Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice
Criminal justice degrees prepare students for diverse careers in areas like social work, security, and law enforcement.
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 careers in other areas, like operations management.
Graduates enjoy strong job prospects and earn an average annual salary of $51,000. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects average job growth for private detectives and investigators, and police and detectives between 2024 and 2034.
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.
The Best Online Criminal Justice Associate Programs
Associates in Criminal Justice
2025
Online Associate’s in Criminal Justice Programs Ranking Guidelines
We ranked these degree programs based on quality, curricula, school awards, rankings, and reputation.
What Is an Online Associate in Criminal Justice Degree?
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.
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.
Featured Criminal Justice Programs
Choosing an Online Program
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.
What Else Can I Expect From an Associate in Criminal Justice Program?
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.Associate in Criminal Justice Curriculum
Criminology
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.
Criminal Justice Ethics
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.
Police Studies
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.
Where Can an Associate in Criminal Justice Degree Take Me?
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.
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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.
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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.
Sociology
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.
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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.
Legal Studies
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.
Criminal Justice Careers
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.
Paralegals
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 typical entry-level education for this position, and although optional, some paralegals may choose to earn certification.
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.
Social and Human Service Assistants
Social and human service assistants work in a variety of environments, including individual and family services, nursing care facilities, hospitals, and rehabilitation clinics. A high school diploma or equivalent is the typical entry-level education for these positions; however, some employers may require a bachelor’s degree.
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.
Police and Detectives
Police officers and detectives serve local communities by protecting citizens and upholding local, state, and federal laws. Police officers 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete an associate in criminal justice program?
Associate degree programs typically take two years of full-time study to complete, though some schools offer accelerated programs.
What can I do with an associate in criminal justice?
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.
Is criminal justice an AA or AS degree?
Typically, criminal justice associate degrees are AA degrees, but some schools offer AS in criminal justice programs.
Is an associate in criminal justice difficult?
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.
Is it hard to find a job with a criminal justice degree?
Many potential jobs for associate in criminal justice graduates are projected to grow between 2024 and 2034, so students enjoy strong job prospects.
What is the difference between law enforcement and policing?
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.
How can I help society with a criminal justice degree?
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.
How do social workers and law enforcement work together?
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.