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Instructors collaborate with local criminal justice agencies to enhance student learning.
Lay the Academic Groundwork for Advanced Studies in Crime and Law
Prepare for a variety of roles in the criminal justice field with Ozarks Tech. The Criminal Justice program sets you up for success for four-year programs in criminal justice or criminology. You will create a solid foundation to study:
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Policing techniques
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Courtroom operations
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Correctional methods
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Political science
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Social science
You’ll hear from guest speakers in the industry and tour local criminal justice partner location to enhance your learning experience. Your courses meet requirements to transfer to several institutions. Jump straight into criminology programs at Missouri State University, Drury and Missouri Southern State University. You can also find work with your associate degree! Work in entry-level jobs in criminal justice and human services.
Program Information
View our accreditation information, find program contacts and learn more about applying to Ozarks Tech.
General Admissions to Ozarks Tech
Admission to Ozarks Technical Community College is open to all individuals who can benefit from its educational programs. A focus of the college mission is on the academic, career and personal goals of the student. OTC may admit you as a First-Time student just completing their high school, GED or HiSET requirements or as a Transfer student coming from another institution finishing up a certificate or degree. For more information, visit OTC Admissions.
Wondering how you’re going to pay for college? At OTC, we believe that cost shouldn’t be a barrier to earning a degree. Our staff will work with you to make a financial plan. To browse the resources available to you, see paying for college.
At Ozarks Tech, we want your transfer process to be easy. We accomplish this goal through articulation agreements. These agreements are an official partnership to match coursework between schools. This gives you a more seamless transition from Ozarks Tech to a four-year institution.
We have established an agreement for this program. This will simplify the transfer of your credits to partner schools. To understand how this degree will transfer, review the current articulation agreements. Be sure to consult with your transfer school to ensure you’re on the right path toward completing your four-year degree.
Amy Shelley
Behavioral Sciences Department Chair
417-447-6688
Accreditation
OTC is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Our current accreditation status with the HLC is displayed on the page linked below. Our next comprehensive evaluation will be in 2030-2031. View more on OTC Accreditation.
Program Outcomes
Find Your Community
Getting involved is a great way to build connections and find your community on campus. With a variety of clubs and organizations and campus events it’s easy to find your people.
Plan Ahead
Thinking long term? After your A.A. you can transfer to continue your education at four-year institutions. Get connected with resources to help you plan your courses for transferring.
Course Information
Discover overview information, course sequences and specific course descriptions. Or, view the full catalog to see all the details.
Criminal Justice (A.A.)*
A.A. Degree: 60 Hours
Location: Springfield Campus
The Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice provides a directed path of study for transfer to institutions offering baccalaureate and degrees in Criminal Justice and Criminology. The degree also provides the academic background required to secure entry level employment options in a variety of criminal justice and human service positions.
Some options available online.
More Tools for Finding Your Path
Notices & Disclaimers
*Costs displayed are based on current tuition and fee rates for the program’s required credit hours, as approved by the OTC Board of Trustees, and are subject to change without notice. Estimates reflect both in-district and out-of-district residency rates. Actual costs, degree completion time, and credit requirements may vary based on residency, prior credits, elective courses, program updates, and enrollment factors. For additional information on attendance costs, visit Cost of Attendance, tuition and fees or contact us at 417-447-6900.
**Graduation rates vary by individual. For details on program enrollment, retention, exam/certification, and employment rates, visit Student Outcomes / Student Right-to-Know. Some careers on this list may require additional education and training. For program-specific accreditation visit OTC Accreditation.