Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Pledge to Advance Your Career with an Associate in Criminal Justice Degree
This program is offered on Campus and Online.
You are determined to keep the public safe and vow to uphold the integrity of the law. Now make that commitment a career with a criminal justice degree from Post University. This could be your first step toward a rewarding and demanding position in federal, state, or local law enforcement or corrections; correctional counseling; case management; or other exciting criminal justice careers. With the foundational knowledge you will build in our criminal justice associate degree program, you can be prepared to enter or advance in the field or pursue your bachelor’s degree.
Program Highlights
As a student in this program, offered as an online criminal justice associate degree and at our Connecticut campus, you can develop skills in report writing, fingerprinting, and crime scene documentation. You will also gain well–rounded knowledge in the areas of law enforcement, forensics, criminal investigation, courts, and corrections.
We keep our class sizes small to encourage active participation in discussions and to provide more one-on-one support from our professional faculty. Our faculty bring years of practical criminal justice expertise in the classroom and through off-site experiential learning opportunities.
Within the framework of the American Criminal Justice System, you’ll learn the ethical and professional application of principles and procedures. You’ll gain a thorough comprehension of the U.S. Constitution (Bill of Rights) provisions as they apply to criminal laws and procedures, as well as a broad understanding of crime and punishment. Emphasis on effective communication skills—both written and oral—will help you apply classroom theory in the field.
What Can I do With an AS in Criminal Justice?
Graduates of Post University’s Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree program are prepared for a variety of career options at the federal, state and local levels of law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. Also, many students prefer to continue their studies and earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree.
The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice degree is not designed to fulfill the educational requirements for any professional credential, such as a police officer certification. Professional credentials also have other requirements outside of education. Law enforcement and other public safety positions often require testing, specialized trainings, background checks, and more. Job requirements also vary by jurisdiction, involving the local, state, or national levels. Learn about law enforcement and public safety careers through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/, specifically: Police and Detectives, Correctional Officers and Bailiffs, and Emergency Management Directors.
We also offer academic advising from a personal staff member from the moment you enroll. This is just one of the ways Post University makes your education personal.
Solidify your dedication to your community and our country. Contact us to enroll in our Waterbury, Connecticut-based program or in online criminal justice associate degree program today.
FAQs
Can you get an associate’s degree in criminal justice?
Yes! An associate’s degree in criminal justice can prepare you for a variety of careers in law enforcement, courts, and corrections with the opportunity to work at local, state and federal levels. With an associate’s in criminal justice you gain the knowledge and skills to work in corporate security, criminal investigations including crime scene analysis, corrections, forensic science, and more.
What can you do with an associate in criminal justice?
An associate’s in criminal justice can prepare you for a successful career in law enforcement, courts, and corrections and there are numerous job choices and areas to specialize in. Job titles include: bailiff, corrections officer, crime scene investigator, homicide detective, forensics expert, private security, fish and game warden, and more.
What classes are required for an associate’s degree in criminal justice?
In your criminal justice courses you will understand the foundations of the criminal justice system, criminal law, and procedures, along with how to apply the principles and procedures you’ve learned.
Classes required for an associate’s degree in criminal justice include:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Introduction to Law Enforcement
- Introduction to Corrections or Security
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Investigation
- Race, Ethnicity and Crime
To learn more about degree requirements view the course catalog.
Is criminal justice a good degree?
Yes! If you find the world of criminal justice exciting and are intrigued with studying criminal behavior, then a career in criminal justice is a great career choice and in high demand.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job growth outlook for several criminal justice positions is expected to grow over the next decade.
Which is better criminal justice or criminology?
Criminal justice and criminology can overlap but are two distinct career paths. If you are interested in corrections or a career in the court system and day-to-day operations then criminal justice is the degree you may want to pursue.
If you want to delve into the behaviors of individuals that commit crimes, then studying criminology takes you deeper into the psychological and socioeconomic factors that contribute to their actions. People with a criminal justice degree pursue jobs in corrections and courts while a degree in criminology career choices could be focused on analyzing motivations and patterns.
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