Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice

Law enforcement and criminal justice professionals are always in high demand. With a degree in this field you can pursue careers such as police officers, special agents, juvenile officers, security officers, state troopers, court bailiffs, private detectives, probation officers, investigators, inspectors and corrections officers. When well-trained and well-educated people are in these roles, it helps to create a safer and stronger community.

We offer multiple curriculum paths for those interested in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice. If you're interested in beginning a career in this field, then Oakton's Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice program will not only get you started but also help you stand out and develop special key skills that you'll be able to put to work in your career.  

Our courses are acceptable for transfer to baccalaureate programs in criminal justice, law enforcement or related areas. If you're considering transferring, consult with the Office of Advising, Transitions and Student Success. Oakton’s career and technical education programs that result in a certification meet the educational requirements for the state of Illinois.

If you are currently a law enforcement professional, our program can help you to increase your proficiency and potentially open up new opportunities for career advancement.

We offer an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree as well as an Associate in Arts (A.A.) degree pathway. We also offer a multi-disciplinary certificate in Mental Health and Crisis Response for Public Safety. Learn more in our course catalog.

Oakton has extensive experience training law enforcement and criminal justice professionals, and we're recognized as leaders and innovators in the field. Our faculty have extensive training and experience in the law enforcement and criminal justice field. That knowledge and experience are shared with you so your education and career goal can be achieved.

So if you're ready to begin developing the skills and knowledge that can lead to an exciting career and you want to make a difference in your community, then this program is for you.

Degrees and Certificates

Forensics Certificate

This certificate provides students with practical hands on experience in the proper techniques of identifying, processing, collecting, and preserving physical evidence associated with crime scenes. The instruction focuses on the understanding of the criminal justice field, the investigative process, criminal law, and the legal aspects of handling evidence and recovered property.
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Private Security Certificate

This 18 credit-hour certificate program is designed to serve the needs of individuals who want the core education the Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice program offers. Upon completion, students will be prepared and certified to seek entry level employment positions in the private security field, which include but are not limited to: security officers, loss prevention officers, private inspectors, and private detectives.
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What's Next?

We are glad you are considering attending Oakton College. No matter where you are in your decision-making process, we are here to help you with your next steps. Whether you're ready to apply now, need information on paying for college or have questions and want to contact someone, we're here to help.

Teacher lecturing in classroom.

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Enrolling at Oakton College can save you thousands of dollars and help you earn more over the course of your career. Our tuition is among the lowest in the region, and we offer many ways to bring your costs down even more.

99 percent of Oakton students graduate without debt.

To help you get there, you can apply for a scholarship, which you don’t have to pay back. We award $12 million in scholarships annually. Financial Aid includes grants, loans, and other forms of financial assistance that can reduce your costs of attending college.

We offer payment options that give you control over how you pay. Pay all at once or spread your payments over the course of the semester.

Learn more about your options for paying for your education

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As your community college, we serve students from various backgrounds. We aim to make the application process as easy and as clear as possible for everyone.

We can help you get started on a degree or certificate. Applying to Oakton is fast and easy.

Your first step before you begin your studies is filling out an admission application and completing your enrollment process.

Get Started at Oakton
Oakton College students celebrate graduating in full regalia.
The transfer agreements are formal partnerships between institutions that allows students to transfer credits smoothly and apply them towards their degrees, streamlining the path to graduation.

Meet Your Faculty and Experts

Oakton's law enforcement and criminal justice faculty is comprised of highly knowledgeable and experienced professors and lecturers. The Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice program curriculum is overseen by an expert advisory committee made up of police officers, lawyers and community leaders.

James Humenik, Chair
Associate Professor
B.A. Eastern Illinois University
M.P.A. Governors State University
jhumenik@oakton.edu
847.635.1948
Office: 2152, Des Plaines

Louis Martinez
Associate Professor
lmartinez@oakton.edu
847.635.1966
Office: 2725, Des Plaines

 

Meet our part-time faculty:

Jona Goldschmidt
Lecturer
B.S. University of Illinois-Urbana
J.D. DePaul University-College of Law
Ph.D. Arizona State University
LLM University of Arizona-Rogers College of Law
jgoldschmidt@oakton.edu
847.635.1910

Michael Hood
Lecturer
B.A. University of Illinois-Urbana
J.D. DePaul University-College of Law
LLM J.A.G. School of the Army, Virginia
mhood@oakton.edu
847.635.1910

Marc Hornstein
Lecturer
A.A.S. Oakton College
B.S. Northeastern Illinois University
M.S. Lewis University
mhornste@oakton.edu
847.635-1910
Office: B206, Skokie

Sharon Kanter
Lecturer
B.A. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
J.D. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
skanter@oakton.edu
847.635.1910
Office: B206, Skokie

Christopher Lacina
Lecturer
B.A. Governors State University
M.A. Governors State University
clacina@oakton.edu
847.635.1910
Office: B206, Skokie

Mark Misek
Lecturer
B.A. Western Illinois University
M.P.A. Governors State University
mmisek@oakton.edu
847.635.1910
Office: B206, Skokie

Brian Rust
Lecturer
B.A. Augustana College
M.B.A. National-Louis University
brust@oakton.edu
847.635.1910
Office: B206, Skokie

Diann Sheridan
Lecturer
B.S. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
J.D. Loyola University
sheridan@oakton.edu
847.635.1910
Office: B206, Skokie

Amanda Wright
Lecturer
B.S. Illinois State University
M.Ed. National Louis University
awright@oakton.edu
847.635.1910
Office: B206, Skokie

William Bonaguidi
Deputy Chief
Highland Park Police Department

Ralph Guderian
Attorney at Law
Ribbeck Law Chartered

Jarlath Heveran
Police Detective
Forest Park Police Department

Michael Hood
Judge
2nd District Cook County

Marc Hornstein
Chief of Police
Winnetka Police Department

Edward Mogul
Professor Emeritus, City Colleges of Chicago
Board Member Illinois Academy of Criminology

Tyler Parsons
Oakton LAE Student/ Alumni


Ex-officio Members:

Marc Battista
AVP Workforce Education/Dean of Business & Career Technologies
Oakton College

James Humenik
Oakton LAE Program Chair/Professor
Oakton College

Louis Martinez
Oakton LAE Program Professor
Oakton College

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