Associates Degree in Criminal Justice
Students can earn an associates degree in criminal justice in two years. In some cases, it can be finished in less than two years at some criminal justice schools. Having a criminal justice associate degree prepares students for entry-level jobs in the criminal justice field, or students can go on to pursue a criminal justice bachelor’s degree. In many cases, current criminal justice course credits or military experience can be applied toward associate degree credit. A high school diploma, GED or equivalent is required to begin an criminal justice associate’s degree program. It’s a very popular degree, in part because it can be completed relatively quickly, but also because at least some college credit is now a required condition of employment at many law enforcement agencies around the country.
Additional Associates Degree in Criminal Justice Information
While an associate degree is typically required for most entry-level law enforcement jobs, it does not mean those are all desk jobs. For example, police identification and records officers play a key role in the law enforcement process. They photograph crime and accident scenes, look for trace evidence such as hairs or fingerprints, and analyze and process the materials they collect. This occupation is growing faster than average in the United States. In 2008, the median wage for police identification and records officers was $29.29 an hour or $60,910 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This profession requires dependability, attention to detail and adaptability. An associate’s degree in criminal justice will give you the additional skills required, such as proficiency in photo imaging and charting software, how to use blood and DNA collection kits, and a working knowledge of law and government.
Associate Degrees from Accredited Online Criminal Justice Schools
University of Phoenix
Campuses: Online
Popular Degrees:
- A.A. in Criminal Justice
- B.S in Criminal Justice Administration/Cybercrimes
- B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration - Human Services
Kaplan University
Campuses: Online
Popular Degrees:
- AAS in Criminal Justice
- BS in Criminal Justice
- BS in Criminal Justice - Juvenile Justice
Indiana Wesleyan University
Campuses: Online
Popular Degrees:
- Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Keiser University
Campuses: Online
Popular Degrees:
- Criminal Justice, AA
- Paralegal Studies, AA (Online)
- Homeland Security, AA (Online)
References:
1. Harr, J. Scott. Careers in Criminal Justice and Related Fields. Belmont: Wadsworth, 2010.
