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Criminal Justice Associates Degree: Requirements, Universities and Jobs

A two-year Associate of Arts degree (AA) is a program of study that takes approximately two years to complete. Consider it a half-way point toward your Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree, and don’t be shocked if your associate’s degree credits transfer to your bachelor’s degree should you decide to pursue it. An AA degree, on the other hand, is an important credential that can help you establish your profession.

With an AA, you can start working in your industry right away. You will be obtaining essential experience in the field while your friends in bachelor’s degrees are studying. Because government legislation relating to criminal justice are always changing, you’ll be well ahead of your peers whose textbooks are only as current as the year they were published.

After completing the two-year degree, you can pursue a BA program if you need it to advance to a different job or position. Your years of experience combined with a bachelor’s degree will be a huge benefit, and you’ll be able to bring a lot of knowledge to your final two years of schooling.

List of Courses for an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice

Criminology

This course examines the origins and patterns of crime, as well as the major schools of thought in modern criminology theory. Students also examine cultural depictions of crime, criminals, and crime victims, as well as responses to them. The origins and applications of crime statistics are discussed in this course.

Quantitative methods

This course looks at how quantitative tools may be used to investigate crime causation. The program addresses criminologists’ data gathering and analysis methodologies as well as the complicated economic and social concerns that contribute to crime.

An examination of the criminal justice system from a critical perspective

Students study various criminal justice organizations and systems’ present crime reduction and safety measures critically. Students also learn how to conduct research, assess arguments, and write on criminal justice issues.

Criminal Law

This course examines the functioning of the criminal justice system, focusing on how law enforcement, the courts, and corrections collaborate to reduce crime and protect the public. The course addresses justice and punishment ideas and practices, including the relevance of criminal defense and the burden of proof.

Criminal justice ethics

This course introduces students to the ethical rules that law enforcement officers observe. Students learn ethical conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.

What are the Jobs you can get with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice?

Bailiff and Correctional Officer

Correctional officers (COs) are usually found in jails and prisons, where they supervise the transportation and activities of those who have been arrested or incarcerated. COs are in charge of enforcing rules, conducting safety inspections, and adhering to established procedures. Bailiffs, sometimes known as marshals or court officers, are individuals who serve in courthouses to maintain order and deliver crucial documents.

Gaming Surveillance Officer and Security Guard

Security guards and gaming surveillance officers are tasked with detecting and intervening in rule-breaking and illegal activity through patrol and/or video surveillance. Typically, security guards conduct security checks to guarantee that no trespassers, vandals, thieves, or other potentially damaging individuals enter an area. Security guards also assist in emergencies, remove or detain rule breakers, and report incidents when necessary.

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Gaming surveillance officers keep an eye on gamblers in casinos to ensure that they follow the rules and play fairly. Audio and video surveillance equipment are commonly used by surveillance officers to monitor multiple places.

Private Investigators and Detectives

Private detectives and investigators gather information to aid in the investigation of crimes, the documentation of unethical behavior, and the search for missing people. Because private detectives and investigators lack special legal authority, they must conduct their investigations without breaking any laws.

These specialists frequently observe, photograph, and follow people of interest, capturing proof of criminal activity. Detectives and investigators may also undertake research, such as interviewing pertinent individuals.

Firefighter

Firefighters are tasked with ensuring public safety by fighting fires and responding to medical emergencies. They actively prevent or mitigate the damage of people, property, and the environment caused by fire and other hazards. Firefighters prepare incident reports, maintain emergency vehicles and equipment, and improve their firefighting abilities and strength.

Hazardous materials cleanup, wilderness firefighting, and arson and fire investigation are all areas where firefighters can specialize. Firefighters also take part in fire safety education programs in the community.

Detectives and cops

These experts work to prevent and solve a wide range of crimes involving persons and property. Patrolling assigned areas, responding to emergencies, and enforcing traffic laws are all responsibilities of police officers. Arresting, handcuffing, and transferring suspects in police cars are some of the other responsibilities. Detectives, like police officers, may conduct surveillance, gather crime scene evidence, and testify in court if necessary.

Basic Degree Outline, Duration

To summarize the curriculum of this degree, the student will learn everything there is to know about the criminal justice system’s many components. They’ll learn about police work and strategy, as well as criminal patterns and the cultural and psychological factors that contribute to crime. They’ll also learn about the justice system and how various court-ordered results affect the accused and society as a whole. They will also learn about what happens after court and prison involvement ends, as well as recidivism, or repeat criminality. While none of these subjects require special IQ abilities beyond those required for other college courses, they will still require dedication and study, just like any other degree program.

When prospective students weigh the degree of difficulty, time is another factor to consider. In terms of time requirements, the normal recognized criminal justice degree is matched with the standard college layout. As a result, an associate’s degree in this country normally takes two years to finish, while a bachelor’s degree takes four years and a master’s degree takes six. Failed courses, withdrawals, absences, and other obstacles, on the other hand, can cause this time estimate to grow.

The following is a list of universities that offer an associate’s degree in criminal justice.

Peirce College is a private liberal arts college in Peirce

You should select Peirce College for your associate’s in criminal justice degree if you wish to pursue a profession in criminal justice. The college’s AS in Criminal Justice allows students to study on-campus or online. This flexibility allows you to create a schedule that is tailored to your needs and objectives. It also allows you to keep up with your personal and professional responsibilities.

