Online Associates Degree in Criminal Justice - Best of 2024

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Overview of an Associates in Criminal Justice & Law

The criminal justice field has relevance for everybody, every day. Every state, city, town, and even neighborhood relies on police officers to help keep the peace. While we often wish we didn’t need them, police officers and the criminal justice system are woven into the fabric of our society. Public Safety is one of their top priorities.

To enter the criminal justice profession and become an officer, you can simply go through the police academy and (hopefully) land a job. So is a degree in criminal justice worth it? Yes. If you first start with a criminal justice associate degree, you might find that your on-the-job experience is heightened by your knowledge and you are able to advance your rank faster. For those already in the work force, leaving their job to earn an associate degree in person can still keep this career out of reach. However, you can earn your criminal justice degree online. These degrees are often available through online learning or hybrid programs, which include some online education and some in-person learning.

A two-year, online or traditional, criminal justice associate degree can help you launch a fascinating and exciting career in law enforcement, criminal investigation, private investigations, or as a security professional. There are plenty of online and campus programs available to criminal justice students with financial aid. Though you can always launch a career in law enforcement without a post-secondary certificate or criminal justice associate degree, when you take the time to study criminal justice curriculum, you will find that you will appreciate your work all the more. With a criminal justice major, you might take courses that evaluate the statistics behind crimes (allowing deeper insight into the people you interact with), criminal justice ethics, criminal law, the entire criminal justice system and law enforcement, along with many other fascinating subjects in your general education courses.

In fact, it’s been shown that law enforcement or criminal justice professionals who have degrees of any kind, whether bachelor's or associate degrees, tend to be more helpful and compassionate towards the citizens they meet. Naturally, there may be times where you need to see a criminal for exactly what he is, but when you can put crime and its perpetrators in a broader context, your approach will reflect your learning.

Compare Popular Online Criminal Justice Programs

PROS

A criminal justice associate degree program is one that can help you launch a career in law enforcement in the American criminal justice system or help you build on your existing experience. An associate degree has many pros, but chief among them are the cost and the time to completion. Two-year degrees from community colleges typically cost less per credit hour and they only take two years to complete. Another pro is that online students can earn a criminal justice degree online instead of going on-campus. Many online and traditional associate degree programs are also partnered with baccalaureate programs so that you can make an easy transition to a four-year degree program when you are ready.

In fact, even if your true goal is a criminal justice bachelor’s degree, if you start out at a local college, you will save money in the long run. You could also choose to take a criminal justice associate degree online. Then, once they have completed their associate degree, criminal justice students can join the workforce at the entry-level, pay off their loans, and then return to school with more experience. Both in-person and online associate degrees prepare students for more learning and employment.

CONS

Though a criminal justice associate degree has many things to recommend it, there are downsides to an associate degree. One of the first is the fact that you will still need to complete a bachelor-level degree if you want to thrive in one of these criminal justice careers, such as crime scene investigation. Criminal Justice students might also find that their hard-earned online or in-person college credits don't all transfer to a four-year institution if they aren't careful.

Your associate in criminal justice degree might also not be enough to make you competitive for jobs or promotions. These days, a bachelor’s degree is often considered to be the entry-level degree of choice. You might also find that an AS or AA degree isn't enough to qualify you for certain certifications. Further, if you wish to pursue a specialty area, such as cyber security, your two-year degree likely will not suffice.

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Top 25 Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice Programs

Indiana Wesleyan University

Score: 76.47

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $31,168
- Out-of-State: $31,168
Net Price: $21,755
Acceptance Rate: 87%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 2,603
Undergrad Students: 2,236
Graduate Students: 367
Grads Salary: $52,700
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

University of Arkansas

Score: 75.2

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,748
- Out-of-State: $28,772
Net Price: $16,208
Acceptance Rate: 79%
Retention Rate: 86%

Graduation Rate: 69%
Total Enrollment: 30,936
Undergrad Students: 26,269
Graduate Students: 4,667
Grads Salary: $45,200
Student-to-faculty: 20:1

LeTourneau University

Score: 73.73

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,500
- Out-of-State: $35,500
Net Price: $26,974
Acceptance Rate: 49%
Retention Rate: 77%

