Guide to getting an associate degree in criminal justice

Are you willing to fight for what is right? Do friends comment on your honesty and integrity? Are you interested in protecting and serving the community to make it a better place for everyone to live in? If so, a career in criminal justice may be the perfect fit.

The criminal justice system comprises 3 main parts: law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. The field also includes public safety agencies such as fire protection, emergency management, and information security. An associate degree provides the necessary experience and academic credentials for entry-level careers in all of these areas.

The job outlook in the criminal justice sector is excellent, and an associate’s degree can usually be transferred to a bachelor’s program, improving the options further. For many though, the decision to enter the criminal justice field is less about these factors, and more about seeking work with a purpose that contributes to society.

Associate’s in criminal justice program basics

An associate’s in criminal justice is a 2-year program offering a foundation in the field. It can be used to gain entry into the industry or as a springboard for further study.

What can you do with an associate’s in criminal justice?

Graduates of an associate’s in criminal justice go on to work in various positions. Their path depends on where their interest lies and, for example, whether they prefer to work in law enforcement, corrections, or federal government.

Upon graduating, candidates can seek positions such as police officer, detentions facility coordinator, security manager, fire investigator, court officer, and many more. Transferring to a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can lead to further possibilities and provide an additional competitive edge in the job market.

Should you get an associate’s degree in criminal justice?

The most important factor when making this decision is whether you have a genuine interest in public safety and security. If the answer is yes, you’re more likely to enjoy studying and working in criminal justice.

Individuals with good active listening and critical thinking skills tend to do well in the criminal justice sector. This is probably because most positions require communicating with different types of people and the ability to think on your feet.

To check whether getting an associate’s in criminal justice makes sense from a financial perspective, we have compared it with the entire associate’s degree market. The table below offers a snapshot of earnings 2 years after graduation.

In terms of earnings this degree performs at a below average level. Note however, that these statistics are for 2 years after graduation, and graduates can quickly progress after that with additional on the job certifications and training. For your reference, the average earnings with a bachelor’s in criminal justice is $36,327 years. This might be something to consider when deciding on whether to transfer credits to a bachelor’s program.

How to pick an associate’s in criminal justice program

When choosing a school and program, there are several factors to consider:

Application

If you have decided on a particular field of criminal justice to work in, make sure the program covers that area. Some schools allow students to choose a concentration in disciplines such as law enforcement, corrections, and homeland security. If you have not decided on a specific area, look for a program that gives a good all-round range of course subjects that leaves your options open.

Program delivery format

The choices boil down to on-campus, online, or a hybrid of the two. For online courses there are 2 delivery types: synchronous and asynchronous. The first means that lessons are delivered according to a predetermined schedule and you have to be available at that time or miss the lesson. Asynchronous means that lecture materials can be accessed at times convenient for you. Many asynchronous courses have a deadline of midnight to submit coursework, giving you more flexibility to take care of your work and domestic responsibilities.

Time availability

Assess what sort of schedule you need to maintain while you study. Those with professional or family commitments during the day need to be sure their nights are free for study. If that is the case, schools that offer asynchronous courses might be more suitable.

Your priority might be to reduce the amount of time it takes to finish your studies. This means choosing an accelerated program, or one that allows for the transfer credits, to reduce the amount of time needed to finish your studies.

Accreditation

The accreditation status of a program is one of the most important factors to consider. Colleges and universities may be regionally or nationally accredited, depending on the body evaluating them. Regional accreditation is generally more respected and valuable than national accreditation.

For students interested in transferring to a bachelor’s program, finding a regionally accredited school could be an important consideration. Nationally accredited schools accept credits from regionally accredited schools, but generally not the other way round. A degree from a regionally accredited institution gives more opportunities for further education than its national equivalent.

Is an associate’s in criminal justice offered online?

Associate’s in criminal justice programs are offered online more than the market-wide average.

