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Overview of an Associates in Criminal Justice & Law

Criminal Justice is a field that 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 are woven into the fabric of our society.

To become a police officer, you can simply go through the police academy and (hopefully) land a job. However, if you first start with an associate degree in criminal justice you might find that your on-the-job experience is heightened by your knowledge and you are able to advance your rank faster.

A two-year associate degree in criminal justice can help you launch a fascinating and exciting career in law enforcement, private investigations, or as a security professional. Though you can always launch a career in law enforcement without a post-secondary certificate or degree, when you take the time to study your field, you will find that you will appreciate your work all the more. You might take courses that evaluate the statistics behind crimes, allowing deeper insight to the people you interact with, along with many other fascinating subjects.

In fact, it’s been shown that police officers who have 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 broader context, your approach will reflect your learning.

PROS

An associate degree in criminal justice is one that will help you launch a career in law enforcement, 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. Many 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, if your true goal is a bachelor’s degree, if you start out at a community college you will save money in the long run. Then, once you have completed your associate degree, you can join the workforce at that level, pay off your loans, and then return to school with more experience.

CONS

Though an associate degree has many things to recommend it, there are downsides to a two-year 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 this career. You might also find that your hard-earned community college credits don't all transfer to a four-year institution.

Your two-year degree might also not be enough to make you competitive for jobs or promotions. These days a bachelor’s degree is considered to have the same status a high-school diploma did in years past. 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.

Certificate vs. Associates

You might find that your school offers a variety of 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 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.

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.

Admission Requirements

To gain admission to an 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 a Criminal Justice & Law Associates Degree?

An 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.

Associate Degree

Those earning an associate degree in criminal justice may find employment as security guards, corrections officers, police identification and records officers, and other non-sworn law enforcement positions. They may find entry level work in local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies. When pursued full-time, an associate’s degree is completed within two years. When pursued on a part-time basis, most students receive their associate’s degree within four to five years.

SAMPLE COURSES FOR AN ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE:

• Criminology

• Constitutional Law

• Court Systems and Practices

• Juvenile Delinquency

If you are leaning more toward Law, you can earn a certificate in Paralegal studies or as a Legal Assistant. This will allow you to work with lawyers, both in their offices and in court, as a researcher and assistant in important legal matters.

Bachelor Degree

Many local and state law enforcement agencies require a bachelor’s degree in order to become a police officer, and all the major federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, and ICE require a bachelor’s degree for employment consideration.

SAMPLE COURSEWORK FOR A BACHELOR’S DEGREE:

• Theory and Practices of Law Enforcement

• Judicial Process

• Judicial Process

• Internships

Criminal Justice Bachelors Degree Concentrations: Homeland Security, Computer Security, Forensics, Cybersecurity, Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Psychology, Juvenile Justice, Law Enforcement, Domestic and International Security, Criminal Justice Administration, Emergency Management, Crime and Criminal Behavior, and Crime Mapping and Data Analysis.

Master Degree

A master’s degree in criminal justice is suitable for the criminal justice professional looking to advance his or her career to the next level. Earning a master’s degree helps you climb the career ladder, and broadens the type of work you may perform in your particular criminal justice field. When pursued full-time, it is possible to complete a master’s degree in 18 months to two years. Since many students can only work on their master’s degree on a part-time basis, it may take between three and four years to complete the degree.

SAMPLE COURSEWORK FOR A MASTER’S DEGREE:

• Probation and Court Services

• Crime Analysis

• Leadership and Executive Management

• Forensic Psychology

Criminal Justice Masters Degree Concentrations: Criminology, Cybercrime/Cybersecurity, Cybercrime Investigation, Strategic Management, Organizational Leadership and Change Management, Applied Business Management, Finance, Business Intelligence, Fraud Management, Information Technology, Project Management, Strategic Innovation, Homeland Security, Forensic Technology, Corrections, Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources, and more.

The cost of your degree depends on the school. An online course of study is generally less expensive than a traditional college, since you must generally pay for room and board as well as tuition. You can earn an associate’s degree at a community college. A public college or university, if you are a state resident, is less expensive than a private college or university.

If you want to earn a higher-level law degree, there are many options including: Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Master of Studies in Law (M.S.L.), and Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.).

