Criminal Justice Degree Schools » Criminal Justice Degrees » Associates Degree in Criminal Justice

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.

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Did you know? Privatization of criminal justice is one of the major trends in the criminal justice field with private security growing much faster than any other segment. As a result, there are a lot of opportunities for careers in the private security industry.1

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

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University of Phoenix
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • A.A. in Criminal Justice
  • B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration - Human Services
  • B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration - Management

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Everest University Online
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • Criminal Justice (Associate's)
  • Criminal Investigations (Associate's)
  • Criminal Justice (Bachelor's)

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Keiser University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • Criminal Justice, AA (Online)

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American InterContinental University Online
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • Associate's (AABA) - Criminal Justice Administration
  • Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement
  • Bachelor's (BIT) - Digital Investigation

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Colorado Technical University Online
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

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Walden University
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • B.S. in Human Services - Criminal Justice 
  • B.S. in Criminal Justice
  • B.S. in Political Science & Public Administration - Law & Legal Studies

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Baker College Online
Campuses: 1Online
Popular Degrees:

  • Bachelor of Criminal Justice


References:
1. Harr, J. Scott. Careers in Criminal Justice and Related Fields. Belmont: Wadsworth, 2010.