Degree Program Dates
Program Overview
The Criminal Justice and Security Administration Associate of Applied Science degree at Taylor Business Institute is both a practical and immersive program designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in security, policing, and criminal justice–related fields across both the private and public sectors.
This applied program focuses on practical security concepts, criminal justice foundations, policing concepts, and real-world applications. Students gain knowledge of policing, security operations, loss prevention, surveillance, constitutional and criminal law, and workplace communication, while developing the professional skills required for employment-readiness in security and protective service roles.
This program has an immersive component, in partnership with policing departments, that will allow students to experience real-world policing activities, such as riding with police in structured scenarios. In this program, students will become involved in crime scene and gun range firing simulations. They will also go on field trips that allow them to engage in or observe a variety of course-related activities.
The program is structured to fast-track students into entry-level roles while they complete their associate degree, making it well-suited for career-focused students seeking immediate workforce entry.
What You Will Learn
Through applied coursework and hands-on instruction, students will learn how to:
- Understand the structure and function of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections
- Apply fundamental security concepts and practices used in private and corporate security environments
- Analyze crime, security incidents, and risk situations using practical frameworks
- Understand the foundations of homeland security, terrorism awareness, and public safety
- Apply constitutional and criminal law principles relevant to security and criminal justice work
- Conduct interviews and prepare clear, accurate, and professional written reports
- Use surveillance and electronic security concepts in real-world contexts
- Demonstrate professional conduct, teamwork, and ethical responsibility in security roles
Tools & Practical Experience
Students gain practical exposure through:
- Security and surveillance concepts and systems
- Scenario-based learning and case analysis
- Report writing and documentation exercises
Applied discussions of firearm safety and defensive tactics scenarios.
Computer and information systems used in security operations
Applied Learning & Capstone Experience
Applied learning is integrated throughout the program and reinforced through scenariobased coursework and practical exercises.
Students practice:
- Incident analysis and response planning
- Interviewing techniques for witnesses and involved parties
- Writing professional security and incident reports
- Applying legal concepts to real security situations
Career Outcomes
Graduates of the Criminal Justice and Security Administration program are prepared for entry-level positions, including:
- Police officers
- Security Officer
- Loss Prevention Associate
Surveillance and Monitoring Specialist
Corporate or Private Security Staff
Entry-Level Security Management Support
Program Structure
The Criminal Justice & Security Administration program includes:
This core consists of courses in communication, mathematics, social and behavioral sciences, humanities, and life sciences that support workplace readiness and lifelong learning.
- Foundations of Criminal Justice
- Security Concepts and Practices
- Constitutional and Criminal Law
- Homeland Security and Terrorism Awareness
- Firearm Safety and Defensive Tactics
- Electronic Security and Surveillance
- Investigative Techniques and Report Writing
- Computer and information systems
- Communication and reporting skills
- Teamwork, ethics, and professional conduct
- Students who take this program will receive their 20 Hour certification by the completion of their second quarter, which will qualify them to work, while still attending college to earn their degree, as a security guard. Some of the other certifications tied to this programs are, AED and CPR certifications, eligibility for FOID card, FEMA certification.
- Please note: individuals with a felony conviction may not enroll in this program.
- Small class sizes to support individualized instruction
- Faculty with field-relevant experience
- Supportive learning environment focused on practical skills and employability
Accreditation & Continued Education
Taylor Business Institute is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) and approved by the Illinois Board of Higher Education to award associate degrees and certificates. TBI’s programs are designed for immediate workforce entry, while also providing opportunities for continued education. Graduates of Associate of Applied Science degree programs may pursue further studies at four year colleges or universities offering compatible programs, subject to the transfer policies of the receiving institution.
