Criminal Justice Associates Degree Options

Having an associates degree is increasingly becoming a requirement to obtain a job in law enforcement agencies.  An associates degree in criminal justice is also a smart way to qualify for a variety of entry level positions and to set the foundation for further education and growth in your career. Completing an associates degree generally takes two years and can be completed online or through a campus program.  The only prerequisite for an associates degree is to have a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

Courses taken in an associate degree program in criminal justice focus on topics such as: criminal intent, the legal system, social behavior and deterrence theory, behavioral psychology, and the fundamentals of law enforcement.  While each school's program may vary, the basic curriculum will generally cover these topics. Take some time to request information, compare programs, and find the best fit for you.

Top Picks - Associates Degree Programs

Schools Offering Criminal Justice Degrees:

American InterContinental University Programs: Associates AABA Criminal Justice Administration Bachelors BSCJ Law Enforcement Ashford University Programs: BA Social and Criminal Justice MA Organizational Management Public Administration MBA Public Administration BA Public Administration And more Boston University Programs: Master of Criminal Justice Capella University Programs: PhD Criminal Justice MS Criminal Justice BS Criminal Justice MPH Social and Behavioral Sciences And more Colorado State University Programs: Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences MP - Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement BS - Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Colorado Technical University Programs: Associates ASCJ Criminal Justice Associate of Science in Paralegal studies Master of Science in Management Criminal Justice Everest University Programs: Criminal Justice Associatess Criminal Investigations Homeland Security Associates Paralegal Associates And more Florida Tech University Online Programs: Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Grand Canyon University Programs: BS in Public Safety Administration MS in Criminal Justice Law Enforcement MS in Criminal Justice Legal Studies MS in Leadership Disaster Preparedness & Executive Fire Leadersh And more Keiser University Programs: AA Criminal Justice BA Criminal Justice AA Homeland Security BA Homeland Security And more Liberty University Online Programs: BS in Criminal Justice National American University Programs: Criminal Justice AAS Criminal Justice BS Post University Programs: BS in Legal Studies AS in Legal Studies BS in Criminal Justice Rasmussen College Programs: Accelerated Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree With A Specializa Paralegal Certificate Paralegal Associate`s Degree Criminal Justice Bachelor`s - Homeland Security And more Saint Leo University Online Programs: Master of Business Administration Criminal Justice AA in Criminal Justice BA in Criminal Justice BA in Criminal Justice Criminalistics Specialization And more Strayer University Programs: MBA Public Administration MBA Public Administration Master of Public Administration Bachelor of Business Administration Legal Studies And more University of Phoenix Programs: Associate of Arts with a Concentration in Criminal Justice Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security Bachelor of Science in Organizational Security and Management Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration And more US Career Institute Programs: Criminal Justice Certificate Virginia College Programs: Associates Criminal Justice Associates Paralegal Studies Bachelors Criminal Justice Bachelors Paralegal Studies And more Walden University Programs: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Criminal Justice Managem Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Homeland Security Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Human Services for Crimi Master of Public Administration General And more

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Prerequisites for Associates Degree's

Career Options at the Associates Degree Level

An associates degree in criminal justice is the most common among law enforcement and police officers.  Those with an associates degree can also be found in corrections jobs, security, court clerks, and more.  Professionals in law enforcement and related positions have consistently relayed the message that they should have started in a degree program earlier rather than later in their careers in order to ready themselves for development in their respective roles and departments. Visit our criminal justice careers page to learn more.

"If you want to train for a meaningful career that gives you a sense of value and allows you to make a positive difference in your community, criminal justice may be right for you." - Kaplan University

A Strong Foundation for your Criminal Justice Education

You can choose to earn your associates degree in many different legal & criminal justice fields. Below are some of the most common areas of study and degree programs related to criminal justice. You'll notice that several degrees focus on criminal justice in general, while other programs are very specific, and focus on a specific career area. To learn more about the differences in these degree types you should speak directly with an admissions advisor at the college or university your considering.

Often times different schools, or different accrediting bodies for colleges will refer to the same general program by different names or titles. In most cases school offer an AA, which stands for Associate of Arts, while others offer an AS, which stands for Associate of Science. An AS many require more technical or scientific courses, but the two degree types are very similar. Requesting information and talking to several different schools can help you compare and choose the degree that is best for you. Many of these degrees are offered by both an online criminal justice degree and via traditional campus based classes.

Course Offerings at the Associates Degree Level

Students working towards their associates degree in criminal justice or a related legal field can expect to take some of the following classes. Class requirements will vary from school to school and program focus. Many schools will also require that students show basic competencies in math and writing as part of their first year in the program. Speak to an college admissions advisor to request a complete list of the course curriculum for that school.

Sample Courses in Criminal Justice Degree Programs

Writing and Communications for CJ Professionals Interpersonal Communication in Criminal Justice Mathematics Communications Introduction to the Criminal Justice System Introduction to Law Enforcement Introduction to Juvenile Justice Procedures Fundamentals of Policing

Foundations of the Criminal Justice System Introduction to Security Criminal Investigations Criminal Procedure Comparative Criminal Justice Systems Ethics & the American Criminal Justice System Technology in Criminal Justice Introduction to Computers Introduction to Psychology Social Science & Political Science