Graduation Rate: 67%
Total Enrollment: 3,536
Undergrad Students: 3,350
Graduate Students: 186
Grads Salary: $48,300
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Bismarck State College

Score: 71.7

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,195
- Out-of-State: $7,279
Net Price: $11,309
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 67%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 3,771
Undergrad Students: 3,771
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $50,300
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Ball State University

Score: 71.43

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $10,758
- Out-of-State: $28,766
Net Price: $12,615
Acceptance Rate: 69%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 19,777
Undergrad Students: 14,416
Graduate Students: 5,361
Grads Salary: $39,500
Student-to-faculty: 15:1

University of Maine at Fort Kent

Score: 71.33

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $9,045
- Out-of-State: $14,325
Net Price: $12,163
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 37%
Total Enrollment: 1,210
Undergrad Students: 1,194
Graduate Students: 16
Grads Salary: $60,100
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Trine University

Score: 71.05

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,600
- Out-of-State: $35,600
Net Price: $24,276
Acceptance Rate: 92%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 65%
Total Enrollment: 4,088
Undergrad Students: 3,819
Graduate Students: 269
Grads Salary: $48,300
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Ashland University

Score: 71.01

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $28,910
- Out-of-State: $28,910
Net Price: $20,342
Acceptance Rate: 72%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 60%
Total Enrollment: 4,174
Undergrad Students: 3,083
Graduate Students: 1,091
Grads Salary: $46,400
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Fox Valley Technical College

Score: 69.01

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,916
- Out-of-State: $7,109
Net Price: $10,220
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 50%
Total Enrollment: 11,181
Undergrad Students: 11,181
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $43,900
Student-to-faculty: 10:1

Columbia Southern University

Score: 68.11

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $5,808
- Out-of-State: $5,808
Net Price: $12,366
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 42%

Graduation Rate: 33%
Total Enrollment: 15,948
Undergrad Students: 11,330
Graduate Students: 4,618
Grads Salary: $62,700
Student-to-faculty: 28:1

Great Basin College

Score: 67.07

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,855
- Out-of-State: $13,448
Net Price: $7,058
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 38%

Graduation Rate: 48%
Total Enrollment: 3,197
Undergrad Students: 3,197
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $47,000
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Monroe College

Score: 66.71

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $17,922
- Out-of-State: $17,922
Net Price: $9,157
Acceptance Rate: 60%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 7,011
Undergrad Students: 5,916
Graduate Students: 1,095
Grads Salary: $34,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Colorado Christian University

Score: 65.99

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $39,266
- Out-of-State: $39,266
Net Price: $23,313
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 83%

Graduation Rate: 61%
Total Enrollment: 8,964
Undergrad Students: 7,602
Graduate Students: 1,362
Grads Salary: $42,000
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Chaminade University of Honolulu

Score: 65.8

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $29,970
- Out-of-State: $29,970
Net Price: $27,315
Acceptance Rate: 93%
Retention Rate: 71%

Graduation Rate: 66%
Total Enrollment: 2,369
Undergrad Students: 1,583
Graduate Students: 786
Grads Salary: $41,700
Student-to-faculty: 11:1

Drury University

Score: 65.7

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $35,235
- Out-of-State: $35,235
Net Price: $20,996
Acceptance Rate: 63%
Retention Rate: 78%

Graduation Rate: 64%
Total Enrollment: 1,595
Undergrad Students: 1,375
Graduate Students: 220
Grads Salary: $34,300
Student-to-faculty: 12:1

Regent University

Score: 65.62

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $20,686
- Out-of-State: $20,686
Net Price: $17,341
Acceptance Rate: 32%
Retention Rate: 70%

Graduation Rate: 55%
Total Enrollment: 10,337
Undergrad Students: 4,541
Graduate Students: 5,796
Grads Salary: $36,800
Student-to-faculty: 21:1

Penn State World Campus

Score: 65.43

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $15,204
- Out-of-State: $15,204
Net Price: $19,551
Acceptance Rate: 82%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 36%
Total Enrollment: 13,979
Undergrad Students: 8,210
Graduate Students: 5,769
Grads Salary: $52,100
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Northern State University

