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The
NIACC Criminal Justice program prepares you for employment with
public or private agencies concerned with public safety, crime prevention,
or the apprehension and rehabilitation of criminals. Graduates of this
two-year program earn an Associate in Arts (AA) Degree and a NIACC Criminal
Justice Certificate.
The curriculum also meets requirements for those already employed by
criminal justice agencies who wish to obtain further education for
professional advancement, as well as for those who desire advanced study in
criminology or social welfare. Approximately half of the graduates from this
program go on to earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice at senior
institutions like the University of Northern Iowa, Mankato State University
or Buena Vista University. NIACC has an agreement with the Iowa Law
Enforcement Academy which allows up to 15 hours of credit earned at the
Academy to be awarded at NIACC.
What Courses Will I Take?
(See College Catalog - Public Service)
What Will I Learn?
NIACC’s Criminal Justice program focuses on the skills and procedures necessary to be an effective police officer or investigator.
Students in the Criminal Justice program will learn:
…and much more!
Who Teaches Criminal Justice Classes?
George O’Donnell is the Program Leader/Instructor for Criminal Justice at NIACC since June, 2010.
O’Donnell retired as a Captain with Iowa DOT/Motor Vehicle Enforcement in February, 2009. He was an Adjunct Instructor at Kirkwood Community College from 1993-2010 and at Mt. Mercy College from 2000-2010. O’Donnell holds a MS in Criminal Justice Administration from the University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, Alabama and a Bachelors in Criminal Justice from Mt. Mercy College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He is a Past President of the Iowa Association of Chiefs of Police and Peace Officers and a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police.
NIACC’s adjunct instructors also have years of teaching experience and are employed in the criminal justice field.
What Will I Do with My Degree?
Criminal Justice program graduates may obtain employment in a
variety of positions such as:
NIACC’s strong articulation agreements with four-year academic
institutions also allow credit for Criminal Justice program classes to
transfer and facilitate completion of a four-year degree in Criminal
Justice.
What Are Other NIACC Graduates Doing?
"I had a great experience at NIACC. It was a very convenient way to
attend classes, maintain a full-time job, and raise a family all at the same
time. The majority of my NIACC classes were small enough to communicate with
the instructors and other students on a more personal basis."
- Kevin Pals, Cerro Gordo County Sheriff
"My current employment situation became possible because of NIACC’s
Criminal Justice program and also NIACC’s partnerships with other
educational institutions. The quality of instruction gave me a big advantage
when I attended the law enforcement academy. I have taken advantage of
NIACC’s partnerships in completing my bachelor’s degree as well as a
master’s degree."
- Dave Ellingson, Former Mason City Police Chief
Internship Opportunities
Excellent internship opportunities are available to students in the Criminal Justice program. NIACC students have interned at many locations in the past, such as:
NIACC Criminal Justice Advisory Committee
NIACC’s Criminal Justice program development is guided by an Advisory Committee made up of representatives of the courts, corrections, state/county/local uniformed officers and private security.
For More Information:
George R. O’Donnell, M.S.
641-422-4119 or 1-800- GO NIACC, ext. 4119
odonngeo@niacc.edu
For additional information, consult the NIACC catalog
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North Iowa Area Community College, 500
College Drive, Mason City, IA 50401
641-423-1264 or 1-888-GO NIACC
www.niacc.edu