world scenarios.
- Develop professional relationships and networks by building connections with peers, mentors, and industry professionals.
Goal 3: Prepare for Leadership Roles in Criminal Justice.
- Learn about different leadership styles, decision-making processes, and how to inspire and motivate a team.
- Understand organizational behavior and management principles within legal settings.
- Learn how to set goals, develop action plans, and measure outcomes to ensure effective management and operations.
Criminal Justice
Program Accreditation
Northwest Career College 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.
Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
6116 Executive Blvd., Suite 730,
North Bethesda, MD 20852
Phone: 301-291-7550
Program Outcomes Data
- Retention Rates: 79%
The percentage of students who complete the program or remain enrolled at the end of the reporting period.
- Job Placement Rates: 75%
The percentage of graduates placed in the field out of those who completed the program during the reporting period.
Detailed definitions of these rates can be found on our Outcomes Data page.
Putting Superior Training First
The Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice at Northwest Career College is designed to prepare you for a wide range of career opportunities in the justice system. From working with law firms and police departments to roles in corrections, social services, and courtrooms, the program equips you with practical knowledge and skills employers value. You'll learn to think critically, act with integrity, and understand the professional standards that guide this field locally and nationally. Beyond the classroom, you'll take part in engaging field trips throughout the valley, giving you a real-world view of how the justice system operates. It’s a dynamic, career-focused program built to help you make a meaningful impact.
Some Of What You Learn
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Introduction to the American Legal System
- Correctional Systems and Theory
- Delinquency Prevention
- Criminal Investigation
Tuition Information
| Cost per Term (1-6) | $4,498.00 |
More Information about the Profession
- For information about Financial Aid at Northwest Career College, please visit our Financial Aid page located under Admission & Aid tab.
- For more information about the Criminal Justice profession Click Here to review the Summary Report for Criminal Justice at O*Net Online.
Criminal Justice Program Details
COURSE OUTLINE
- CJP101 Introduction to Criminal Justice
- CJ202 Criminal Investigation
- CJP102 Introduction to Criminal Procedure
- CJ203 Probation and Parole
- CJP103 Professional Writing for Criminal Justice
- CJ204 Introduction to Homeland Security
- CJP104 Criminal Justice Ethics
- CJ211 Field Investigations
- CJP105 Security Principles
- ENG101 English Composition I
- CJP106 Introduction to Policing
- ENG102 English Composition II
- CJP107 Introduction to Corrections
- HIST101 American Government and the Nevada State Constitution
- SAS101 Student Academic Success
- MAT101 Basic College Mathematics
- CJ201 Victimology
- PSY101 Introduction to Psychology
Why Become A Criminal Justice Professional?
What Will I Do?
As a Criminal Justice graduate, most importantly you are working with a team of legal professionals such as police officers, probation officers, secret service and many other organizations to help protect and serve citizens. The high degree of interaction between these types of professionals and citizens results in a great deal of personal satisfaction in helping people.
High Demand Career
Employment for all areas of criminal justice graduates is expected to grow 4 percent from 2023 to 2033, according to the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics. Because there are so many potential career opportunities with a criminal justice degree, the growth rate varies based on your chosen profession.
A Great Life
Learn More
Criminal Justice School Near You!
Las Vegas Location
Address
7398 Smoke Ranch Rd,
Las Vegas, NV 89128
Business Hours
Monday – Thursday: 8:00 A.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Friday – Saturday: 8:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Sunday: 8:00 A.M. – 2:00 P.M.
Start Your New Career Today!
Northwest Career College is committed to your success!
Request For InformationFrequently Asked Questions
Q. What Is a Criminal Justice Degree?
The Associate degree allows students to study and explore topics relating to the various aspects of the Criminal Justice system. Students pursuing a degree in this field learn about law enforcement, criminal behavior, the American court system, and behavior and psychology.
Q. What does Criminal Justice mean?
Criminal Justice involves law enforcement, corrections, and other agencies, including the court system. It also focuses on the laws, rules, and policies that pertain to criminal matters and these agencies.
Q. What is the best way to work in the field Criminal Justice in Las Vegas?
Students are encouraged to gain experience within this field by seeking opportunities to observe and shadow professionals in the field, by interning, and obtaining entry-level positions within the field. It is highly recommended for students to obtain their education by taking courses in pursuit of their Associate degree and employment in the field of Criminal Justice. Students are further encouraged to become involved in their community by volunteering in service-related activities.
Q. Where can I find information about finding internships and jobs related to this field?
The Las Vegas Metro Police Department offers an internship opportunity to current college students where students may be assigned to Cold Cases, Missing Persons, Criminalistics, Sexual Assault, Property Crimes, Domestic Violence, and Detention Services, other areas. Other opportunities through the departments during or after students studies include sit-alongs, ride-alongs, and tours; interns may also be exposed to more aspects of the Department and its operations.
Nevada Child SeekersAdditional opportunities for students with other agencies include working with Private Investigators and Security and include opportunities with Nevada Child Seekers both administratively and in the field.
Our Career Services Department is a wealth of information and support to our students during the process of preparing for employment and the application process. They have wonderful employment opportunities to offer our students and will begin connecting with our students during their seventh (7th) term of their studies.Q. Does completing the CJ program make me eligible to become a police officer?
No. To become a police officer, students must apply for the police academy.
Q. What fields am I eligible to work in once I complete my degree?
Graduates of the Criminal Justice program can enter into Security, Corrections, Dispatch, and more! They will also earn their Private Investigator Work Card, pending a background check.
Q. Can I transfer my credits to another school?
Yes! Northwest Career College has partnerships with several universities to help our students advance their Associate degree to a higher degree!
Q. What jobs can I get with my Criminal Justice degree?
Graduates can gain employment in Security, Emergency Services Dispatch, General Dispatch, Policing, Corrections, and more.
Q. What specific skills will I learn in the Criminal Justice program?
Graduates will learn report writing, interview techniques, interrogation techniques, de-escalation techniques, and more.
Q. How does the Criminal Justice program prepare me for state or federal law enforcement careers?
Graduates can pursue employment as entry-level professionals using their degrees. They are also eligible to apply for certain state or federal law enforcement careers but will typically require additional training by that agency before starting their positions.
Q. What are the qualifications of the faculty teaching the Criminal Justice courses?
Our Faculty members have either an Associate or Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice or a related field of study. Their collective experience includes security/law enforcement or related professions such as Dispatch, Police Officer, Chief of Police, Campus Security, Judge, and Litigation Specialist.
Q. Can Northwest Career College assist graduates in finding Criminal Justice jobs?
Yes. The dedicated Career Services team assists students with interviewing and professionalism training and provides job placement assistance to graduates.
Reviewed by: Eligio Gandarilla — Criminal Justice Program Chair, Last reviewed: October 2025