Criminal Justice

Return to: Programs of Study

School of Health, Wellness & Public Safety

Program information is available from the Ask CNM Contact Center at (505) 224-3000 or go to cnm.edu.

Program Description

The number of careers in the field of Criminal Justice continues to expand. This includes careers in both the public and private sectors. These careers include Law Enforcement, Adult Corrections, Juvenile Correction, Adult and Juvenile Probation and Parole, Private Investigations, and Security. Security careers include private and personal security, commercial security, industrial security, public security, retail, information and Homeland Security. The U.S. Department of Labor projects continued job growth in all of these fields. The Associate of Applied Science degree in Criminal Justice provides the education needed for entry level employment in the career field. It may also help the student achieve promotion after gaining employment.

The program offers a varied schedule of courses to meet the students’ needs, including traditional classes at varied times at the different campuses, on-line courses, an investigations lab, a computer lab with interactive learning programs, and intern programs with local agencies. This program may begin with dual enrollment for high school students via the Pathways programs. Students are instructed by faculty who have vast experience in all aspects of criminal justice and are readily available to help students. Students may tailor their studies to concentrate in the area of their interest. The program also prepares the students in critical thinking and work-place skills employers demand. The program will also provide students with a sense of professionalism and community service necessary for a career in Criminal Justice.

Career and Educational Opportunities

Many careers at the state and Federal level require a minimum of a 4 year Bachelor’s Degree. The Criminal Justice courses from CNM are transferable to the 4 year colleges and universities in New Mexico which have a CJ degree. A copy of the transfer matrix is located on the New Mexico Department of Higher Education home page. The CNM Criminal Justice program also has several articulation agreements with state colleges and universities where our graduates may transfer the degree over as the first two years of study for a 4 year degree. Students who graduate from an accredited state law enforcement or corrections academy may receive up to 22 hours of course credit in the core curriculum.

Transfer and articulation agreement information is available at cnm.edu/transferout.

Exit competencies for this program of study are available at cnm.edu/exitcomp.

For the graduation policy refer to the Moving On  section, cnm.edu or the Students tab in myCNM.

Return to: Programs of Study