Criminal Justice

  • Certificate
  • AAS
  • AA
Forensics Specialist on Duty on Crime Scene at Night

Build a foundation for careers that serve your community.

If you’re interested in law, public safety, and making a difference in your community, the Criminal Justice program can help you turn that interest into a meaningful career path. This program introduces you to how the criminal justice system works—from law enforcement and courts to corrections and community supervision.

Whether your goal is to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year university, you’ll gain a strong foundation in criminal justice principles, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making.

Application Deadline

Next Apply Date

3/10/26

Next Start Date

8/20/26

Apply Now

Degrees & Certificates

Level One Certificate – Forensic Investigator

Certificate
The Forensic Investigator Certificate prepares students for entry-level roles in criminal and civil investigations by providing a strong foundation in forensic science, investigative procedures, and evidence handling. This program emphasizes crime scene processing, evidence collection and preservation, forensic documentation, report writing, and courtroom testimony.

Length

16 Credit Hours
1 semester on average
Full-Time Schedule

Costs

In-District Tuition: $1,232 per semester for 16 credit hours
Tuition & Fees

Mode

In-Person and Online

Important Links

Associate of Applied Science

AAS
The AAS degree is designed for students who want career-ready skills and plan to enter the workforce after graduation. This option focuses on practical knowledge and real-world applications used in criminal justice careers.

Length

60 Credit Hours
4 semesters on average
Full-Time Schedule

Costs

In-District Tuition: $1,155 per semester for 15 credit hours
Tuition & Fees

Mode

In-Person and Online

Important Links

Prerequisites:

This is where optional prerequisite information could go. Placeholder information is here for now.

Associate of Arts - Criminal Justice

AA
The AA degree is ideal for students who plan to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field. This pathway combines criminal justice coursework with a strong general education foundation.

Length

60 Credits
4 Semesters on average
Full-Time Schedule

Costs

In-District Tuition: $1,155 per semester for 15 credit hours
Tuition & Fees

Mode

In-Person and Online

Important Links

Accreditation

College of the Mainland is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate and baccalaureate degrees and certificates.

Contact the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of College of the Mainland.

How Certificates Stack

Our stackable certificates allow you to learn and add to your educational and professional careers while working toward your associate degree. Complete a certificate along with the A.A.S. degree requirements, and have your associates completed in two years.

Certificate - Forensic Investigator

Certificate
Develop foundational investigative and evidence-handling skills that can apply toward an associate degree in Criminal Justice.
16 credits | 1 semester

Associate of Applied Science

AAS
Build on your investigative training with broader knowledge in criminal justice, law enforcement, and public safety for expanded career opportunities.
Forensic Investigator Certificate + 44 credits | 3 semesters

Careers & Outcomes

Graduates of the Criminal Justice program gain skills that align with in-demand public safety and justice careers identified through Lightcast labor market data. Criminal justice occupations continue to show steady demand across law enforcement, corrections, courts, security, and community services.

Reach Out To Us

We’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have questions about admissions or want to speak to someone in the program, our enrollment team is ready to help.
Enrollment Management
409-938-1211
Advisor with student in commons

Additional Program Information

Financial Aid and Scholarships Available

  1. Apply to COM and submit the necessary documents (transcripts, meningitis vaccination if under 22 and proof of Texas residency).
  2. Meet with Academic Advisor.

Related Programs

All Programs