Best Online Criminal Justice Associate Degree Programs

An online associate in criminal justice provides you with an academic understanding of the systemic origins of crime, as well as roles of law enforcement, legal systems, correctional facilities, and public policy. You can often select concentrations that coincide with your career objectives. Many graduates find work as police officers, detectives, paralegals, legal assistants, or corrections officers.

According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), public two-year colleges charge an average in-state tuition of $3,564 and an average out-of-state tuition of $8,415. Most associate degrees take full-time learners two years to complete, though exact program length may vary significantly, particularly if you are enrolled in self-paced programs.

Many criminal justice professions are especially in-demand. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that between 2022 and 2032, the number of jobs for paralegals and legal assistants will grow by 4%. Many criminal justice professionals earn above-average salaries. In 2023, police earned a median annual salary of $72,280.

Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.

An online associate in criminal justice typically requires 60 credits and takes you two years to complete. Some programs offer accelerated course loads while others accommodate part-time schedules, so completion times may vary.

Associate programs provide foundational training in criminal justice. Depending on the school, you may be able to earn an associate of science or an associate of arts. Both pathways can prepare you for entry-level criminal justice jobs or help you pursue a four-year degree.

In addition to classroom learning, you often complete internships. This fieldwork helps you apply your theoretical knowledge and prepares you for various law enforcement training programs.

Some associate in criminal justice programs may allow you to specialize in a specific sub-discipline. Possible concentrations at this level include law enforcement, corrections, and homeland security. Concentrations can help set you apart in the job market or qualify for admission into a specialized bachelor’s program.

Although exact requirements vary by program, when applying to online associate in criminal justice programs, you must submit proof of high school graduation or GED and official transcripts from all secondary and postsecondary institutions attended. Naturally, a history of good grades reflects well on your academic capabilities, and you can transfer credits earned at other postsecondary institutions.

Even though many colleges no longer require standardized test scores, submitting above-average SAT and ACT scores reflects well on your knowledge of English and mathematics.

You should also include work experiences, extracurricular activities, and community service work to demonstrate engagement in diverse academic and professional spaces; this is especially true if you have professional experiences that coincide with your intended path of study. You may even be able to use work experiences as college credit. Many colleges also require several essays or letters of recommendation to gather a more holistic account of your experiences, goals, and character.

It is very common for individuals with an online associate in criminal justice to supplement their degree with professional training or certifications. For example, police and detectives must attend a training academy to hone practical skills such as firearm usage, emergency response, and self-defense. Many paralegals and legal assistants also complete a paralegal certification program.

Many graduates also choose to continue their education and complete a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or related disciplines such as legal studies, criminology, or forensic science. Although a bachelor’s degree is not explicitly required for many criminal justice careers, this credential can help professionals compete for more lucrative or high-ranking positions.