Criminal Justice
Justice Careers Start Here
Examine issues relating to crime, law, and justice. You’ll learn to analyze situations and events in a logical way, organize the parts of a problem effectively, appreciate diversity, work with a wide cross-section of the community, and believe in your abilities and judgment – all while recognizing your personal limitations and developmental needs.
Go straight into the workforce to begin your career in this exciting field after graduation, or if you're interested in transferring to a four-year college or university to continue your studies, take a look at our Liberal Arts degree in Criminal Justice.
Kirkwood offers more than $3 million in scholarships for students each year, and there are many specifically for students enrolled in the Criminal Justice program.
Graduates of the Criminal Justice program will be able to:
- Explain the roles of law enforcement, courts, and corrections in the maintenance of social order.
- Analyze historical and contemporary theoretical explanations for delinquent and criminal behavior.
- Evaluate historical and contemporary efforts to punishment, treatment, rehabilitation, and recidivism.
- Describe how the scientific method applies to the study of crime and justice.
- Demonstrate how diversity impacts crime and the administration of justice.
- Formulate strategies to address ethical/moral challenges faced by criminal justice practitioners.
It is highly recommended that students earn an Associate of Arts degree and transfer to a four-year institution.
Students typically transfer to Mt. Mercy University, the University of Northern Iowa, Central Missouri State, Upper Iowa University, St. Ambrose University, Simpson College, Iowa State University and Iowa Wesleyan, and pursue bachelors degrees in Criminal Justice, Criminology or Crime Analysis.
Explore future career opportunities:
Criminal Justice students are encouraged to join the Kirkwood chapter of SkillsUSA, a workforce development organization for students with nearly 400,000 members nationally.
SkillsUSA is one of eight recognized members of the National Coordinating Council for Career and Technical Student Organizations (NCC-CTSO). CTSOs are co-curricular groups that help students in career and technical education programs further their knowledge and skills by participating in activities, events, and competitions.
Program Costs
Criminal Justice
School Year: 2025–26
Program Entry Semester: Fall, Spring
| Fall | Spring | Fall | Spring | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit Hours per Semester | 15 | 15 | 15 | 17 | 62 |
| In-State Tuition | $3,315 | $3,315 | $3,315 | $3,757 | $13,702 |
| Technology Fee per Semester | $50 | $50 | $50 | $50 | $200 |
| Clinical Expenses (mileage, lodging, screenings, etc.) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Conferences/Seminars | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Course Resources (textbooks, software, etc.) | $257 | $367 | $446 | $357 | $1,427 |
| Course/Section Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Laptop (required devices) | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Testing Fees | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Third Party Credentials | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Tool Sets | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Uniforms | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Other | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Total Estimated Cost | $3,622 | $3,732 | $3,811 | $4,164 | $15,329 |
Costs provided are estimated and based on the following current tuition rates: $221 (In-State), $296 (Out-of-State), $400 (International).
Fees and costs are subject to change. To view all costs associated with attending college visit our Tuition and Costs page.
What career could this lead to?
Graduates with a Criminal Justice degree can obtain jobs in a variety of different career opportunities.
Explore Careers
Meet Our Faculty
| Jeff Hembera | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Title: | Faculty | |||||
| Phone: | 319-398-5716 | |||||
| Email: | jeff.hembera@kirkwood.edu | |||||
| Office: | 1020 Cedar Hall | |||||
Mission Statement
At Kirkwood Community College, our mission is to provide students with a comprehensive and engaging Criminal Justice program that not only equips them with fundamental knowledge but also fosters critical thinking, ethical awareness, and a passion for justice. Through a combination of rigorous academic content and practical experiences, we aim to prepare our students for further studies and potential careers in the field, all while instilling a strong sense of social responsibility and respect for the principles of justice, fairness, and equality.
“Kirkwood's Criminal Justice program opened my eyes to real-world experiences and connections that have truly shaped my path. The hands-on opportunities and collaboration with professionals in the field have broadened my horizons and altered my perception of the field.”
Avery Omann,
Newton, Iowa