Online Associate Degrees In Criminal Justice

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Criminal justice professionals such as police and detectives investigate crimes and bring criminals to justice. These workers' other typical job responsibilities include securing evidence, maintaining paperwork, and testifying in court. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the law enforcement field to grow 5% from 2019-2029.

An associate degree in criminal justice qualifies graduates in most states to enter a police academy or work in another law enforcement role. A degree remains a wise investment, as the BLS reports police make a median $67,290 annual salary. A criminal justice associate degree's other advantages include transferring to a bachelor's-completion program.

Frequently Asked Questions About Criminal Justice

Why Get a Degree in Criminal Justice?

An associate degree in criminal justice trains learners for a career with a high median salary. Well-paying opportunities for professionals include correctional officer, bailiff, and fire inspector. These and other positions may require some additional training, such as a bachelor's or master's degree for a management-level job.

An online associate degree in criminal justice provides recent high school graduates and nontraditional students with a flexible educational experience. Programs with an asynchronous curriculum allow learners to schedule their education around working or raising children. Other advantages include exploring top out-of-state colleges and universities.

How Much Does a Criminal Justice Degree Cost?

An associate degree in criminal justice's total cost depends on whether learners attend an in-state or out-of-state school. Junior and community colleges offering associate degrees charge the lowest tuition rate to residents. Out-of-state online students may pay as much as if they enrolled in a private school. However, some colleges extend in-state tuition to online degree-seekers.

Even if a college charges online students the same as on-campus degree-seekers, online learners save money by not paying for housing or a meal plan. Online students do not pay for commuting or relocating, either. Distance learners with small children may not need childcare services, potentially saving them thousands of dollars.

Typical criminal justice programs do not charge learners any major-specific fees. However, prospective and current degree-seekers should still consult a financial aid or academic advisor to discuss potential fees and budget accordingly.

Additional Online Student Fees for Criminal Justice

Although an online criminal justice degree helps students save money in multiple ways, learners should budget for a computer that meets their school's minimum technology requirements. A laptop or desktop must possess a camera and microphone. Meeting these requirements also involves paying for a stable and fast internet connection.

Some hybrid associate degrees in criminal justice programs ask learners to commute to campus one or more times. Commuting costs add up, especially if on-campus intensives or seminars require staying overnight. Other expenses to budget for include a one-time graduation fee and professional certifications graduates need to remain competitive in the job market.

How Much Do Criminal Justice Majors Make?

Criminal justice majors' salaries depend on the industry they enter. Police and detectives working as criminal investigators earn more than their peers, such as transit and railroad police, patrol officers, and fish and game wardens. The highest-paid 10% of professionals in this field earn more than $113,000 annually.

Geographic location affects salary as much as the career graduates select. Detectives working in Alaska, Maryland, and Hawaii earn $113,150-$126,340. However, these states employ relatively few detectives, and the cost of living exceeds the national average considerably. California and New Jersey employ far more detectives and may offer a lower cost of living, depending on the city.

No matter their job title or where they live, criminal justice professionals increase their salary potential by advancing their education. Options include earning a bachelor's or master's degree and completing professional development. New hires determine the education they need for a raise by speaking with a human resources manager or work supervisor.

Courses in Criminal Justice

An associate degree in criminal justice blends general education courses and major requirements. The former conveys in-demand transferable skills and qualifies graduates to enroll in a bachelor's-completion program. Major coursework emphasizes the U.S. criminal justice system, criminal law, and social science. Learners supplement their education by selecting criminal justice electives.

The following sample curriculum highlights three typical major courses. Course titles and requirements vary by school. Prospective students with questions research a college or university's online course catalog to learn more about the academic experience. Other options include speaking with an enrollment or academic advisor.

• Criminal Law

  Criminal law introduces degree-seekers to the laws and procedures the United States uses to prosecute criminals. Course topics include why specific laws exist, the criminal justice system, and criminal liability. Students examine these criminal justice fundamentals by exploring real-life cases and their impact on the law. Criminal law does not require prerequisites.

• Criminal Investigation

  Police and detectives perform multiple procedures when performing a criminal investigation, such as interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence, and arresting suspects. Students examine these procedures by analyzing how each applies to different types of crime, including complex cases involving multiple criminals or victims. Other coursework involves analyzing evidentiary requirements and how they vary, depending on the crime.

• Juvenile Justice

  The juvenile justice system attempts to reform lawbreakers under the age of 18 by applying restorative justice. Coursework features analyzing juvenile delinquency's causes, prevention measures, and institutionalization's effect on developing minds. Other learning outcomes include the ability to recognize how neglect and mental illness lead people to commit crime.

How to Become a Police Officer

Education requirements for becoming a police officer vary by jurisdiction. Aspiring officers need a high school diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree. A criminal record may disqualify applicants, depending on the crime and how long ago it occurred. Many police departments do not hire individuals under the age of 21.

New hires enroll in a police or training academy, an approximately six-month experience involving coursework, physical exercise, and weapons training. Learners must achieve a passing score on all assessments to graduate. Students with an employment offer do not pay tuition or fees and receive a salary during their time in the academy.

Certifications and Licensure for Criminal Justice

Recent graduates and experienced criminal justice professionals can pursue a certification or license to qualify for a promotion or raise. Typical eligibility requirements include earning a degree and passing an exam. Licensed and certified workers become lifelong learners, as renewal requirements involve taking online or in-person professional development courses.

Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice