[hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”aboveTheFold” /] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Criminal justice degrees prepare students for diverse careers in areas like social work, security, and law enforcement.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Earning an associate in criminal justice provides the experience and academic credentials needed for entry-level roles in a variety of fields. Although many graduates pursue careers in law enforcement, a criminal justice associate degree also prepares students for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.payscale.com/research/US/Degree=Associate%27s_Degree%2C_Criminal_Justice/Salary/”]careers in other areas[/hen-ui-link], like paralegal work, security, and management.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates enjoy strong job prospects. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects average job growth for [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/private-detectives-and-investigators.htm#tab-1/”]private detectives and investigators[/hen-ui-link], [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm/”]paralegals and legal assistants[/hen-ui-link], and [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm/”]police and detectives[/hen-ui-link] between 2023 and 2033.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]This guide ranks the best online associate in criminal justice programs. It also covers other important information for prospective students, including common courses and potential careers and salaries for graduates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]The Best Online Criminal Justice Associate Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”What-is”]What Is an Online Associate in Criminal Justice Degree?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Online associate in criminal justice programs typically comprise around 60 credits and take two years of full-time study to complete. General education requirements often constitute the majority of courses in an associate degree program. In addition to general education courses in areas like writing, mathematics, and the humanities, criminal justice students may take major courses in areas like criminal law, government, and psychology.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Students interested in pursuing entry-level careers in law enforcement or a related four-year degree benefit from earning a criminal justice associate degree online.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Criminal Justice Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”choosing”]Choosing an Online Program[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]When choosing an online associate in criminal justice program, learners should consider factors like their goals, their current lifestyle and personal obligations, and their budget. Learn more about how to choose an online degree through the link below.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-article-card title=”How To Choose Your Major” href=”/resources/how-to-choose-your-major/” size=”compact” border=”stroke”][/hen-ui-article-card] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”what-else”]What Else Can I Expect From an Associate in Criminal Justice Program?[/hen-ui-heading] Online criminal justice associate programs often include courses in the fundamentals of law and ethics, the criminal justice system, and government. Some programs also include courses in psychology and public speaking. [hen-ui-heading variant=”h3″]Associate in Criminal Justice Curriculum[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Criminology”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”]This course outlines the definitions for various criminal acts and examines the psychological, social, and moral influences on criminal behavior. Learners study various responses to criminal behavior, including public policy, law, and criminal justice scholarship.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Criminal Justice Ethics”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”]This course provides an overview of the various codes of ethics used within the criminal justice system. Students explore ethics in law enforcement, policing, corrections, and court systems. They gain skills in ethical mediation and learn how to navigate ethical dilemmas in the criminal justice system.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Police Studies”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″ class=”text-base”]Courses in police studies provide foundational knowledge of the policing system in the U.S., covering topics like police history, crime patterns and response, and the development of police procedure. Students may take more than one course in police studies, especially if they plan to work in the field.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”where”]Where Can an Associate in Criminal Justice Degree Take Me?[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A criminal justice associate degree prepares graduates for a variety of careers in diverse areas. The following list outlines several common career paths for graduates.[/hen-ui-text]

• [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-criminal-justice/” target=”/"_self"”]Criminal Justice[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Associate programs in criminal justice provide foundational knowledge of the criminal justice system, preparing students for entry-level roles like police officer, emergency management specialist, corrections officer, and probation officer.[/hen-ui-text]
• [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-bachelors-social-work/” target=”/"_self"”]Social Work[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social workers support vulnerable and at-risk individuals and communities, helping them navigate a variety of challenges. These professionals connect clients with social service resources and work to keep families and children safe.[/hen-ui-text]
• [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Sociology[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Graduates of associate in criminal justice programs can pursue further study in sociology. Sociologists study human behavior within different social and cultural groups. Criminal justice programs provide a foundation for these studies, particularly with respect to criminal behavior and society.[/hen-ui-text]
• [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″][hen-ui-link href=”/rankings/bachelors/best-online-bachelors-psychology/” target=”/"_self"”]Psychology[/hen-ui-link][/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Studies in criminal justice correlate closely with psychological studies. Many criminal justice programs include introductory courses in psychology, preparing students for further study in the field. Graduates can also pursue entry-level jobs related to psychology, including human resource specialist and psychiatric technician.[/hen-ui-text]
