Criminal Justice

Description

The Criminal Justice program studies law enforcement, corrections, and the courts. Earn an Associate of Applied Science and pursue work as a Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, Corrections Officer, Crime Scene Investigator, Border Patrol Agent, Probation Officer, Juvenile Detention Officer, and more.

Degrees & Certificates

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Top Criminal Justice Jobs

Note: Some jobs require education or training beyond the CNM degree/certificate.

Program Information and The Cold Case Collaborative (CCC)

CNM Criminal Justice Logo

The number of careers in the field of Criminal Justice continues to expand, with careers in both the public and private sectors. These careers include law enforcement, forensics, adult corrections, juvenile correction, and the courts. 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 this field. It may also help you achieve promotion after gaining employment.

This program offers a varied schedule of courses to meet your needs, including traditional classes, online courses, interactive labs, and intern programs with local agencies. This program may also begin with dual enrollment for high school students via the Pathways programs.

You are instructed by faculty who have vast experience in all aspects of criminal justice and are readily available to help you. Our program provides you with critical thinking and work-place skills, as well as a sense of professionalism and community service necessary for a career in Criminal Justice.

The Cold Case Collaborative (CCC)

The Cold Case Collaborative (CCC) is a partnership between CNM’s Criminal Justice program and the New Mexico State Police (NMSP). It was established in 2024 and physically resides in the Criminal Justice Lab on CNM’s Main Campus.

Selected students work side-by-side with NMSP investigators to resolve active cold case files. This is an opportunity to get hands-on investigative experience and help find truth and justice in the community. The CCC class is a closed cohort of 12 students and participants receive one lab credit that can be applied to the Criminal Justice AAS degree program. Students can take the CCC more than once.

Requirements and process for participation in the CCC:

NOTE: Applying does not automatically result in being able to take the CCC lab class.

Selected students will also be required to:

  • Submit to a thorough NMSP background check
  • Sign confidentiality agreements with both CNM and NMSP

Applications must be submitted to the Criminal Justice Program Director at least eight weeks prior to the start of a semester so the necessary background checks and processing can be completed. Applications received outside the current semester window will automatically be included in the next semester’s application pool.

Once background checks and required paperwork are completed, selected students will be able to register for the CCC lab class.

Questions can be directed to the Criminal Justice Program Director at jsolomon4@cnm.edu or (505) 224-4000 ext. 54238.