New Associate Of Arts Degree!
ACC’s Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice transfers seamlessly to Texas State or other colleges or universities! Earning a bachelor’s degree can help you move up the ranks in a law enforcement department.
Start Your Career in Law Enforcement with a Criminal Justice Degree
Gain the knowledge and skills you need to become a police officer in Central Texas. Austin Community College’s criminal justice degree program provides four associate degree programs and specialized certificates that provide a foundation for a career in law enforcement, juvenile justice, social work, and more. Prepare for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) exam to become a law enforcement officer and get a job right out of college. Or, transfer to a four-year university to earn a bachelor’s degree.
Criminal Justice Associate Degree
ACC’s criminal justice associate degree program includes education in criminal justice policies, law, and the court system. Students prepare for careers as law enforcement officers, juvenile justice social work professionals, and in corrections.
ACC Public Safety Training Center
Students who want to go into law enforcement receive training in firearms, police tactics and operations, emergency response and more in ACC’s police public safety training center.
You’ll learn practical and accessible training in the guidelines, procedures, and assorted skills to prepare you for emergencies, communication, crime prevention, investigation, and report writing.
Law enforcement training prepares students for a capstone project and the TCOLE exam.
Note: ACC’s training center offers classes on weekends and in the evenings to accommodate students who currently work time and who want to move into law enforcement.
Note: The Criminal Justice Program has multiple prerequisite requirements, and all students must meet with the department chair a semester prior to registration.
Career & Salary Information
A growing field allows graduates to pursue a diverse option of careers including law enforcement, forensic science technician, private detective, or counselor.
Awards & Program Maps
Choose the Award Path That’s Right for You
ACC offers stackable credentials. Certificates prepare you for a career change or career advancement and often include credits that count toward associate degrees. Associate degrees further increase your employability and help you build a strong foundation for university transfer. Learn about credential options.
Explore awards and follow the program maps below to stay on track.
| Program | Award Type | Award Title | Award Plan | Program Map | Optional Mode | Catalog Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice | Associate of Arts Degree | Criminal Justice | Award Plan | Program Map | PCCRJ | |
| Criminal Justice | Associate of Applied Science Degree | Corrections | Award Plan | Program Map | ACC Online | PCCRJ |
| Criminal Justice | Associate of Applied Science Degree | Law Enforcement | Award Plan | Program Map | ACC Online | PCCRJ |
| Criminal Justice | Associate of Applied Science Degree | Texas Peace Officer Specialization | Award Plan | Program Map | PCCRJ | |
| Criminal Justice | Certificate | Texas Peace Officer Level 1 | Award Plan | Program Map | PCCRJ |
Academic Department Contacts
| Academic Program | First Name | Last Name | Phone | Department Website | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal Justice | Frederick (Dale) | Toler | Call | Send Email | Visit Website |
Request Information About Applying to ACC
Note: Bachelor’s Degree, Health Sciences, and other specialty programs may not appear in the Program Of Interest selection area. Use the Request for Information links on those pages to contact those program administrators.