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Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice PhotoThe 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:

  • Crime Scene Investigation
  • Latent fingerprint collection procedures
  • Basic criminal law
  • Application of fundamental investigative techniques
  • Identification, handling and proper collection of evidence
  • Rules and procedures for courts, corrections and police
  • Rules governing admissibility of evidence in court
  • Interview and interrogation tactics
  • Effective report writing
  • …and much more!

    Who Teaches Criminal Justice Classes?

    William Basler serves as the full-time program leader for NIACC’s Criminal Justice Program.

    Basler worked with the Division of Criminal Investigation from 1975 until 2006, investigating violent crimes and crimes against persons, and was promoted to Special Agent in Charge.

    He’s been teaching in NIACC’s Criminal Justice program since 1995, joining NIACC's full time staff in 2006.

    NIACC's adjunct instructors also have years of teaching experience and are currently employed in the criminal justice system.

    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?

    Police Tape image"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

    Police Tape image"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:

  • Cerro Gordo County Sheriff
  • Pottawattamie County Sheriff
  • Fayette County Sheriff
  • Floyd County Sheriff
  • Winneshiek County Sheriff
  • Worth County Sheriff
  • Mason City Police Department
  • Clear Lake Police Department
  • Charles City Police Department
  • Forest City Police Department
  • Hampton Police Department
  • Cerro Gordo County Jail
  • Cerro Gordo County Attorney
  • Iowa Department of Corrections
  • Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation
  • Iowa State University Police
  • 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:

    William Basler
    641-422-4330 or  1-888-GO NIACC, Ext. 4330
    baslewil@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