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Peirce College is unique among programs in that it allows students to transfer up to 30 credits. This allows students to speed up the process of earning a degree while also working toward their long-term objectives. Students can complete the degree in as short as one year because they can transfer credits into the program. Peirce College gives credit to criminal justice students who attend the Philadelphia police academy or prison training programs.

Shoreline Community College is a community college in Shoreline, Washington.

One of the greatest institutions for criminal justice and law enforcement degree programs is Shoreline Community College. Students can earn an Associate of Applied Arts and Sciences in Criminal Justice through the school’s online and on-campus programs. Students can work at their own speed and earn a degree online or on campus, as well as through a combination program that allows students to develop a hybrid plan.

The emphasis on teaching students the state and federal regulations that apply to their long-term goals sets Shoreline Community College apart from other programs. It is not bound by federal or local rules when it comes to student education. It prepares students for a career in law enforcement or criminal justice by providing a solid foundation in how laws intersect at the local and federal levels. For a more flexible schedule, Shoreline Community College allows students to begin working on classes four times each year, each quarter.

Northwest Iowa Community College is a community college in northwest Iowa.

Northwest Iowa Community College provides a hybrid online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice degree that allows students to concentrate on their professional objectives. The curriculum is mostly delivered online, with the exception of the core criminal justice classes, which are delivered entirely online. To earn their associates in criminal justice, students just need to attend on-campus classes once a week for their non-core classes.

Northwest Iowa Community Tuition offers full-time students scholarships to help defray the expense of college and provide a solution to financial issues. By offering flexible courses and online classes, the program allows students to work around personal obligations or work schedules. Northwest Iowa Community College differentiates itself from other programs by collaborating with students who desire to advance their education and making it simple to transfer to other universities and colleges for a bachelor’s degree.

Casper College is located in Casper, Wyoming.

For students interested in working in law enforcement or the criminal justice area, Casper College offers an AAS or AA in Criminal Justice. The degree programs emphasize teaching students the self-discipline required for employment in the criminal justice field. It also prepares students for work in the criminal justice industry by teaching them communication skills and ensuring that they are ready to work at the state or federal level.

Casper College distinguishes itself from other schools by providing opportunities for hands-on learning. As part of the educational process, the institution ensures that students are exposed to judicial cases, law enforcement departments, and various federal authorities. It prepares students for the rigors of working in law enforcement at the state, local, or federal level. Casper College has university agreements that make it simple for students to transfer credits from an associate’s degree in criminal justice to a bachelor’s degree program.

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Hutchinson Community College is a community college in Hutchinson, Kansas.

Hutchinson Community College’s AA in Criminal Justice is one of the greatest associate’s degree programs in criminal justice and law enforcement. The degree program provides students with a wide education in criminal justice, with a focus on correctional, law enforcement, and courtroom practice. Students can prepare for a range of jobs with this concentrated education.

Hutchinson Community College stands out because of its emphasis on student resources and educational tools. Students have access to a variety of academic resources, including libraries and online education, as well as technical help and the student success center. This ensures that students not only have access to data, but also to professional support if they have questions. Hutchinson Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and satisfies the commission’s high standards for criminal justice student instruction.

Northeast Community College is a two-year community college

Criminal justice prisons and criminal justice law enforcement are two associate’s degrees offered by Northeast Community College. Specialized education allows students to choose a field of study that aligns with their long-term employment ambitions. With the necessary education at the associate’s level, you can work in corrections or pursue a career in law enforcement.

Northeast Community College distinguishes itself by providing tours of local jails and correctional institutions to students enrolled in criminal justice and corrections degree programs, allowing them to obtain a fresh perspective on the subject of corrections and criminal justice.

Northeast Community College distinguishes itself from other programs by taking an integrative approach to education. Students obtain a well-rounded view of prisons or criminal justice by gaining perspectives from several fields of study. It ensures that you can comprehend the reasons for crime and take steps to prevent crime in your neighborhood. It also assures that you are open-minded and self-disciplined enough to deal with any obstacles that may come during your profession.

FAQs

Is it difficult to major in criminal justice?

A criminal justice degree, like any other approved college program, necessitates discipline and perseverance. To prepare students for a multi-faceted career, criminal justice education includes a wide range of topics. Field training is usually required for criminal justice majors.

Is a Criminal Justice Ph.D. Worth Getting?

While there are many entry-level professions in criminal justice for those with a less advanced degree, a Ph.D. in criminal justice qualifies candidates for the most prestigious and well-paid roles. Lead researcher, college lecturer, lobbyist or policy writer, and forensic scientist are also common options.

Is it better to get a JD or an LL.M.?

The juris doctor (JD) and master of law (LL.M.) are both high-level graduate degrees, although their scope and breadth differ. The JD is a foundational degree that covers a broad range of general law principles, whereas the LL.M. is focused on a specific area of law. Many LL.M. programs require a J.D. as a requirement.

What is the highest level of legal education?

The doctor of juridical science (SJD) is the highest law degree in the United States, demonstrating a mastery of legal science. Candidates for an SJD program usually go on to do advanced legal study instead of practicing law. Many SJD graduates go on to become academics.