Best Online Criminal Justice Associate Degree Programs

Pierce delivers both an on-campus and online associate degree in criminal justice for students seeking a career in law enforcement or related field. Learners may also combine the two formats for a hybrid online/on-campus approach.

The program's 61-credit curriculum covers the use of technology in criminal justice, effective communication, and ethical issues law enforcement professionals often face. The program also allows students to earn credit for training they receive through the Philadelphia Police Academy or Philadelphia Division of Prisons. The degree provides a solid foundation for Peirce's bachelor's in criminal justice degree, which typically requires an additional two years to complete.

Applicants must provide high school transcripts or GED scores. The college awards conditional acceptance to all applicants. All associate in criminal justice students pay the same per-credit tuition rate regardless of residency.

Located in Grantsboro, North Carolina, PCC offers an associate in criminal justice technology that prepares graduates to work in law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice, probation, and private security. The curriculum focuses on the tools and technology law enforcement officers use to investigate and prevent crime.

The program's 67-credit curriculum features courses in victimology, court procedures, and community policing. One course examines the history of organized crime and how it continues to affect communities today. Another class, on investigative principles, covers the processes involved in examining crime scenes, collecting and recording evidence, and identifying suspects.

To apply to PCC's associate in criminal justice technology program, prospective students must submit official high school transcripts or GED scores. Some applicants may need to take a placement exam before starting coursework. Most full-time students graduate within two years.

Trine's online associate degree in criminal justice gives students the education and experience needed to serve as competent law enforcement, corrections, and probation and parole officers. While many graduates immediately pursue entry-level jobs, the 60-credit program also transitions seamlessly into the university's bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

All classes take place online and use an asynchronous format, allowing students to view lectures and complete assignments on their own time. New courses start every eight weeks, and students can begin the program at multiple points throughout the year. Full-time learners can complete the program in one year.

Applicants submit official high school transcripts or GED scores, along with transcripts from any other colleges or universities they previously attended. Trine also makes transferring easy, accepting up to 45 credits from other institutions.

Trine is located in Angola, Indiana. The university offers discounted tuition for active-duty military members.

Located in Virginia Beach, Regent offers both an on-campus and online associate degree in criminal justice rooted in Christian values. The curriculum focuses on the prevention and investigation of various types of crime.

The 64-credit program prepares students to serve as police officers, probation officers, forensic technicians, and legal assistants. Graduates can also seamlessly move into the school's bachelor's programs in criminal justice, cybersecurity, or paralegal studies, which require two additional years of study.

Applicants under the age of 24 years must provide high school transcripts or GED scores; ACT, CLT, or SAT scores; and a personal statement. Prospective students 24 and older complete an admissions questionnaire and provide their high school transcripts or GED scores.

Distance learners receive a lower per-credit tuition rate than on-campus students. Most full-time students complete the associate in criminal justice program in two years.

Keiser's students can complete an associate degree in criminal justice online or at any of the school's 19 campuses across Florida. The program's 60-credit curriculum covers the role of institutions in criminal justice, common criminal behaviors, the operations of various law enforcement organizations, the juvenile justice system, and the principles of criminal investigations.

Program applicants must meet with an admissions counselor, after which they submit proof of high school graduation or GED scores. Once enrolled, most full-time students graduate within two years.

Keiser is regionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The school features a freshman-to-sophomore retention rate of over 90%.

Chaminade delivers an associate in criminal justice program that covers the basics of the U.S. criminal justice system and the underlying causes of crime. Students learn how to manage a crime scene, collect evidence, and identify suspects.

The program's 60-credit curriculum features a course on the juvenile justice system and its focus on rehabilitation over retribution. Students must maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA to graduate and complete at least 15 credits at Chaminade. Most students complete the program in two years. Each course lasts 10 weeks, and learners may enroll at four different points during the academic year. All students take part in a service learning experience.

Prospective students must submit official high school transcripts or GED scores along with transcripts from any postsecondary institutions they previously attended. Chaminade offers discounted tuition to military members and veterans.

Located in Ashland, Ohio, AU offers both an on-campus and online associate degree in criminal justice that prepares students to pursue various careers in law enforcement. Many graduates enroll in the university's BS in criminal justice program, which requires an additional two years of coursework.

The online program features asynchronous classes, enabling learners to log in and complete assignments around their own schedules. Students engage in seven-week courses and benefit from opportunities to work with experienced law enforcement officers. Courses cover subjects like criminal justice ethics, victimology, emergency management, terrorism, and gang-related crime.

Prospective students must submit a high school diploma or GED scores along with transcripts from any colleges or universities they attended in the past. Ashland offers a special discounted tuition rate to distance learners. More than 93% of Ashland graduates are employed or attend graduate school after receiving an associate degree.

AC offers a pair of two-year programs for future law enforcement professionals: an AS in criminal justice and an AAS in criminal justice law enforcement. Each program requires 60 credits completed across four semesters.

The AS track prepares students to move directly into a bachelor's program after graduation. The curriculum features courses in the causes of crime, correctional systems, court systems, and the basics of criminal investigation.

The AAS program focuses on preparing students for immediate entry-level career opportunities. It includes the college's Basic Peace Officer Academy. Graduates can sit for the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement licensing exam and begin careers as police officers, correctional officers, and bailiffs.

Applicants to either program must submit official high school transcripts or GED scores. Most incoming students take an assessment to determine proper placement in general education courses.

Saint Leo's associate in criminal justice program provides students with a strong foundation in law enforcement and criminal investigation. Students take part in hands-on learning experiences that include mock trials and exploring an actual forensics lab.

The program gives students the opportunity to train with the Pasco-Hernando Police Academy and earn a police standard certificate. Students may also intern with local, state, and federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Agency, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and U.S. Secret Service.

The program's curriculum includes an introductory course on the Department of Homeland Security and how the agency works to prevent terrorist attacks and recover from natural and human-caused disasters. Another course covers due process in the criminal justice system.

Prospective students must submit high school transcripts or GED scores. Saint Leo is located in a community just north of Tampa, Florida.

In UMFK's associate in criminal justice program, students learn how to use reasoning, communication, analytical, and research skills in preparation for careers as competent law enforcement officers.

The two-year, 60-credit program features hands-on experiences in which students work with criminal justice professionals in a variety of specialties. While many graduates immediately seek entry-level jobs, others move on to UMFK's bachelor's degree in rural public safety administration.

Incoming first-year students must have a high school diploma or GED and meet the following course prerequisites: four years of English, three years of math, and two years of social sciences courses. The school accepts transfer students with a minimum 2.0 GPA across previous college-level coursework.

Current and former military members may qualify for in-state tuition at UMFK. The university's rural campus is located in northern Maine near the Canadian border.