Score: 63.5

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $8,845
- Out-of-State: $11,947
Net Price: $17,264
Acceptance Rate: 78%
Retention Rate: 74%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 3,344
Undergrad Students: 2,851
Graduate Students: 493
Grads Salary: $38,700
Student-to-faculty: 16:1

Liberty University

Score: 63.34

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $21,222
- Out-of-State: $21,222
Net Price: $29,913
Acceptance Rate: 99%
Retention Rate: 79%

Graduation Rate: 66%
Total Enrollment: 96,709
Undergrad Students: 48,906
Graduate Students: 47,803
Grads Salary: $40,600
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

Northeast Community College

Score: 63.32

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,840
- Out-of-State: $5,130
Net Price: $10,170
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 5,583
Undergrad Students: 5,583
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $36,100
Student-to-faculty: 17:1

Eastern Florida State College

Score: 63.03

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $2,496
- Out-of-State: $9,739
Net Price: $5,927
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 68%

Graduation Rate: 51%
Total Enrollment: 13,114
Undergrad Students: 13,114
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $33,700
Student-to-faculty: 18:1

North Central Missouri College

Score: 63.03

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $7,050
- Out-of-State: $8,250
Net Price: $9,084
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 44%
Total Enrollment: 1,772
Undergrad Students: 1,772
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $39,000
Student-to-faculty: 19:1

Campbell University

Score: 62.95

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $40,410
- Out-of-State: $40,410
Net Price: $24,280
Acceptance Rate: 89%
Retention Rate: 75%

Graduation Rate: 56%
Total Enrollment: 5,272
Undergrad Students: 2,965
Graduate Students: 2,307
Grads Salary: $40,200
Student-to-faculty: 13:1

Seminole State College of Florida

Score: 62.84

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $3,227
- Out-of-State: $11,447
Net Price: $3,144
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 66%

Graduation Rate: 43%
Total Enrollment: 14,323
Undergrad Students: 14,323
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $38,100
Student-to-faculty: 26:1

Shoreline Community College

Score: 62.68

Undergraduate Tuition
- In-State: $4,388
- Out-of-State: $7,430
Net Price: $9,442
Acceptance Rate: 100%
Retention Rate: 54%

Graduation Rate: 29%
Total Enrollment: 4,418
Undergrad Students: 4,418
Graduate Students: N/A
Grads Salary: $49,400
Student-to-faculty: 14:1

Certificate vs. Associate

You might find that your school offers a variety of college degree options for your criminal justice education. Many will present you with the option of a certificate or a degree. A certificate is a tempting option, since they typically only take a year to complete compared with two years for an associate degree. However, certificates are rather limited in terms of their effectiveness on the job market. Further, if you later decide that you want to go back and earn a college degree such as a bachelor degree, you will still need to complete your core curriculum. Plus, you might find that certificate credits don't transfer to full academic programs of other college degrees.

What Criminal Justice & Law Associate Degrees are Available?

Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
An AA in Criminal Justice is a degree that will prepare you for the working world with an education that focuses on non-quantitative analysis. That is, you are more likely to be steeped in knowledge of theories than statistics.
Associate of Applied Arts in Criminal Justice
AAA degrees are typically designed to prepare you for the working world. Rather than focusing on academic research and sources, an applied degree is focused on occupational information. Further, you are less likely to take core liberal arts curriculum that you can use at the baccalaureate level.
Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
An AS degree is often indistinguishable from an AA. However, your coursework is likely to focus more on statistical data than non-quantitative theories. That is, this degree is more reliant on STEM information than its more philosophical cousin.
Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice
This applied degree is much like an AAA in that it focuses on occupational information. The coursework is likely to focus more on statistics and hard data rather than philosophical discussions. Further, you might find that many of the courses for an AAS don't transfer to a four-year institution. Discuss this with your academic adviser.

Find Your Online Criminal Justice Program

Admission Requirements for Criminal Justice Students

To gain admission to an online or on-campus associate in criminal justice program you will need to have a high-school diploma, or the equivalent. Each program you research is bound to have its own admission requirements; most will want to see a minimum GPA of 2.0, but some will also consider applicants who have completed the police academy. In fact, if you have graduated from a police academy, you might be exempted from some courses.

