Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Pursue Your Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Online or On Campus!
As a student in the Associate of Science in Criminal Justice program at Post University, you will have access to learning experiences designed to help you prepare for entry-level opportunities in the field of criminal justice.
Coursework for your associate degree program examines the framework of the American criminal justice system. Coursework provides the opportunity to develop an understanding of crime and punishment through an exploration of provisions of the U.S. Constitution (Bill of Rights) as they apply to criminal laws and procedures. On the practical side, coursework is designed to provide the learning experiences you could use to develop skills for report writing, fingerprinting, crime scene documentation, and more. Altogether, your classes offer a deeper understanding of law enforcement, forensics, criminal investigation, courts, and corrections.
What Could I Do with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice?
Upon completion of this on-campus or online criminal justice associate degree, you will have had the opportunity to develop and hone your problem-solving and communication skills as well as explore what it takes to perform ethically in the criminal justice field. This program offers the tools you could use to explore entry-level opportunities in criminal law—from law enforcement to the courts. Or, you could use your associate degree education as a steppingstone to the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program here at Post.
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.
Post University assists in researching and providing information regarding licensure; however, each state has different requirements for such licensure outside of the required education. Such state requirements may include licensure exams, background checks, certain work experience, and more. It is ultimately the responsibility of each student to manage their own licensure process and to ensure that all requirements are met in order for the student to obtain licensure. Post University does not speak on behalf of any licensing board or body and does not guarantee licensure. Requirements for licensure are subject to change without notice.
Learn about law enforcement and public safety careers through the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: specifically: Police and Detectives, Correctional Officers and Bailiffs, and Emergency Management Directors
Industry-Focused Curriculum for Professional Skills
Coursework for your program is designed to help you build the foundation of insights and practical skills necessary to:
- Describe and define the American criminal justice system
- Illustrate how the U.S. Constitution applies to criminal laws and procedures
- Effectively communicate criminal justice principles
- Demonstrate an understanding of crime and punishment
- Understand the techniques for witness interviews and suspect interrogation
- Speak to the fundamentals of forensic science
- And more!
Benefits of Earning an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice Online
From the admissions process to the day you graduate, we are with you every step of the way.
- Receive support from your personal Post team focused on your academic success
- Learn from industry professionals in interactive courses
- No class times or set login times for your online associate in criminal justice
- Online courses emphasize practical application of various criminal justice-related issues
Pursue an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice at Post!
At Post University, we are focused on your success, in and out of the classroom. A student success advisor will work with you one-on-one to answer your questions and help you address challenges throughout your program for an associate degree in criminal justice, online or on campus. We are here to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
Ready to pursue an education that offers an introduction to criminal justice and the fields surrounding it? Contact us to learn more about our associate in criminal justice program.
FAQs
What classes are required for an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice?
In your criminal justice courses, you will have the opportunity to explore the foundations of the criminal justice system, criminal law, and relevant procedures, along with practical applications of the principles and procedures you will cover.
Is criminal justice a good degree?
It could be. If you find the world of criminal justice exciting and are intrigued with the idea of learning more about law enforcement, corrections, or the courts, then a degree program in the area could help you explore the field more thoroughly and potentially position you to pursue entry-level opportunities.
Which is better criminal justice or criminology?
Criminal justice and criminology can overlap but are two distinct fields. If you are interested in law enforcement, corrections, or the courts, 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 could help you dive deeper into the psychological and socioeconomic factors that contribute to their actions.
Get Started on Your Degree!
Get College Credits for Work and Life Experiences
Find out more about Post's Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Program.