Earning Potential and Career Salaries for Criminal Justice Major Graduates

• Cyber Security Degrees - Any entity online is vulnerable to cyber hacking. Cyber security experts work in information technology and are in great demand throughout virtually every industry and government agency. The demand is expected to grow by 18% through 2024, according to the BLS. The greatest number of job openings is for those with a bachelor’s degree in this field. Graduates can earn between $100,000 and $210,000 annually.

• Emergency Management Degrees – Emergency managers plan or direct the response to crises, as well as develop plans and procedures for dealing with natural and man made disasters. Emergency managers are employed by government agencies on the local, state, and federal level, as well as by hospitals, universities, and utilities. In 2017, the median annual pay for an emergency management director was $72,760.

• Fire Science Degrees – Fire science encompasses all aspects of fire. Those planning firefighting careers should pursue this degree, which involves not just firefighting, but prevention, investigation, management, and fire behavior. The 2017 median annual pay for firefighters was $49,080.

• Forensic Science Degrees – Forensic scientists search for truth in legal proceedings. They use their expertise not only in criminal investigations, but also in civil matters. They collect and analyze evidence during their investigations. Some forensic scientists work strictly in the laboratory, analyzing evidence received from police investigators and the like. The 2017 annual median salary for a forensic science technician was $57,850.

• Homeland Security Degrees – Terrorism is now an unfortunate part of life, and those with degrees in homeland security are employed by various government agencies in counter terrorism, intelligence analysis, and law enforcement roles. There is also a demand in the private sector for those in this field. The average median salary as of 2017, is $57,015

• Law Degrees - Becoming a lawyer means earning a Juris Doctor (JD), which is a three-year degree that is completed on a part-time basis in six years. While some lawyers may run a general practice, most attorneys focus on specific fields, such as criminal, corporate, civil litigation, employment, immigration, bankruptcy, finance and securities, intellectual property, mergers and acquisition, environmental, matrimonial, and a host of other types of law. Lawyers may work in law firms, corporations, non-profits, and governments at every level. Lawyers must pass state bar examinations to practice in that state. Annual salary depends on the type of practice, with corporate lawyers making more than those practicing other types of law.

• Paralegal Degrees – Paralegals perform a variety of tasks, including legal research, interviewing clients, legal document drafting, running a law office and other jobs based on the kind of law their employer practices. In some areas, such as real estate, paralegals may perform certain legal services. While the average paralegal earns $37,334 as of 2018, those working in larger cities or in specific legal fields may earn much more.

Criminal Justice & Law Salaries by Occupation

• Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agent – Some CIA agents are indeed spies, although their work is not as glamorous as it appears in movies and on TV. Most CIA agents collect and analyze foreign intelligence to assist national security experts in making decisions. Only the cream of the crop are hired as CIA agents, and the background reports required for such jobs is exhaustive. The average median salary for a CIA agent as of 2018 is $88,000, but yes, these government salaries are somewhat shrouded in secrecy, just like the employees.

• Corrections officer – Corrections officers work in jails and prisons, and are responsible for the care, custody, and control of inmates. They may also transport inmates going to other correctional institutions or to court appearances. Other duties include inspecting facilities for contraband and screening visitors and incoming mail. Corrections officers with more training may aid in the rehabilitation of inmates. The 2017 annual median salary is $43,510.

• Crime scene investigator – This job entails a law enforcement officer charged with collecting, documenting, and preserving evidence at crime scenes. Such evidence may include DNA, fingerprints, weapons, and blood. They must ensure the crime scene is not contaminated and that unauthorized persons do not have access to it. CSIs are often called into court to testify. The 2017 median annual salary is $83,320.

• Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agent – The basic role of any DEA agent is keeping the U.S. free from illicit drugs and this job requires supreme dedication. Often, the DEA agent is placed in dangerous situations involving narcotics traffickers. Physical fitness is a critical part of the job, as the agent never knows what will happen on the job. DEA agents work in conjunction with other agencies, including ICE and the FBI. The 2018 annual median salary for a DEA agent is $57,015.

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent – FBI agents may work in specialized areas, such as laboratory services, or perform more general duties such as executing search warrants, making arrests, or testifying in court. The bottom line is the investigation of illegal activities, including terrorism, cybercrime, organized crime, white collar crime, violent crime, public corruption, and civil rights violations, and there are no “typical” days for such employees. The 2018 median annual salary for an FBI agent is $75,628.

• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent – These agents enforce the country’s immigration laws. The job may include inspecting various types of facilities to ensure all workers are legal and removing illegal aliens from all sorts of situations. They are also involved in combatting child pornography, human trafficking, repatriation of cultural treasures from the U.S. to legal owners outside of the country, and terrorism prevention. The annual median salary for an ICE agent is $57,015

• Police officer – Although police officers perform many duties, they are all working to keep the residents of the community in which they serve safe and maintain public order. They may patrol streets looking for traffic infractions or possible criminal activity, or investigate crimes ranging from burglary to murder. They apprehend those committing crimes or suspected of committing crimes. Police officers often coordinate efforts with other emergency personnel, such as firefighters and emergency medical services. The average median salary as of 2018 is $62,960, although it will vary greatly by location.

• Private detective – A private detective, or private investigator, is hired by individuals or groups to perform private detective work. Attorneys often hire private detectives to work on either criminal or civil cases. Most private investigators specialize in some particular line of work, which may range between insurance investigation, matrimonial cases, and counter-surveillance. Corporate investigators focus on fraud prevention and detection and similar corporate crime matters. In 2017, the average median salary was $50,700.

• Probation officer – Probation officers occupy a position between law enforcement and social work. They must ensure offenders comply with the terms of their probation, but they may also supply input to prosecutors and judges even before trial. In some states, probation officers carry firearms and have the ability to make arrests. The probation officer conducts in-depth interviews with offenders, focusing on their families, employment, education, health, and if they have substance abuse issues. In 2017, the median pay was $51,410 per year.

• Secret Service agent – The U.S. Secret Service Agency exists to protect the president, vice-president, their families, and the president-elect and vice-president-elect and their families. Former presidents and their spouses receive Secret Service protection, as do children of former presidents until the age of 16. Visiting heads of state and government and their spouses also receive protection, as do official U.S. representatives performing certain missions abroad. The median Secret Service agent salary was $48,297 in 2018, but those working on active investigations in the field receive large bonuses and location pay also varies a great deal.

• State trooper – These law enforcement personnel primarily patrol the major roadways of their respective states. They also serve as the de facto police department in rural areas that cannot maintain a police department of their own and protect the governor and other high-ranking state officials. They also conduct investigations involving major crimes such as drug and gun trafficking, as well as organized crime investigations. As of 2018, the median annual salary is $51,553, although it varies greatly by location.

• U.S. Marshal – The U.S. marshals are the federal court’s enforcement arm. They are members of the country’s oldest law enforcement agency, in existence since Washington’s presidency. Their job involves capturing fugitives, prisoner transport, serving federal arrest warrants, and oversight of the Witness Protection Program. It is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the nation. As of 2018, the average median salary is $62,787.

• U.S. Postal inspector – The U.S. Postal Service’s law enforcement division is the US Postal Inspection Service. Postal inspectors are sworn law enforcement officers who carry firearms and can make arrests. Inspectors generally investigate the many forms of mail fraud, mail theft, postal facility burglaries, and other crimes, as well as investigating any crimes depriving the U.S. Postal Service of revenue. As of 2018, the average median salary is $112,000.

Scholarships

Criminal justice and law are fields with many scholarship opportunities. Scholarships are awarded based on field of study, student background and academic achievement. Here is just a small sampling:

• John Jay College of Criminal Justice Scholarships

Based in New York City, John Jay College of Criminal Justice is one of the best-known schools in the country for those pursuing a career in the criminal justice field. Scholarships are available for freshmen, transfers, current students, and graduate students. Examples of JJCCJ scholarships include the $2,500 per year Hecht Scholarship awarded to incoming freshmen with a strong academic and community service record, as well as musical ability. The award is renewable for three years as long as the student maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA and remains a full-time student. There are also the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) scholarships, given to two first-generation college students annually. Eligible students are the first ones in their families to attend college. The NECO scholarships are $2,500 annually and renewable for three years.

• Indiana Sheriff’s Association Scholarship

Available to Indiana residents majoring in a criminal justice field at an Indiana college or university, the ISA grants several $500 scholarships annually to applicants in different areas of the state. A high school principal, college registrar, or other qualified school official must complete part of the application, giving an overview of the student applicant to the selection committee.

• Ruth D. Peterson Fellowship for Racial and Ethnic Diversity

Sponsored by the American Society of Criminology, three $6,000 scholarships are awarded annually to members of groups under-represented in the field of criminal justice. This includes those of African-America, Latino, Asian, and indigenous descent. The applicant must include proof of admission to a criminal justice doctoral program, as well as a current CV, copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and the nature of their interest in criminal justice.

• Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice

This school in Texas awards various scholarships annually to criminal justice majors. Among them are the James C. Boswell Memorial Scholarship for undergraduate students demonstrating financial need; the Sarah Janine Cleary and Michael Griffin Cleary Scholarships for undergraduate students majoring in criminal justice and demonstrating financial need; and the Rolando, Josefa and Jocelyn del Carmen Criminal Justice Scholarship for a student enrolled in a fulltime Ph.D. program who demonstrates financial need.

When choosing a criminal justice degree program, potential trainees are likely to ask the complying with inquiries: The bright side is pupils will have countless possibilities in the criminal justice location upon graduation. Technique advantages of an associate's degree in criminal justice include better wage strategies, even more location for enhancement, fine-tuned skills, as well as task market advantage.

Business will recognize that the prospect has taken courses that have covered topics such as criminal regulation, legal principles, the justice system, criminal justice exams, and additionally criminal practices. If the job prospect has no area experience, an affiliate's degree will put them at an advantage by demonstrating that he or she still has a criminal justice history.

The mass of associate degree programs include a minimum of 60 credit record hours. Authorities divisions in substantial cities such as Chicago, New York City City, and also Philly have an associate level requirement for new hires. With an associate degree in criminal justice, a work seeker can pursue multiple setups within an authorities department.

Each cops division will definitely promote work openings with specific education and learning along with experience demands. Jobs in an authorities division are not the only line of work easily available to attach level grads. With a partner's in criminal justice, the grad can look for job within regulation offices, insurance company, youth worry centers, as well as security and also protection companies.

Besides obtaining opportunity of a criminal justice associates degree wage, possible pupils should take into account the cost-effective of the degree program in regards to investment. Two-year levels are added affordable than going to a four-year college. Typically, associate degrees are made in much less than 2 years. Many criminal justice partner degree training courses are offered online allowing the pupil to satisfy task as well as college obligations while in college.

This interdisciplinary nature brings about work in an option of setups. Graduates might pursue work with government firms, not-for-profit organizations, as well as additionally law practice. They may also work separately and also independently. Have a look at a couple of prominent line of work listed below. Fugitive Hunter Fugitive hunter work separately to collar crooks and additionally fugitives.

Most fugitive hunter locate conquered bail bond companies, yet some manage regional cops. Those considering ending up being fugitive hunter have to reveal a mix of education and learning and also learning, experience, and additionally ability. Many fugitive hunter start their line of work in legislation enforcement, getting the experience and likewise abilities required to pursue in addition to collar offenders.

Conservation police officers work to make certain that anglers as well as seekers conform with state and likewise public law. Duties consist of examining licenses, examining gadgets, examining the techniques of catching video game, and additionally determining whether techniques and likewise devices comply with laws. Some cops furthermore enlighten the public, screen outdoor camping sites along with parks, as well as job with various other guideline enforcement specialists to prosecute bad guys.

Criminal activity laboratory experts utilize toxicology, DNA analysis, blood evaluation, fingerprinting, as well as various other forensic methods to gather details. They require a minimum of a bachelor's degree, nevertheless some employers, including those at the government degree, like candidates with graduate levels related to forensics. Efficient crime laboratory analysts need to show solid sensible and also creative skills to develop which proof to collect and additionally assess.

An online associate's degree in criminal justice can be just about the same as any other college degree course, you might choose to attend. These programs usually allow students to complete courses in as many areas as they would like. Some of the more common degrees include: criminal justice, corrections, business administration, and the law. There are also associate degrees that offer general education courses as well as ones that give students a particular focus on one aspect of criminal justice.

Criminal justice programs often give students the chance to take courses in as many of the areas of law and criminology as possible. This can be part of their general education or in addition to a specific specialization. Students in this field often find themselves spending a lot of time working with individuals and groups on all kinds of issues, including issues with the law.

A good criminal justice associate's degree program will teach students how to investigate suspects and potential suspects, interviewing them, gathering information, and presenting the facts and evidence in court to get a conviction. In order to make sure that this process goes smoothly, it is important for the student to have the basic knowledge of how to do it. There are several classes offered in criminal justice to help the student learn about the processes involved in this field.

