Thousands of Eastern Shore residents have launched their criminal justice careers at Chesapeake. Our programs provide an excellent foundation to start, strengthen or expand your law enforcement horizons. We partner with police and government agencies to give you practical and proven experiences. Our flexible programs allow you to take classes while working so you can earn a certificate, or associate degree.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Why Chesapeake

As the need for qualified and trained criminal justice professionals continues to grow, Chesapeake College offers outstanding law enforcement programs to advance your education - and your career. Whether you’re interested in building a foundation in public safety—or a thriving career in social, juvenile, or victim advocacy—our programs are an affordable, convenient way to start your journey.

Criminal Justice*

Criminal Justice A.A.S. Degree
Law Enforcement Certification

Current Officer Program

Criminal Justice A.A. Degree
Wholly online course, designed for current Police Officers

*These programs are not prerequisites for entry into a police academy nor do they provide complete entry level training for work as a county or state police officer.

***Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

Law Programs

Criminal Justice A.A.S. Degree

Criminal Justice A.A.S. Degree

Specialize in law enforcement and gain a solid foundation in the criminal justice field, perfect for transferring to a four year program. Our classes, seminars and field trips introduce you to criminal investigation techniques, principles of criminal law, law enforcement administration, corrections, criminology and field training.

Program Details

Law Enforcement Certification

Criminal Justice Certification

Secure a certificate on your path to an A.A.S. degree or gain critical knowledge of the law enforcement field. Chesapeake’s program provides a foundation to prepare you for entry-level employment or advancement in criminal justice.

Program Details

Criminal Justice A.A. Degree

Online Criminal Justice Degree for Current Officers

We are the only community college offering working law enforcement a wholly online program to earn your A.A. degree. Our flexible program is designed to fit the unpredictable schedules of busy law enforcement officials, and, we award credit for Maryland Police Academy training.The degree is designed for Police Officers who have completed the Police Entry Level Training Objectives at a Maryland Police Academy. You will receive college credit for your police academy work and be able to complete your degree online on your own schedule.

Program Details

*These programs are not prerequisites for entry into a police academy nor do they provide complete entry level training for work as a county or state police officer.

**Paralegals may not provide legal services directly to the public except as permitted by law.

Program Resources

Contact

If you’ve applied and have specific questions about this program, contact:

Bridget Lowrie, Associate Professor

Program Coordinator, Criminal Justice & Legal Studies
Caroline Center, Room 211
(410) 822-5400, x-2348
blowrie@chesapeake.edu

Resources & Useful Links

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/ Criminal Justice Careers

Correctional Officer
Federal Enforcement Officer
Juvenile Services Officer
Private Investigator
Probation Agent
Police Officer
Retail Security

Eastern Shore Employers

Criminal Justice & Legal Studies News

Criminal Justice & Legal Studies Program News

August 20, 2018

Meet Zoey - Incoming Law Pathway Student

by Marcie Alvarado Molloy

Zoey will major in Criminal Justice and plans to earn an associate’s degree at Chesapeake. She hopes to enter the law enforcement field in the area of police forensics.
Read More

PROGRAM announcements

Announcements and Upcoming Events.

14Sept
Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events (CRASE) training will be rescheduled shortly. Open to all students.

Police officers and the community benefit when law enforcement officers further their education. We’ve identified hundreds of Academy graduates working as officers on the Eastern Shore who could earn their degree by combining their academy certification with the highly respected curriculum we offer at Chesapeake.

~ Bridget Lowrie, J.D.
Chesapeake Associate Professor and Coordinator of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies

Because of Chesapeake College, I became the successful, career-oriented person I am today. Chesapeake not only taught me time management, interpersonal and communication skills, it rewarded me for the same with a college degree. Chesapeake formed the basis and knowledge for a job in law enforcement that became my career.

~ Walter “Pete” Landon
Director, Maryland Governor’s Office of Homeland Security

Whether working alongside an attorney during a high profile trial, in a government office, in private practice or with a non-profit organization, the need for qualified and trained paralegal professionals continues to grow. As a practicing attorney and employer, I know first-hand the incredible value Chesapeake’s paralegal program holds for those interested in launching a legal career.

~ Ann Goodman
Partner, Parker Counts

Explore our Pathways

/ Health Care

Health Care

Long renowned for educating generations of health care providers, our expanding programs include careers in administration, sports management and emergency medicine. From hospitals and sports fields to dental, veterinary and specialty practices, employers value health care professionals.

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/ Skilled Trades

Skilled Trades

Whether starting a business or working for a legacy manufacturer, trades programs prepare students for some of today’s most in-demand, and well-paying careers. From repair and construction to processing and assembly, skilled trades talents are sought by employers.

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/ Law

Criminal Justice & Legal Studies

Thousands of Eastern Shore residents launched their criminal justice careers at Chesapeake. Our core programs provide a strong foundation for students to start or strengthen employment with police agencies, advocacy organizations or government.

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/ STEM

Science, Technology, Engineering & Math

As scientific and technological innovations drive our knowledge-based economy, STEM skills are critical in almost every industry. From healthcare and construction to agriculture and business, Eastern Shore employers look to hire people with STEM training. Our STEM programs prepare students to transfer to four-year universities across multiple disciplines.

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/ Environmental Studies

Environmental Studies & Agriculture

The Eastern Shore’s abundant natural and agricultural resources along with growing jobs in renewable energy and sustainability make Chesapeake a great choice. Whether self-employed, working in government, business or nonprofit, or looking to transfer to a four year school, our programs prepare students for a broad range of environmental careers.

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/ Humanities

Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

Chesapeake prepares students for many diverse careers in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Whether building a liberal arts foundation to transfer to a four-year college, or taking courses for personal enrichment or skill-building, our programs position our students for success.

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/ Business

Business & Accounting

Business owners, bankers and captains of industry have started their careers at Chesapeake. Our business management programs prepare a solid foundation to enter the entrepreneurial ranks or join any one of the region’s employers.

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/ Education

Education & Child Development

Chesapeake has been a leader in education since we opened our doors. Our Early Childhood Development Center provides students with hands-on experience and serves families in the community. Elementary and secondary students intern at schools in the five-county service area.

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