Associate of Science (AS): Criminal Justice Degree Overview
An Associate of Science degree in criminal justice provides students with a basic understanding of criminal behavior and legal system operation. Students enrolled in these degree programs learn the knowledge and skills required to obtain entry-level positions in the criminal justice field or further their educations.
Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Criminal justice associate's degree programs are available at community colleges and technical schools. First-time students and professionals already working in law enforcement may enroll in these programs. These programs provide the opportunity for students to develop insight into police strategies and methods of research. Students examine various types of crimes and the legal consequences of criminal behavior. Some programs allow students to concentrate their studies in areas such as corrections, security or law enforcement. A high school diploma or its equivalent is generally required to enroll in an associate's degree program.
Course Topics
Within a criminal justice program, students learn biological and sociological theories, criminal law principles and decision-making skills. In addition to general education courses, students complete required courses such as:
- Criminology
- Criminal justice
- Juvenile delinquency
- Criminal law
- Constitutional law
Popular Career Options
Graduates of a 2-year program have the investigative skills and research methods to work within local, state and federal law enforcement organizations. Program graduates may work as:
- Police officers
- Correctional officers
- Security personnel
- Probation officers
- Criminal investigators
Continuing Education Information
Completion of an associate's degree program in criminal justice can be a step toward completion of a bachelor's degree in criminal justice. These programs teach theoretical and practical knowledge about crime and the criminal justice system, helping students broaden their understanding of complex societal issues and increase their career opportunities.
Bachelor's holders may continue their educations by enrolling in graduate programs in criminal justice or related areas. Within a master's degree program, students learn theoretical and specialized knowledge, along with basic research methods and analytical techniques used to understand the effectiveness of the current legal and justice systems. Ph.D. programs emphasize scientific research methodology and high-level specialized knowledge, preparing students for careers in academia or research.
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13 Popular Schools
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Alabama (2 campuses)
- Columbia (D.C.) (1)
- Delaware (1)
- Florida (9)
- Georgia (8)
- Kentucky (3)
- Louisiana (1)
- Maryland (5)
- Mississippi (1)
- North Carolina (5)
- New Jersey (4)
- Pennsylvania (7)
- South Carolina (3)
- Tennessee (3)
- Texas (8)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (11)
- Wisconsin (1)
- West Virginia (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Associate
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
- Associate
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate.
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
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Associate
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- AA in Criminal Justice
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- AA in Homeland Security
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Georgia (1 campus)
- Texas (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Associate
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- ABA in Criminal Justice
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Applicants must be 22 years of age or have active military status
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Associate
-
- AA in Criminal Justice
-
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Arizona (1 campus)
- California (5)
- Colorado (1)
- Florida (2)
- Georgia (1)
- Hawaii (1)
- Tennessee (1)
- Texas (1)
- Utah (1)
- Virginia (1)
- Washington (1)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
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Associate
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- AS in Criminal Justice
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- Associate of Science of Criminal Justice
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Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applicants from Minnesota or Tennessee
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
School locations:
- Online Learning
- Florida (1 campus)
Online and Classroom-Based Programs
- Associate
-
Minimum eligibility requirements:
- Must be a high school graduate or have completed GED
- Currently not accepting applications from Texas residents
School locations:
- Online Learning
Online Programs
-
Associate
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- AS in Criminal Justice
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