Some programs allow the students to specialize in a particular area. Students can choose to pursue a Masters Degree or even a PhD to further their studies and learn more about the field. There are also a number of online programs that give students the ability to earn an associates in criminal justice as well as other online degrees in the same subject.

A good criminal justice degree program will help students understand the many different aspects of this field of study and also be able to communicate properly with individuals in the field. This includes learning how to write reports, conduct interviews, and gather information from people in various situations. This is especially important for students who work for private investigators or law firms that deal with criminals.

The cost of this kind of program can be more expensive than a typical college degree program, but it is well worth it for the opportunity to learn the basics of criminal justice. in an environment where the students can truly interact with people from all over the world and meet new people. The interaction can be invaluable to career opportunities down the line.

There are a number of online degree programs that allow students to earn both a traditional college degree and an online degree. These include: master's degree, bachelor's degree, associate's degree, master's degree, bachelor's degree, master's degree, and doctorate degree. Each of these levels offer their own unique sets of opportunities for students to pursue. Depending on the program that they choose, students will need to consider their career goals.

Online degree programs can offer many benefits to students. The programs are flexible and allow students the flexibility to fit their schedule around their lives instead of having to spend years going back and forth to college. These programs also offer the opportunity to earn an associate's degree from a respected institution at an affordable price and at a pace that fits their schedules.

Students who have earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice can enroll in an online degree program to get even further training. In addition to earning an associate's degree, students will also earn a diploma or certificate. Earning an associate's degree can help them land a job in a variety of fields, such as corrections, probation, and police work.

A criminal justice degree can open doors for students when applying to schools, universities, and other institutions. This kind of degree is very important to any career and can provide a leg up when applying for job opportunities. Some employers are now requiring students to have at least a two years of education in this field in order to apply for jobs.

Students who earn these degrees will benefit by being trained and knowledgeable about the issues that are faced in the field of criminal justice. They will also have the chance to apply their knowledge and experience to a range of careers that may come their way. Earning an associate's degree or some type of criminal justice degree can open up many doors for students.

Choosing an Accredited College

Accreditation is vitally important when choosing a college. Do not even consider a school without accreditation, as you are wasting your precious time and money. Seek out schools with regional accreditation, according to their location. The six regional accreditation agencies are The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, The North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, The Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, The Southern Association of Schools and Colleges, and The Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

When it comes to law degrees, there is no question that the more prestigious the law school the easier it is for the graduate to find top employment. Not everyone is going to get into an Ivy League law school, but you must attend a school accredited by the American Bar Association. Generally, you cannot take the bar exam if the school from which you graduated was not accredited by the ABA.

Online vs On-Campus vs Hybrid

Many types of criminal justice degrees may be earned completely online. An online degree allows a working person to continue their education in a flexible manner, on their own schedule. It also permits a student to “attend” a school that is a great distance geographically, so they are not limited to institutions of higher education within a reasonable driving distance. When a student has other obligations, such as work and family, an online school is often the best choice. Other students want to attend a traditional bricks and mortar school, where they will attend classes at scheduled times and directly communicate with other students and professors. Some students may prefer a combination of the two, where they take many classes online but attend some seminars and similar offerings on campus.

Additional Questions

Does the College Have Post Graduate Job Placement Help & Assistance?

When looking for a college program to attend, you need to look at all the potential advantages of a school or program. Post-graduate job assistance should rank high on the list of important things to consider when selecting where you will enroll. A good job placement program, while it cannot guarantee you a position, will help you make sure you have the best classes and experiences under your belt. That way, you will have the best possible chance of getting the position you want. The time spent in school is a great time to prepare for your future career in Criminal Justice or Law. That can begin with a great internship, referral, mentorship, or hire. Schools that offer extensive job placement and career assistance can help you get all those things and more.

Why You Need to Consider How Rating/accreditation Can Affect Your Salary

Accreditation should be an extremely important factor when looking for and selecting a degree program. The accreditation status of the college or university that you choose has a huge impact on your future success in the field. Not only does an institution without accreditation lack proof that it adheres to academic standards, but it can negatively impact the amount of money you earn.

Because unaccredited programs do not necessarily cover certainly topics that are vital within the industry, employers may be more hesitant to hire you. Those that are willing to hire you will likely do so with the understanding that you likely have incomplete or insufficient knowledge in certain areas. To account for this, they will start you at a lower salary.