On top of your past academic achievements, your program may require SAT/ACT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal essay that details your goals for a CJ degree.

How long does it take to earn an Online Criminal Justice & Law Associates Degree?

An online associate degree in criminal justice is typically designed to take two years to complete. However, some programs have fast-track options for those who want to expedite their education. You can even find ways to fast-track yourself if there is no clear program for that.

In fact, it is a good idea to make a plan for a timely graduation before you even start school. Too many student become bogged down with outside concerns and prolong a two-year program for three, four, or more years. When you start out with a plan to make the necessary sacrifices for the sake of your long-term success, you will be happier in the long run.

Potential Careers in Criminal Justice & Law with an Associates

Police Officer
Police officers work in one of the criminal justice fields with high public visibility in that police drive around their districts twenty-four hours a day and are called to investigate or break up all sorts of unruly or unlawful behavior. Police officers also work at desks at their police station for their local police departments.
The average salary for this job is $54,000.
Police Detective
Detectives are sworn law enforcement officers who work as a criminal investigator for their police departments. They typically work in uniform or plain clothes, and spend the day conducting interviews, collecting evidence and performing criminal investigations to solve crimes. They report to a supervisor on their department’s chain of command, and are usually assigned cases based on their rank.
The median annual salary for a police detective is $66,020.
Private Investigator
In this capacity, you will work with private clients to help them with a wide range of issues. Sometimes PIs specialize in missing persons cases, other times you might help investigate a murder for a grieving family. While private investigators perform many of the same tasks as police detectives, you’ll have the opportunity to specialize, you won't wear a uniform, and you'll have the option of working independently.
The average salary for this position is $58,300.
Correctional Officer
The job of correctional officers involves working with prisoners or others who are in the legal system or court system to some degree. You could work in a prison or other criminal punishment facility as a corrections officer or administrator, or you could be a probation officer.
The median annual salary for this job is $40,600.
Security Guard
This job description covers a wide range of actual duties. Some security guards spend hours walking through commercial areas or shopping malls and helping to deter and apprehend shoplifters. Others work in high-tech environments as private security and help guard items of high value, such as artwork or gold bullion.
The average salary for a security guard is $33,300.
Police Sergeant
After you've been on patrol for a while, and have amassed certain academic achievements, you might attain the rank of Sergeant. Your tasks will be more administrative and supervisory than a patrol officer and
your salary expectations should include $69,600 as the national average.

Options to Advance

If you want to advance in law enforcement, there are many law enforcement positions available to you, such as crime scene technician, working in the department of homeland security or federal agencies, and many more. But first, you will need a few things. Chief among these is a stellar record as an officer. You will also need to show significant tenure and perhaps awards for outstanding service. One key element that will help you advance faster than experience alone is a degree. Even a two-year associate degree will help you when it comes time for raises and promotions. As you add more academic and professional credentials, you should find that your career is rewarding all of your efforts with status and financial gains.

Frequently Asked Questions

How are online programs in criminal justice accredited?

An online degree is usually accredited by the same organizations that accredit other programs. These are regional accrediting agencies that provide school-wide accreditation and are approved by the DoE or the non-profit Councils for Higher Educational Accreditation (CHEA). The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences also grants programmatic accreditation to some criminal justice programs.

What does the curriculum of an associate in criminal justice cover?

As with most associate degrees, the majority of what you will complete during your time in school will cover general education courses that will help you finish a bachelor’s degree more quickly should you return to school later. However, there will also be core courses that will provide you with a preliminary introduction to criminal justice. This might include a variety of courses such as the following, though each program varies.

Introduction to Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice Ethics
Correctional Systems
Criminal Law
Criminology
Criminal Justice Ethics
And more

What is the average salary for someone with a criminal justice degree?

Whether you earn an Associate of Applied Science, Associate of Arts and Sciences, Associate of Science, or Associate of Arts, your average starting salary is likely to sit, on average, somewhere between $50-60,000 per year. Of course, this can increase with specialization, education, experience, and more. After all, an associate degree is just the tip of the educational iceberg; you’ll have plenty of options for improving your income prospects as you move through your career.

Best Online Associate in Criminal Justice Degrees for 2024