Criminal Justice
Protect, Serve, and Make a Difference!
Do you have a calling to protect and serve your community? A career in Criminal Justice allows you to do just that, whether you're safeguarding lives and property as a police officer or gathering crucial evidence as a detective. The work is dynamic, demanding, and incredibly rewarding, offering a chance to make a real impact every day.
Our program prepares you for the rigorous physical and personal qualifications required for these vital roles. While on-the-job training and agency academy graduations are essential steps, building a strong educational foundation with us is where your journey begins. Discover how you can step into a challenging and fulfilling career in law enforcement!
Also Available Online
This program is available fully online — instructor-led, on a set weekly schedule, with the same coursework as our on-campus section. Online students can use tutoring, advising, and campus facilities at any of our four locations.
Prepare for law enforcement, corrections, or a four-year transfer — coursework is fully online, so you can study around a work schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Criminal Justice program available online?
Yes. It's fully online, instructor-led, on a set weekly schedule, so you can study around a work schedule. Online students still have access to tutoring, advising, and all four campus locations.
Does completing this degree make me a police officer?
No — this program builds your educational foundation. Becoming a law enforcement officer or corrections officer also requires meeting your agency's physical and personal qualifications and completing that agency's academy training. The IVCCD degree is where that path starts, not where it ends.
Does this program transfer to a four-year university?
Yes. Criminal Justice is a Transfer Major AA built to move into a four-year criminal justice, criminology, or related program.
What careers does this prepare me for?
Law enforcement, corrections, and related public safety roles, along with a foundation for further study in criminology or criminal justice administration.
Does online cost more than on-campus?
Per-credit tuition is the same, but online sections carry an added distance learning fee. See Tuition and Fees for current rates.
How do I get started?
Apply through PawPass, or schedule a visit to talk with an advisor about your intended agency or transfer path.
Marshalltown Community College
3700 S. Center St. Marshalltown, IA 50158
mccinfo@iavalley.edu
641-752-7106
Ellsworth Community College
1100 College Avenue Iowa Falls, IA 50126
eccinfo@iavalley.edu
641-648-4611