A criminal justice associate degree acts as the entry-level credential for career tracks in law enforcement, corrections, courts, and victim support systems. Presented in compact formats with compressed graduation timelines, an associate in criminal justice offers a quick transition into the working world.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects strong job growth for several occupations open to candidates with an associate degree in criminal justice. For instance, the BLS projects a nationwide 17% increase in jobs for social and human service assistants and an 8% rise in private investigator jobs from 2019-2029.
This guide features a ranked review of the nation's top online associate degree programs in criminal justice. It also offers comprehensive practical information about this important and popular undergraduate study path.
Top 10 Best Criminal Justice Schools
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Figuring out where to apply? These top, accredited schools offer a variety of online degrees. Consider one of these accredited programs, and discover their value today.
Why Get a Criminal Justice Associate Degree?
Online associate degrees in criminal justice prepare career-minded learners with job-ready credentials in shorter periods of time than bachelor's and master's programs do. Associate learners acquire versatile knowledge, equipping them to meet the challenges of entry-level roles in all aspects of the criminal justice system.
Unlike bachelor's and master's degrees, associate programs do not demand several years of study. Associate degrees especially appeal to candidates with tangible, focused goals who are seeking an expedited path to a career.
Similarly, an associate degree is a strategic learning option for students who are interested in the criminal justice field but unsure of which career to pursue.
Other key benefits include:
Lower Costs Some entry-level criminal justice jobs require only an undergraduate degree and make little distinction between an associate and a bachelor's. Associate degrees take less time and cost less to earn.
Increased Flexibility An associate degree provides a path to qualify for advanced standing in related bachelor's programs. Degree-seekers who decide to continue their studies can graduate in about half the usual time.
Better Earning Potential BLS statistics from 2019 show that associate degree-holders tend to out-earn those with only high school diplomas by more than 17%.
Criminal Justice Associate Versus Bachelor's Degrees
Associate and bachelor's degrees in criminal justice show significant overlap. Given the similarities between these study tracks, many prospective students have questions about which designation they should pursue.
Associate programs cover the same content delivered in the first two years of a bachelor's. Since the more compact structure of an associate degree saves money and leads to faster graduation, an associate can be a better option for learners training for entry-level jobs in generalized career tracks.
The following chart summarizes the key similarities and differences you should know about at the program selection stage:
Comparing Associate and Bachelor's Degrees
| Criminal Justice Associate Degree | Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree | |
|---|---|---|
| Program Length | Two years | Four years |
| Credit Requirements | About 60 credits (20 courses) | About 120 credits (40 courses) |
| Typical Admission Requirements | — High school diploma or equivalent — Academic transcripts | — High school diploma or equivalent— Academic transcripts— SAT/ACT scores— Personal statement— One or more letters of recommendation |
Types of Classes | — Core/required plus electives— Experiential learning | — Core/required plus electives— Experiential learning— Culminating experience (capstone, thesis, or research project) |
Average Earnings |
The Top Online Associate Degree Programs in Criminal Justice
Jobs for Associate in Criminal Justice Graduates
In most job markets, an associate degree is the minimum credential for career paths with advancement potential. As their careers develop, many professionals elect to upgrade their education to qualify for more meaningful roles with higher pay rates. Associate degrees are ideal for candidates seeking to balance rapid career readiness with future flexibility.
Job qualification standards in the criminal justice field vary among U.S. jurisdictions. The following summary illustrates some of the common career tracks typically open to candidates with associate degrees:
What To Expect From Associate in Criminal Justice Programs
Schools usually structure their associate in criminal justice programs to lead to graduation in about four semesters of full-time study. Programs usually assign a value of three credits per course, with associate programs usually consisting of approximately 60 credits or 20 individual classes.
At the associate level, schools rarely offer concentrations or specializations. One noteworthy exception applies to homeland security. A growing number of institutions offer targeted associate and bachelor's programs in this subject, which is widely considered part of the criminal justice and law enforcement purview.
Associate programs also tend to focus mainly or solely on essential theories and foundational concepts. Learners interested in niche or advanced applications of program content tend to pursue more advanced degree tracks.
The Admissions Process
Associate degrees act as educational gatekeepers to entry-level roles in career-oriented job tracks. Thus, most schools aim to maximize their accessibility. Colleges tend to maintain more inclusive admission standards for their criminal justice associate degrees.
In many cases, applicants need only a high school diploma or equivalent to receive consideration. They must also fill out a general institutional application and submit transcripts from all previous secondary and postsecondary schools. Some schools request SAT or ACT scores and documents such as personal statements and letters of recommendation, but these more commonly apply to those seeking entry to bachelor's programs.
