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Thanksgiving Break

The college closes for Thanksgiving Break on Wednesday, Nov. 27 at 12:00 p.m. Normal operations will resume Monday, Dec. 2.

Criminal Justice

Train to protect and serve

TCC’s core courses help you build a foundation in criminal justice, and our three specializations, in forensic science, homeland security, and public law, allow you to develop in-demand skills and knowledge needed by local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Learn in small classes from instructors with professional experience. Already employed in this field? Get the training you need for a promotion and career advancement in just two semesters!

Semesters:
4
Credits:
61
View Curriculum
Locations:
Chesapeake Campus, Norfolk Campus, Portsmouth Campus, Virginia Beach Campus, Online
Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice

Protect and serve your community with an in-demand career in law enforcement, criminology, or corrections. If you want to continue your education beyond the associate degree, TCC maintains transfer agreements with four-year universities to help you move into a bachelor’s degree program.

Semesters:
4
Credits:
61
View Curriculum
Locations:
Chesapeake Campus, Norfolk Campus, Portsmouth Campus, Virginia Beach Campus
Associate of Applied Science - Specialization in Forensic Science

Forensic science is a fascinating field where law enforcement meets scientific investigation. Learn to help investigators solve crimes, study the causes and theories of crime, and conduct a crime scene investigation.

Semesters:
4
Credits:
61
View Curriculum
Locations:
Chesapeake Campus, Norfolk Campus, Portsmouth Campus, Virginia Beach Campus
Associate of Applied Science - Specialization in Homeland Security

Gain a deep understanding of terrorism and how to combat it by earning your associate with a Specialization in Homeland Security. Transportation, border security and critical-incident response are part of the course work. You’ll also develop the
analytical and policy skills required by the industry.

Semesters:
4
Credits:
61
View Curriculum
Locations:
Chesapeake Campus, Norfolk Campus, Portsmouth Campus, Virginia Beach Campus
Associate of Applied Science - Specialization in Public Law

Criminal justice meets the legal system in TCC’s public law curriculum, which covers everything from family law to trial preparation and discovery practices. Learn multiple perspectives of the legal field and strengthen your critical thinking skills in this multifaceted area.

Semesters:
2
Credits:
18
View Curriculum
Locations:
Chesapeake Campus, Norfolk Campus, Portsmouth Campus, Virginia Beach Campus
Career Studies Certificate - Forensic Science

Every day of your life as a forensic laboratory technician won't be like an episode of “CSI”; these professionals work hard doing things like analyzing DNA, examining firearms, and gathering evidence at a crime scene.

Semesters:
2
Credits:
18
View Curriculum
Locations:
Chesapeake Campus, Norfolk Campus, Portsmouth Campus, Virginia Beach Campus
Career Studies Certificate - Homeland Security

Graduate ready to enter the growing field of homeland security, with a strong foundation in emergency and disaster management, risk prevention and management, counter-terrorism, consequence management, and more.

Semesters:
2
Credits:
18
View Curriculum
Locations:
Chesapeake Campus, Norfolk Campus, Portsmouth Campus, Virginia Beach Campus, Online
Career Studies Certificate - Law Enforcement

Study the relationship between police and the communities they serve and explore the fundamentals of criminal justice, including police ethics, public policy and how to develop programs that can empower communities to reduce crime.

Semesters:
2
Credits:
18
View Curriculum
Locations:
Chesapeake Campus, Norfolk Campus, Portsmouth Campus, Virginia Beach Campus
Career Studies Certificate - Public Law

"Public law encompasses everything from national security and civil rights to domestic violence and family law. TCC’s public law curriculum builds the critical thinking skills you need to launch or advance your career in a law office
or in the law enforcement field."

Is this program for you?

Yes, if you:
  • are interested in law enforcement and the criminal justice system
  • have a clean driving record
  • can pass a background check