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Hands-On Training

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Online And On-Campus Classes

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Committed Career Service Team

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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.

Smiling police officer promoting a criminal justice degree class in Las Vegas, graduate in just 18 months!
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(597 reviews)
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"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?

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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

Financial aid is available to those who qualify

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Work on your own laptop for exceptional training

Each student is provided a laptop for easy internet and online class access.

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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.

Students participate in a hands-on activity in a criminal justice program, examining evidence at their desks.

Criminal Justice Program Mission and Goals

Mission: Our mission is to provide a rigorous and thorough education in criminal justice, preparing students for impactful careers in law enforcement, corrections, and the judicial system, with a strong emphasis on justice, integrity, and community service.

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.
Students participate in a hands-on activity in a criminal justice program, examining evidence at their desks.

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
7777 Leesburg Pike Suite 314 N.
Falls Church, Virginia 22043

Program Outcomes Data

July 1, 2023 to June 30, 2024
  • 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
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Tuition Information

Cost per Term (1-6) $4,498.00

More Information about the Profession

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 Criminal Justice Training?

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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.

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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.

Career Outlook
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A Great Life

A Criminal Justice graduate with two or more years of experience can expect an ~ $29 - $35 hourly wage according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics and NCC Graduate Data.

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.

Frequently 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.

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.

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.

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.

LVMPD College Internships and

Nevada Child Seekers

Additional 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.

No. To become a police officer, students must apply for the police academy.

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.

Yes! Northwest Career College has partnerships with several universities to help our students advance their Associate degree to a higher degree!

Graduates can gain employment in Security, Emergency Services Dispatch, General Dispatch, Policing, Corrections, and more.

Graduates will learn report writing, interview techniques, interrogation techniques, de-escalation techniques, and more.

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.

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.

Yes. The dedicated Career Services team assists students with interviewing and professionalism training and provides job placement assistance to graduates.