Students collaborating in a criminal justice lab

Criminal Justice

Why Criminal Justice?

The Industrial Technology Associate of Applied Science and Certificate programs prepare you for a variety of entry to mid-level technician and/or operator positions in various industrial settings.

You will learn skills in technical graphics, safety, AutoCAD, and computer literacy as well as skills in one or more industrial areas such as: automation technology, building or facilities maintenance, construction, design and fabrication, electronics, renewable energy, technical management, and/or welding.

Why earn an Industrial Technology degree at Heartland Community College?

  • Practical, hands-on instruction in top-notch facilities.
  • Student-focused courses taught by dedicated instructors.
  • Affordable programs and small class sizes.

You may choose to specialize in one or more industrial areas by using technical elective hours to complete skills certificates as you work toward your degree.

"The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 5% growth for skilled trade jobs in Illinois--faster than average for all occupations."

Program Details

Criminal Justice

Format
On Campus, Online, Hybrid
Program Options
  • AA Concentration in Criminal Justice
  • Suggested Sequence
In-District Tuition
$169/credit hour
Out-of-District Tuition
$337/credit hour
Financial Options
Financial aid available

Program Highlights

Taking computer networking classes at Heartland Community College can offer several key advantages, especially if you're looking to start or advance a career in IT, cybersecurity, or systems administration. Here are some of the primary benefits:

Affordable Tuition

  • Community colleges like Heartland typically offer significantly lower tuition than four-year universities.
  • You can complete foundational courses without accumulating large student debt.

Hands-On Learning

  • Heartland emphasizes practical, lab-based instruction in networking courses.
  • You'll work with actual hardware, virtual labs, and real-world simulation tools like Cisco Packet Tracer.

Industry Certifications Preparation

  • Courses often align with industry-recognized certifications, such as:
    • CompTIA Network+
    • Cisco CCNA (Cisco Certified Network Associate)
  • This makes students more marketable to employers upon graduation.

Focused Curriculum

  • Networking classes are typically part of a broader Information Technology program, allowing you to specialize or stack credentials.
  • Heartland offers certificates and associate degrees that focus specifically on computer networking and cybersecurity.

Small Class Sizes and Supportive Faculty

  • Smaller class sizes mean more personalized attention from instructors.
  • Faculty often have industry experience and may offer guidance on certifications, internships, and careers.

Program Call to Action

Heartland biology students using lab equipment

Program Options

Associates in Arts - Concentration in Criminal Justice

If you plan to complete the first two years of study leading to a bachelor's degree at Heartland and then transfer as a criminal justice major to a four-year college or university in Illinois, the Associate in Arts (AA) transfer preparation program is the path for you. This 60-credit hour area of concentration includes general education requirements, required core courses in Criminal Justice, and recommended electives.

Suggested Sequence

This suggested sequence is based on a full-time, 4-semester schedule beginning in the fall. Please see your academic advisor to personalize your student plan for your concentration or transfer university.

First Year - Fall Semester
Course Hours
COMM 101 - Introduction to Oral Communication 3
ENGL 101 - Critical Reading and Writing 3
Any IAI Humanities 3
Any IAI Mathematics 3
Any IAI Social & Behavioural Science 3
Total Credit Hours 15
First Year - Spring Semester
Course Hours
English 102 - Multimodal Composition 3
Any IAI Life Science 3-4
Any IAI Fine Arts 3
Any IAI Social & Behavioural Science 3
Any Transferable Elective 3
Total Credit Hours 15-16
Second Year - Fall Semester
Course Hours
Any IAI Humanities or Fine Arts 3
Any IAI Physical Science 3-4
Any IAI Social & Behavioural Science 3
Any Transferable Elective 3
Any Transferable Elective 3
Total Credit Hours 15-16
Second Year - Spring Semester
Course Hours
Any Transferable Elective 3
Any Transferable Elective 3
Any Transferable Elective 3
Any Transferable Elective 3
Any Transferable Elective 3
Total Credit Hours 15

Three Graphic Overlay Cards

Student outcomes and program highlights that show the value of studying Biology at Heartland.

  • 100%

    Job Placement Rate

  • Affordable Tuition

    Stay on budget while you learn.

  • 98%

    Job Placement Rate

What are My Financial Options?

General admission to Heartland Community College is required. Specific program requirements may include a minimum age, a high school diploma or GED, background checks, and possibly immunizations and a physical exam. Check the program's website or contact an advisor for the most up-to-date requirements.

Please visit the admissions page to apply to Heartland Community College.

By completing an associate degree with emphasis in biological sciences you'll be able to:

Alumni Stories

My time at Heartland Community College was truly transformative. The professors in the Nursing program were incredibly supportive and knowledgeable, providing a strong foundation that prepared me for the real-world challenges of healthcare. Because of Heartland, I'm now working as a registered nurse at a local hospital, doing what I love. I'm so grateful for the opportunities Heartland provided!"
Sarah Miller, Class of 2020, Registered Nurse at OSF HealthCare