Your Future Starts Here, with a Criminal Justice Degree

Roxbury Community College (RCC) offers a comprehensive Criminal Justice Program that helps you build a strong foundation in criminal justice and essential knowledge of sociological and behavioral sciences. Our curriculum fosters an understanding of how the criminal justice system operates in the world around us, encouraging you to examine your own perspective as you prepare to enter the field.

If you were interested in psychology or history in high school or enjoy public speaking or debate, then a criminal justice degree may be a great career path for you. 

• Earn an Associate in Science (AS) in Criminal Justice
• A robust, free community college education that provides a real-life understanding of criminal justice
• Step-by-step support and resources so you can see yourself succeed
• Mentorship from staff and partners in the legal field
• Career development support within criminal justice
• Leadership preparation with education and resources for positive impact

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Career Opportunities You Can Pursue with a Criminal Justice Degree

This Criminal Justice Degree is helping you prepare for a diverse range of career paths and opportunities within the criminal justice system and related fields. 

• Law enforcement: Preparing students for roles in police departments, sheriff's offices, and federal agencies.
• Corrections: Providing the foundation for careers in prisons, jails, and probation services.
• Legal professions: Offering a stepping stone for those interested in pursuing law school or paralegal work.
• Public policy: Equipping students with knowledge to work in government agencies shaping criminal justice policies.
• Politics: Providing a solid background for those interested in political careers focused on criminal justice reform.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 4% from 2023 to 2033. Median salaries range from $53,300 for correctional officers and $91,100 for detectives and criminal investigators, providing a plethora of career opportunities to support your interests.¹

“There will be challenges and times when you get frustrated, or you feel that you've hit a brick wall. Know that there's support outside of class that you can rely on. Don't be ashamed to ask for help. I was a strong student, and I went to tutoring for help. There are qualified people who want to help you. Prepare for setbacks and don't get discouraged.”

Jon Luc Dumornay

Commencement speaker, Class of 2021

Develop Career Ready Skills

Core Skills

• Critical thinking and research
• Effective communication (written and oral)
• Computer literacy

Legal Knowledge

• Federal and state law (substantive and procedural)
• Evidence and courtroom procedures
• Sentencing, incarceration, and alternatives

Criminal Justice System Understanding

• Policing strategies and issues
• Crisis management
• Ethical considerations

Interdisciplinary Approach

• Application of mathematics and science to criminal justice
• Social science concepts in Criminal Justice
• Historical context and future trends
• Logical reasoning and argument analysis

Why RCC?

When you choose to earn your criminal justice degree from Roxbury Community College, you will learn from the unique perspectives of experienced faculty with real-world experience in various areas of criminal justice. You will also receive career development support, guiding you to pursue internships and volunteer opportunities in the criminal justice system and additional educational opportunities to further your career trajectory. 

Transfer

Beginning in Fall 2024, students who enter RCC’s criminal justice program will have the necessary course requirements for the statewide MassTransfer program. This will allow for seamless transfer toward a Bachelor's degree at select state colleges and universities. 

 Your Future is Our Focus