Criminal Justice: Police

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A police officer points upward while surrounded by students
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Prepare for a Career that Protects, Serves, and Makes an Impact

MCC’s Criminal Justice: Police program gives you the knowledge, skills, and confidence to step into the world of modern policing. You’ll study criminal law, investigative techniques, community relations, and the ethical foundations that guide today’s justice system. Courses blend classroom learning with practical, scenario‑based experiences that help you understand how officers think, act, and lead in the field. 

What You’ll Learn

In our Criminal Justice: Police A.A.S. degree program, you’ll learn:  

  • Criminal law fundamentals — key statutes, legal procedures, and constitutional principles 
  • Investigative techniques — evidence collection, interviewing, and case documentation 
  • Patrol operations — observation, response protocols, and community engagement 
  • Crisis intervention — de‑escalation, communication, and situational assessment 
  • Ethics in policing — professional conduct, accountability, and decision‑making 
  • Criminal justice systems — courts, corrections, and interagency collaboration 
 

Where Can the Criminal Justice: Police A.A.S. Degree Take You? 

Career Services
A Criminal Justice: Police degree from MCC opens the door to a wide range of roles in public safety, law enforcement, and community protection. You’ll be prepared for entry into police academies, sheriff’s departments, campus safety agencies, and other frontline positions where you can serve the public, respond to emergencies, and help keep communities safe. This credential also builds a strong foundation for advancement into specialized units, investigative work, or continued study in criminal justice and related fields. 

Career Opportunities: 

  • Police Officer 
  • Deputy Sheriff 
  • Corrections Officer 
  • Security Officer 
  • Public Safety Dispatcher 
  • Community Service Officer 

Where You Could Work:

  • Municipal police departments 
  • County sheriff’s offices 
  • State law enforcement agencies 
  • Correctional facilities 
  • Campus public safety departments 
  • Private security firms 
  • Transportation and infrastructure security 

Local Employers: 

  • Rochester Police Department 
  • Monroe County Sheriff’s Office 
  • New York State Police 
  • MCC Public Safety
  • Rochester Institute of Technology Public Safety 
  • University of Rochester Department of Public Safety 
  • Monroe County Department of Public Safety 
  • Regional private security companies 

 

Ready to Apply?

Applying to MCC is free, with no college essay or test scores required.

Program Details

Monroe Community College’s Criminal Justice: Police A.A.S. degree prepares you for a career in law enforcement with hands‑on training, real‑world skills, and pathways to local and regional policing roles.
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Applied Associate of Science

Whether you plan to enter a police academy, pursue specialized law enforcement roles, or continue your education, this program builds a strong foundation for your future. You’ll graduate ready to serve your community, uphold the law, and contribute to safer, stronger neighborhoods. 

Length

2 years / 62 to 63 credit hours
Students typically complete this program in 4 semesters of full time study.

Location

Downtown Campus

Program Requirements

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Quality Education That Fits Your Budget 

MCC’s low tuition, plus financial aid like grants and scholarships, make your education possible. 

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