Barton’s Criminal Justice Program provides you a well-rounded education allowing you to explore different Criminal Justice careers. Ready to get started?
Barton Criminal Justice is available fully online! Begin a career in Criminal Justice and enjoy:
- Competitive wages
- Amazing retirement options
- A meaningful and important vocation
Barton Benefits
Why Barton’s Criminal Justice Program?
- Barton provides you experience and skills to enter the job market or continue your education at a four-year institution.
- This course of study prepares students for a variety of careers in the criminal justice system.
- Experience real-world criminal justice situations with our new cutting-edge virtual reality training simulator
- Opportunities to participates in tours and field experiences with our local and state agencies.
- Internships at criminal justice agencies are available.
- The Criminal Justice Department Offers five scholarships every fall semester. Request more information to learn the qualifying criteria.
Virtual Reality Training Simulator
- Cutting-Edge Technology for Career Readiness – By using the same VR technology adopted by law enforcement agencies, students gain valuable experience that prepares them for careers in policing, corrections, and courts.
- Hands-On Use of Force Training – Students engage in interactive use of force simulations, learning proper response techniques in high-pressure situations while applying de-escalation strategies.
- Scenario-Based Learning – The system provides dynamic training experiences, allowing students to practice handling traffic stops, domestic disputes, and active threats in a controlled, risk-free environment.
Instruction
Barton’s Instructor/Coordinator has over 30 years' experience teaching Criminal Justice, Corrections, Investigations and Juvenile Delinquency.
Real-World Opportunities
- Opportunities to accompany city, county, and state law enforcement officers on citizen ride-alongs.
- Internship opportunities at police departments, prison facilities, probation, juvenile services, and many more.
- Field experience with simulated crime scenes, K9 training demonstrations, routine traffic stops, and forensics.
- Participate in the Kansas Highway Patrol Collegiate Academy.
What are Barton Criminal Justice graduates doing?
Barton Criminal Justice graduates are working with the Kansas Highway Patrol, County and Municipal Police Departments, Kansas Department of Corrections, Probation, Parole, and Juvenile Services. Other opportunities include: court systems, attorneys, police-community relations, ethics, policy reform, evidence, and criminology.
Degree Maps
Degree Maps
The Criminal Justice Program can provide students with the necessary academic skills to achieve a rewarding career as a police officer, deputy sheriff, correctional officer, highway patrol trooper, or one of the other many exciting entry level positions in the criminal justice system.
All criminal justice agencies look for individuals with good academic skills, personal integrity, and a well-adjusted personality. Those agencies generally will not consider individuals for employment with criminal arrests and/or convictions, poor driving records, and/or alcohol-related problems.
Associate in Arts Degree
Criminal Justice (60 hours - degree guide)
View the full list of Curriculum Guides (applicable for students admitted prior to Fall 2024) and Degree Maps (applicable for students admitted Fall 2024 and after).
Occupational Outlook
Occupational Outlook
- Career opportunities and growth potential is expected to grow as fast as other occupations
- In most local police departments, opportunities will be excellent for qualified individuals
- State and federal opportunities continue to be competitive with education and training emphasized
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Bachelor's degree
Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists assist in rehabilitating law offenders in custody or on probation or parole.
$61,800
Police and Detectives
High school diploma or equivalent
Police officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.
$74,910
Correctional Officers and Baliffs
High school diploma or equivalent
Correctional officers guard people in penal institutions and guard those in transit between jail, courtroom, prison, or other point. Bailiffs are law enforcement officers who maintain order in courtrooms.
$53,290
Paralegals and Legal Assistants
Associate's degree
Paralegals and legal assistants support lawyers by performing a variety of tasks, such as maintaining and organizing files, conducting legal research, and drafting documents.
$60,970
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Discover Career Paths
Discover Career Paths
Visit the What Can I Do with My Major? webpage to find helpful resources on career paths, employers and more!
.
Admissions
You are only a few quick steps away from becoming a Barton Cougar! The Admissions process is quick, easy and free - we're here to help you through every step of the way!
Financial Aid + Scholarships
Never rule out the cost of going to college. You have many options to help you accomplish yours goals and Barton's Financial Aid Office is here to help you!