• [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Legal Studies[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Criminal justice graduates can pursue entry-level legal studies positions, including paralegal, file clerk, and court messenger. Graduates may also pursue a bachelor’s in legal studies.[/hen-ui-text]

[hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”careers”]Criminal Justice Careers[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]An associate in criminal justice provides a strong foundation for a variety of jobs, both within and outside of law enforcement. Courses in criminal justice programs emphasize skills like critical thinking, leadership, ethics, and communication, preparing students for success in diverse roles. This section outlines several common careers for graduates.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Paralegals”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Paralegals work alongside lawyers, providing assistance and support for law firms. They perform administrative tasks, manage files, and conduct legal research. An associate degree serves as the [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/legal/paralegals-and-legal-assistants.htm/” target=”_blank”]minimum education requirement[/hen-ui-link] for this position, and although optional, some paralegals may choose to earn certification.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Paralegals excel in organization and time management. They possess a working knowledge of the law, and apply that knowledge to their research and case work. Paralegal training prepares students to enter the field and pursue further education.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Social and Human Service Assistants”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social and human service assistants [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-and-human-service-assistants.htm/” target=”_blank”]work in a variety of environments[/hen-ui-link], including individual and family services, nursing care facilities, hospitals, and rehabilitation clinics. An associate degree provides the necessary basic education for these positions; however, some employers may require a bachelor’s degree.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social and human service assistants need strong communication, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. They may work for nonprofit organizations or serve in roles within government services. Generally, no formal licensure is required.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Police and Detectives”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Police officers and detectives serve local communities by protecting citizens and upholding local, state, and federal laws. [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm/” target=”_blank”]Police officers[/hen-ui-link] work in emergency services, responding to emergency calls and providing assistance when crimes occur or when citizens are in distress. Detectives investigate crimes, following up on leads and tips from the community, and seek justice for victims of crimes under the law.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Recent shifts in attitudes toward policing may contribute to a change in roles for police officers, with some job duties shifting toward human service professionals, like mental health and social workers.[/hen-ui-text] [hen-ui-grid columns-md=”2″ gap=”md”] [/hen-ui-grid] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″ id=”faq”]Frequently Asked Questions[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-accordion variant=”no-background”] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How long does it take to complete an associate in criminal justice program?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Associate degree programs typically take two years of full-time study to complete, though some schools offer accelerated programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What can I do with an associate in criminal justice?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many graduates pursue jobs in policing and corrections. However, they can also pursue careers as firefighters, private detectives and investigators, and social and community service workers.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is criminal justice an AA or AS degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Typically, criminal justice associate degrees are AA degrees, but some schools offer AS in criminal justice programs.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is an associate in criminal justice difficult?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Pursuing a postsecondary degree requires hard work, focus, organization, and drive. Online criminal justice programs also require students to possess strong time management skills and self-discipline.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”Is it hard to find a job with a criminal justice degree?”] [hen-ui-text-stack gap=”sm”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Many potential jobs for associate in criminal justice graduates are [hen-ui-link href=”https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/private-detectives-and-investigators.htm/” target=”_blank”]projected to grow[/hen-ui-link] between 2018 and 2028, so students enjoy strong job prospects.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-text-stack] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”What is the difference between law enforcement and policing?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Law enforcement encompasses a wider range of roles and careers than policing. Policing refers directly to the work of police officers; law enforcement includes all different areas of the criminal justice system.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How can I help society with a criminal justice degree?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]A criminal justice degree prepares students to pursue roles in a variety of human and community service fields. Many graduates pursue roles in helping industries, like social work and public health.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [hen-ui-accordion-item title=”How do social workers and law enforcement work together?”] [hen-ui-text variant=”b4″]Social workers often work to foster a more positive relationship between law enforcement and civilians. Today’s shifting ideas about police work may also lead to social workers stepping in to assist law enforcement more often.[/hen-ui-text] [/hen-ui-accordion-item] [/hen-ui-accordion] [hen-ui-heading variant=”h2″]Featured Legal Studies Programs[/hen-ui-heading] [hen-ui-dynamic-experience placement=”editorialListings” /] [hen-ui-section-header title=”Popular with our students.” /] [hen-ui-article-row variant=”2-col” ids=”970,1538,905″][/hen-ui-article-row]