Criminal Justice (AS)

The Criminal Justice (AS) program focuses on key aspects of the justice system, including criminal law, corrections, and law enforcement practices. Students gain knowledge of criminological theories, criminal behavior, and ethical decision-making in criminal justice professions.

With courses taught by experienced professionals, this program emphasizes both theoretical understanding and practical skills. Graduates will be prepared for entry-level roles in criminal justice or for continuing education toward a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or related fields.

Graduates of the Criminal Justice (AS) program can pursue entry-level roles in law enforcement, corrections, and security. Career paths may include police officers, correctional officers, security personnel, or roles in community and social services. The program also serves as a foundation for further studies, enabling students to advance to bachelor's programs and unlock more career opportunities in the criminal justice field.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for police and sheriff's patrol officers, a common career path for those with an associate degree in criminal justice, was $76,290 in May 2024. Detectives and criminal investigators, which typically require similar education and experience, had a median annual wage of $93,580.

Source - https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm

The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice is typically completed in two years for full-time students. Part-time learners may take longer, depending on their course load and schedule flexibility.

To enroll in the Criminal Justice (AS) program, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• High school diploma or GED equivalent.
• Submission of official transcripts.
• Proficiency in English (e.g., TOEFL scores for non-native speakers).
• Completed application form with supporting documents.