Police cadets going through various stages of training. Walking with fake guns in a simulation. Participating in hand-to-hand combat. Driving in police cars.
At Anne Arundel Community College, our Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice programs are built to get you there. Whether you're just starting out or looking to make a career change, you’ll learn from experienced pros — including former police officers, federal agents, and military intelligence analysts — who bring real-world insight to every class.
We’ve been a trusted training ground for law enforcement agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and TSA for over a decade, and now it’s your turn.
With classes offered online, during the day, and in the evenings, you’ll have the flexibility to fit school into your life — not the other way around. When you’re ready, you’ll leave AACC prepared to step into the workforce or continue your education at a four-year school.
AACC offers the following Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees. The state of Maryland refers to the A.A.S. as a career degree, because it's intended to provide you with skills to enter the workforce. In some cases, AACC has entered into transfer agreements that allow these degrees to transfer to select colleges.
Get the skills you need to track down digital criminals and fight cyber threats. In this hands-on program, you’ll learn how to investigate cybercrimes, collect and handle digital evidence, and understand the laws behind it all. It’s a smart choice if you’re ready to jump into the workforce, grow in your current role, or even work toward a four-year degree later on — you'll knock out plenty of gen eds along the way.
If you're fascinated by crime scenes, investigations and the science that solves them, this program is for you. You’ll build a strong foundation in criminal justice and forensic science with courses in criminal law, homicide, evidence handling and more.
Curious about how science helps solve crimes? This program dives into the world of forensic investigation, giving you a solid mix of criminal justice and lab-based science. You’ll learn how evidence is collected, analyzed, and used to uncover the truth. It’s a great option if you want to start working in the field or plan to transfer and earn your bachelor’s in forensic science down the line.
Want to make a real difference in the lives of young people? This program prepares you to work with youth in both the juvenile and adult justice systems. You’ll learn how to support and guide young offenders through legal, educational and therapeutic services — and understand what makes their needs different from adults. Whether you’re ready to launch your career or plan to transfer to a four-year school, this degree sets you up for success.
Ready to step into the world of policing and public safety? This flexible, career-focused program covers everything from police operations and criminal law to counterterrorism strategies. Whether you're starting fresh or already working in the field, you’ll build the knowledge and skills to land an entry-level job or move up in your current role.
Thinking about becoming a police officer? This program combines college-level coursework with the entry-level training required by the Maryland Police Training Commission (minus firearms training). You’ll cover general education classes while building a strong foundation in law enforcement — giving you a head start toward the academy or a related career in public safety. You must meet with the program coordinator for advisement and eligibility approval before enrolling. Call 410-777-7063 or email Erin Franklin at esfranklin@aacc.edu.
Want to stand up for what’s right and create real change? This program gives you the tools to tackle injustice in systems like criminal justice, juvenile justice and even environmental policy. You’ll learn how to support under-resourced communities, challenge harmful policies and build better systems from the ground up. Whether you’re heading straight into the field or planning to transfer to a four-year school, you’ll be ready to start making a difference.
The following certificates prepare students for employment and feeds into the A.A.S. degree, if desired.
Looking to level up your skills in digital investigations? This certificate focuses on how to prevent cybercrimes, investigate them and handle digital evidence the right way. It’s a great option if you’re ready to break into the field or want to take on more responsibility in your current role.
This certificate gives you a solid foundation to start or grow your career in criminal justice. You can focus on areas like law enforcement, corrections, police administration or juvenile services — whatever fits your goals. With flexible scheduling options, it’s easy to keep moving forward, whether you’re studying full time, part time, day or evening.
Thinking about a career in law enforcement? This certificate covers the entry-level training objectives required by the Maryland Police Training Commission — minus firearms training. It’s a strong first step toward becoming a police officer or working in public safety. You must meet with the program coordinator for advisement and eligibility approval before enrolling. Call 410-777-7063 or email Erin Franklin at esfranklin@aacc.edu.
Fitting college into your busy life is easier than you might think. Online programs and courses are available at AACC for busy working adults and any student who would benefit from the flexibility of a virtual classroom!
“When I first started, it was a struggle,” he said. But once he got into the rhythm, he realized he could succeed. He put in extra hours and excelled in one of the most rigorous programs – AACC’s Police Academy.
Read Ki'Jay's StoryCheck out the tabs below for information on where you can transfer your degree and scholarships that can help you pay for college.
After earning your A.A.S. degree, you may decided you want to transfer to complete a four-year degree. We have partnerships and transfer agreements in place with many colleges and universities so you can easily transfer when you're ready. Transfer agreements (or “articulation agreements,” as they’re officially called) are formal arrangements between institutions that allow certain credits to transfer seamlessly from one school to the other. After completing our A.A.S. program, you can seamlessly transfer to:
Paying for college should be simple! The following scholarships are available for students in the Homeland Security and Criminal Justice Institute.
Additional scholarships are available for the law enforcement and criminal justice professionals of tomorrow:
We’re here to help.
Interests: His Christian faith, beach vacations, reading
A Little More: Joe Johnson spent 27 years as a police officer, a job he describes as “a wonderful way to help people and make a difference in our community.” Now he encourages AACC students to consider a similar career path.