Degree and Concentration Options
Most students graduate from two-year criminal justice programs with an associate of science (AS) or associate of arts (AA) degree. Programs leading to an AS degree in criminal justice generally place a stronger emphasis on statistics, quantitative analysis, and research. AA programs usually delve deeper into theory and qualitative skills.
Learners can also consider two adjunct subject areas: criminology and homeland security. Criminal justice programs focus exclusively on social and systemic responses to crime. Conversely, criminology studies crime and criminality from academic, theoretical, and research-driven perspectives.
Homeland security offers emerging professionals the opportunity to specialize in a vital and impactful branch of law enforcement. Associate programs in homeland security equip learners with essential tools for launching careers. Professional practice areas include disaster relief, intelligence and counterterrorism, border protection, and other functions included in the Department of Homeland Security's mandate.
Popular Criminal Justice Courses
Most associate degrees in criminal justice offer a similar progression of courses. However, exact classes vary among schools and also depend on the degree's focus. An associate of science degree in criminal justice may cover courses not included in an associate of arts program, and vice-versa.
The following sample curriculum covers typical courses you can expect to encounter as you work toward your criminal justice associate degree:
Intro to Criminal Justice
Most programs deliver this required course in the first semester. This class provides a survey-style introduction to criminal justice institutions. Learners also examine the constitutional and legal statutes and procedures governing the justice and corrections systems. The course provides foundational knowledge for more specialized learning units.
Essentials of Criminal Investigation
Programs tailored to law enforcement make this course a core requirement, while others offer the class as an elective. Content covers the fundamental aspects of criminal investigation, including crime scene response and security, witness interviewing, and interrogations. Enrollees may study specific branches of crime, such as assault, robbery, or homicide, in detail.
Delinquency
Usually featured as an elective in the program's upper semesters, this course focuses on the unique causes of youth crime and the specialized rehabilitation needs of young offenders. It also examines the root causes of juvenile delinquency across the sociopolitical and cultural spectra. Many schools recommend this course for degree-seekers working toward careers in the youth criminal justice system.
Practicum
Commonly offered in both campus-based and online associate degree programs in criminal justice, this field placement affords learners the chance to further develop their skills in real-world settings. Participants can intern with law enforcement and homeland security agencies, correctional facilities, and social service providers. Students often form valuable professional networking connections by participating.
How Much Will an Associate in Criminal Justice Cost?
Tuition and fees for criminal justice programs usually align with prevailing averages for associate degrees. Data published by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) indicates that the typical cost of attending a two-year institution has followed a downward trend since the 2015-16 academic year. In the 2017-18 school year, the most recent year for which statistics are available, NCES reported that tuition, room, and board cost $10,704 per year on average.
Online associate degree programs in criminal justice can offer significant savings, since distance learners avoid the costs of on-campus room and board. Even without factoring these savings in, associate programs offer major cost advantages since learners can complete them in about half the time it would take to earn a bachelor's degree.
Even so, many prospective students face challenges in covering the costs of their schooling. For financial assistance, look into scholarships, fellowships, bursaries, grants, and other forms of non-repayable aid. Learners who need loans should look into federal programs first, and reserve private loans as a last resort.
Choosing the Right Criminal Justice Program
Would-be students often use rankings lists as launching points for their program research. Competitive rankings deliver valuable insights into the core features and reputations of various programs, but they do not tell the whole story. Learners should also prioritize their own preferences, learning objectives, and career goals when seeking the ideal criminal justice associate degree.
To this end, consider such factors as:
- Curricular support for the area of professional practice you wish to concentrate on
- The availability of practicums and internships that match your career aspirations
- The program's culture and pedagogical mission: For example, some criminal justice programs have stronger orientations toward emerging alternatives to standard policing and criminal corrections models
- Networking opportunities and alumni resources
- Transferability of credits toward advanced standing in a four-year program
Finally, always verify an institution's accreditation standing before spending time and money on your application. Reputable schools always hold accreditation from a recognized national or regional agency. Endorsements from respected third-party organizations like the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences also boost a program's credibility.
Why You Should Get Your Associate Degree Online
Convenience and cost savings comprise two of the most widely cited advantages of studying online.
Instead, students sign in at convenient times to access pre-recorded lectures and course content.
Asynchronous formats provide a superior school-life balance, and they also empower degree-seekers who choose to work while studying. The ability to keep working while in school eases the financial burden of higher education, but online programs deliver additional financial benefits. Virtual learners do not need to commute or relocate, nor do they require costly room and board.
Keep in mind that these advantages come with some trade-offs. Not everyone makes a good candidate for online learning, which demands much more independence and self-direction. Some learners simply prefer the traditional classroom experience, making campus-based programs a better option.
No matter which delivery format you select, remember that experiential components like internships and field placements require an in-person presence. Should you elect to enroll in an online program based at a faraway school, check in advance to see how this may affect experiential learning opportunities.
