Southeast Community College

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Criminal Justice

Welcome

Overview | Requirements | Internships |

Criminal Justice is a time honored profession in the state of Nebraska.  It is all about detecting and suppressing crime and criminals, bringing them to justice, and overseeing their terms of incarceration.  Law enforcement, courts, and corrections and their related professions, are all accessible and attainable for those who prepare and are qualified.

Employment trends and forecasts suggest that there will be a high need for law enforcement professionals in the future.  Some of the positions that are available are animal control worker, ballistics expert, campus police, customs and border protections officer, crime lab technician, detective, evidence technician, K-9 handler, railroad police, patrol officer, S.W.A.T., trooper, and U.S. Marshal.

Court positions include bailiff, legal advisor, lawyer, and judge.  For those that are interested, corrections is one of the fastest growing professions in the U.S. Positions include booking officer, standards and training, evidence technician, gang investigator, intelligence officer, jailer, and security specialist.

• Feel free to contact us if you have questions or an interest.

Overview

The criminal justice program supports two degree programs. 
The general criminal justice degree program is a 6 to 7 quarter program that includes lecture classes and one internship.  The Nebraska Law Enforcement degree program is a state-wide program that requires 6 quarters of lecture classes at SCC and (for those that are accepted) 14 weeks of instruction at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center (NLETC) in Grand Island, NE.

All equipment that the student feels the need for class lectures is the responsibility of the student.  For those students that are accepted to the NLETC, some of the equipment is supplied.  A list of equipment needs is available for the prospective student in advance.

Students who are accepted to the NLETC and complete the course will receive certification by the State of Nebraska as a certified law enforcement officer.  Following the successful completion of either program, the student will receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree.

NOTE:  Students that are academic transfer students do have the opportunity to take some criminal justice classes, as electives, that will satisfy their degree requirements.

Requirements

• Complete an Application for Admission form and return it to the Lincoln of Beatrice campuses.  (Online application).
  
  
• All applicants are responsible for taking the COMPASS test. SAT scores may be accepted. The SCC Campus Assessment Office may be of assistance, 402-437-2715 or 800-642-4075, ext. 2715.
  
  
• For questions regarding admissions, please call the Lincoln Campus Admissions Office, 402-437-2600 or 800-642-4075, ext. 2600, or the Beatrice Campus Admissions Office, 402-228-8214 or 800-233-5027 ext. 1214.
  
  
• The Criminal Justice Office is located in the Energy Square Building at 1111 O St. in downtown Lincoln. The direct telephone number is 402-323-3459 or 800-642-4075, ext. 3459, or call the Beatrice Campus at 800-233-5027 ext. 1214.
  

Internship Experience

Criminal Justice Degree

CRIM 2860    Criminal Justice Internship is required for this degree.  It is based upon 180 contact hours within the criminal justice field.  Students are required to complete this class for graduation.  Most students will be with criminal justice professionals on average of 18 hours per week during one quarter.

Nebraska Law Enforcement Degree

CRIM 2940    Law Enforcement Internship is required for completion of this degree.  The student will spend 14 weeks in residence at the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center in Grand Island, Nebraska.

Both of the internships will prepare students for future employment by exposing them to real world experiences.