It is not necessary to be in a classroom when learning about the history of the law, the principles of criminal responsibility, and so on. Some online programs also include an internship component, allowing students to gain real-world experience in the criminal justice field.

The median cost of an online associates is $9,737, making it slightly more expensive than on-campus programs at $7,115. The content and quality of online programs tends to vary, so be sure to check that any program you are considering is accredited.

Best associate in criminal justice programs

Below we look at comparative earnings, costs, and payback rates of different associate’s in criminal justice programs. Please review our methodology for more information on the metrics we use to compare value between institutions.

The cost of an associate’s degree in criminal justice is substantially cheaper at public institutions. Generally speaking, graduates of private institutions earn more money 2 years out.

Financial aid and scholarships for criminal justice majors

Even at community college, an associate’s in criminal justice can be expensive. Fortunately, students can apply for student aid. The most common way to do this is to fill out the FAFSA form on the Federal Student Aid website. Upon review of your application, you will be informed of your eligibility for aid.

It is also recommended to meet with the student financial service at your chosen school. There you can learn about the funding options they provide. Scholarships are available specifically for students who are looking to enter the criminal justice field.

What to expect from an associate’s degree in criminal justice

Broadly speaking, programs cover the history of the criminal justice system and how it operates today. Topics explored might include: criminology, security services, ethics and law. Some programs offer concentrations in a specific subdiscipline. If an internship is included, expect this to take around 150 hours.

What are the admission requirements for an associate degree in criminal justice?

All prospective students need to complete an application, and submit official high school transcripts or GED scores. Some schools require a minimum GPA, others ask incoming students to take an assessment to determine proper placement in general education courses. You may also be asked to write an essay about your academic and career ambitions, and motivation and suitability for the program.

Requirements vary from school to school, therefore it is best to contact admissions officers at different colleges and universities to learn more about their requirements and offerings to ensure they match your educational needs.

How long does it take to get an associate’s degree in criminal justice?

Most criminal justice associate degree programs require students to complete 60 to 68 credits and take 2 years of full-time attendance to complete. There are also online programs that offer students the flexibility to complete their degree while managing professional or family commitments. If the online program is self-paced and allows students to study and complete assignments as and when they want, these courses can be completed faster. Some on-campus schools and online programs have part-time study options available. This extends the time needed to complete the degree.

Fieldwork and capstone projects

A large number of criminal justice associate degree programs require students to complete a practicum or internship. This could consist of practical work-based experience where you receive supervised onsite training from experienced professionals, or a professional research project called a capstone project, where you apply what you have learned to real problems in an area of criminal justice.

Transferring to a bachelor’s degree

Many students choose to transfer to a bachelor’s after completing an associate’s. There are various reasons for this, such as a change in financial circumstances, or wanting to further their understanding of the criminal justice sector and improve their opportunities in the job market.

What type of associate degree are there in criminal justice?

The two degree types are:

• Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice (A.A.)
• Associate of Science in Criminal Justice (A.S.)

An A.A. tends to focus on humanities topics, while the emphasis of an A.S. is on math and science. If you are interested in a scientific career or working in criminology or criminal psychology, then an A.S might be the more suitable choice. Both degrees prepare students for entry-level careers, or for transfer to a bachelor’s program.

What jobs can I do with an associate’s in criminal justice?

A criminal justice associate degree prepares graduates for a variety of careers. Graduates often qualify for entry-level positions that focus on protecting others and public safety. These may require additional on-the-job training in firearms, CPR/first aid, and other areas.

Below are some of the careers that graduates of associate’s in criminal justice pursue:

Conclusion

An associate’s degree in criminal justice can lead to entry-level positions in law enforcement, the courts, or corrections. Some treat it as a stepping-stone to a bachelor’s degree, and in turn, more prestigious and higher-paying positions. Graduates of this program usually leave with a better understanding of the criminal justice sector, along with increased determination to work in this diverse and rewarding field.