Thousands of Eastern Shore residents have launched their legal and criminal justice careers at Chesapeake. Our programs provide an excellent path to start, strengthen, or expand your legal and criminal justice horizons. Many students find this pathway an excellent foundation for future educational pursuits, whether their goal is to earn a bachelor or master’s degree, or to eventually apply to law school. We partner with police departments, government agencies, and nonprofit entities to give you practical and proven experiences to prepare you for your career. 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 A.A.S. Degree
- Law Enforcement Certificate
- Legal Studies A.A.S. Degree
- Legal Studies Certificate
*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.
Law Programs
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.
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.
Legal Studies
Prepare for employment as a paralegal or in other areas related to the practice of law, including criminal law, torts, family law, property law, etc. Paralegals commonly assist with title searches, legal research, drafting legal documents, pleadings, and litigation support.
Legal Studies
Gain the legal knowledge, skills and practice to prepare for employment as paralegals or legal assistants. The Legal Studies Certificate is designed for students who already have an Associate of Arts or Associates of Science or Bachelor’s of Arts degree or Bachelor’s of Science degree and offers an accelerated course of study.
*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.
Program Resources
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
/ Criminal Justice Careers
- Correctional Officer
- Federal Enforcement Officer
- Juvenile Services Worker
- Private Investigator
- Probation Agent
- Police Officer
- Retail Security
- Court Clerk
- Victim Advocate
- Crime Scene Technician
- Legal Assistant
- Paralegal
- Lawyer
- Social Advocate
Eastern Shore Employers
- Caroline County Department of Corrections
- Dorchester County Sheriff’s Department
- Dorchester County State's Attorney's Office
- Eastern Shore Correctional Institution
- Kent County Sheriff Office
- Maryland Department of Natural Resources Police
- Maryland State Police
- Queen Anne’s County Sheriff Office
- Talbot County Sheriff Office
Criminal Justice & Legal Studies News
Criminal Justice & Legal Studies Program News
Meet Zoey - Incoming Law Pathway Student
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.
- 21March
Open registration for Summer Term Learn More
- 25May
Commencement Learn More
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.
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.
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.
Partner, Parker Counts
Explore our Pathways
