In the Vol State Criminal Justice Program, you will learn from experts in the field, including detectives, patrol officers, federal agents, prosecutors, and probation/parole officers. We offer a diverse curriculum covering law enforcement, investigation, criminal law, corrections, and more. Discover the Vol State Criminal Justice difference, with engaging, hands-on teaching and learning.
- Small, dynamic classes
- Latest technology and instruction
- On-campus and online courses
Choose Your Criminal Justice Program
If you wish to transfer to a four-year university or college to complete a bachelor's degree after graduating, consider one of these two University Parallel program options:
- A.A. – Criminal Justice (TTP) – This pathway requires a one-year sequence (6 credits) in a single foreign language.
- A.S. – Criminal Justice (TTP) – This pathway allows for more classes in the criminal justice area of emphasis in place of foreign language credits.
If you plan to find employment in criminal justice after graduating from Vol State, consider one of these options:
- Criminal Justice - A.A.S.
- Criminal Justice Technical Certificate
- Correctional Officer Technical Certificate
You may also use courses in the certificate programs toward completion of the University Parallel programs in Criminal Justice and General Studies or the Associate of Applied Science degree. This stackable credential process helps you progress from a shorter-term certificate into higher degrees at your own pace.
Careers in Criminal Justice
A criminal justice degree or certificate from Vol State prepares you for entry-level work across the justice system, or for a bachelor's degree program if you plan to transfer. Graduates pursue careers such as:
- Law enforcement: police officer, sheriff's deputy, state trooper
- Corrections: correctional officer, detention officer, juvenile justice specialist
- Community supervision: probation and parole officer
- Courts and legal support: court clerk, victim advocate, legal assistant
- Security and investigations: loss prevention, private security, investigative support
Many law enforcement and corrections positions also require agency-specific training, such as a police academy or Tennessee POST certification, after you're hired. Some roles, including probation and parole officer, typically require a bachelor's degree, which you can pursue through one of the transfer pathways below.
Earn College Credit for POST or TCI Certification
Once accepted to Vol State, you can receive up to 28 hours of college credit for completion of your POST certification (Tennessee Peace Officers Standards and Training). If you have earned the Tennessee Corrections Institute (TCI) Certification, you may be eligible to receive one credit hour. We will apply credit upon presentation of the official certificate to the Office of Records and Registration.
Transfer to a Four-Year University
Criminal Justice A.S. and A.A. graduates are eligible to complete a bachelor’s degree program at any public university and many private universities in Tennessee, such as these.
Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU)
MTSU also accepts Vol State’s A.A.S. degree if you wish to pursue a B.S. in Professional Studies.
Tennessee State University (TSU)
Tennessee Tech
- B.S. in Sociology with a Concentration in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Tech Transfer Admissions Scholarships & Grants
UT Martin
- B.S. in Criminal Justice, Concentrations in Law Enforcement, Justice Studies, Juvenile Justice, and Forensics
- UTM Transfer Student Scholarship Opportunities
