Northeast’s Criminal Justice Associate of Arts degree equips students with the essential knowledge and practical skills to launch a meaningful career in public safety. Whether you're aiming for a future in law enforcement, corrections, or a related field, this program provides a strong academic foundation paired with real-world, hands-on training to help you succeed.
Students can choose from two specialized concentrations—Law Enforcement or Corrections—both designed with an interdisciplinary approach that emphasizes critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and leadership.
- Law Enforcement Concentration: The Law Enforcement concentration prepares you for a wide range of careers in local, state, and federal law enforcement. Courses cover essential topics like criminal law, criminal investigation, crime scene investigation, and the role of police in society, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the justice system. Many Northeast graduates have gone on to serve in police departments, sheriff’s offices, highway patrol, and federal agencies.
- Corrections Concentration: The Corrections concentration equips you for high-demand roles in probation, parole, corrections, and other human service-related positions. The curriculum combines criminal justice theory with practical insight into managing offender rehabilitation and institutional safety, preparing you to make a difference in the lives of individuals and your community.
Whether you plan to enter the workforce immediately or transfer to a four-year institution, Northeast’s Criminal Justice program gives you the tools to take the next step in your professional journey. You’ll graduate with the skills, confidence, and experience to thrive in today’s ever-evolving criminal justice landscape.
Why Students Choose This Program
Small class sizes in the Criminal Justice program create an ideal environment for personalized learning and mentorship. With fewer students per class, instructors are able to engage directly with each individual—offering tailored guidance, detailed feedback, and support that aligns with your personal career goals. What sets our program apart is our experienced faculty, who bring real-world expertise from across the criminal justice field, including law enforcement, juvenile services, legal practice, probation, and criminal investigation. Their insights help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-life application.
Northeast Criminal Justice students have a strong track record of success, with nearly 100% either employed in the field or continuing their education after graduation. Our graduates are well-prepared and ready to make an impact in law enforcement, corrections, and related careers. The program’s success is also reflected in our SkillsUSA Criminal Justice team, which has regularly produced a state champion, advancing to the National Championships. In 2022, Northeast placed second in the nation in the CSI competition—ranking among the top collegiate forensic teams in the U.S.
The program offers opportunities for students to take a fast track to the workforce or to prepare to transfer to a four-year institution, all while saving money on tuition. By completing your foundational coursework at Northeast, you can reduce the overall cost of your degree. For students planning to transfer, it's important to work closely with academic advisors at both Northeast and the transfer institution, utilizing the Transfer Guide to make informed course selections that align with your transfer goals, ensuring a smooth transition and continued academic success.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities and Courses
At Northeast, our students benefit from immersive, real-world training experiences that prepare them for successful careers in criminal justice and public safety. In the basement of our on-campus Crime Scene House, you'll find a situation simulator where students practice interacting with individuals in realistic, controlled scenarios. This safe, educational setting helps build essential communication and decision-making skills. Our Law and Public Safety (LPS) Lab features a flexible scenario simulator and a mock jail cell, offering a wide range of hands-on learning opportunities. Instructors regularly design new, dynamic experiences to reflect current practices in the field.
Students also participate in a variety of experiential learning activities, including tours of correctional facilities such as the Omaha Correctional Center and Madison County Jail. The program hosts guest speakers who explore a variety of career paths in criminal justice, and students have the chance to take part in demonstrations like the Mobile Crime Lab and repelling wall.
Northeast Criminal Justice students are also active in community-based learning, having assisted with security for the Cattlemen’s Ball, participated in a missing person search, and conducted a campus security assessment—gaining practical experience while giving back to the community.
Beyond these experiences, Northeast co-sponsors major professional events like the COPS Conference, which brings state and federal law enforcement and corrections professionals to campus. Students engage directly with practitioners, gaining valuable insight and connections. Additionally, the Northeast Nebraska Family Violence Summit, held annually on our Norfolk campus, allows students to attend the same advanced training sessions as working professionals—an invaluable opportunity to learn from and network with leaders in the field. The program includes a diverse range of courses designed to provide students with both foundational knowledge and specialized skills.
In the Corrections concentration, courses include:
- Criminal Law
- Sociology of Deviant Behavior
- Juvenile Justice
In the Law Enforcement concentration, courses include:
- Police and Society
- Criminal Procedures
- Forensic Crime Scene Investigation
Program Details
2 years (61-65 credits)
Corrections Concentration:
Courses are offered in-person in Norfolk or online. Courses are held Monday – Thursday.
Law Enforcement Concentration:
Courses are offered in-person in Norfolk and South Sioux City and are also available in hybrid and online formats.
The application for admission at Northeast is free. Apply for admission, and learn more about your next steps.
Individuals considering employment in the criminal justice profession must be aware of strict admission qualifications. Factors that usually disqualify candidates from employment in the profession include a criminal record (i.e., theft, assault, murder), history of drug/alcohol abuse, significant psychological/ personal disorders, physiological disorders, neuromuscular dysfunction, dishonesty, etc. Law enforcement agencies hire only the best qualified individuals available in order to obtain and maintain public trust and confidence at all times.
Bob Lowe, Deputy Chief - Nebraska Department of Probation District 7
Don Miller, Chief - Norfolk Police Division
Matt Otte, Chief - O'Neill PD
Todd Volk, Sheriff - Madison Co. Sheriff's Office
Terry Kotrous, Captain - Madison County Jail
Mark Benne, Director - Northeast Nebraska Juvenile Services
Travis Tjeerdsma, South Dakota Department of Corrections
Dain Hicks, Captain, Nebraska State Patrol Troop B
Colleen Barnes, Criminal Justice/Sociology Instructor
Dr. Jeff Hoffman, Dean - Health & Public Services Northeast Community College
Dawn Doherty, Executive Assistant - Health & Public Services - Northeast Community College
Matt McCarthy, Criminal Justice Program Director/Instructor - Northeast Community College
