How many credits for criminal justice associate degree

Associate Degree 5 months

Criminal Justice Associate Degree

If you're looking for a career that allows you to make a difference while protecting public safety and upholding laws, our online Criminal Justice Associate Degree can help you prepare for the job you want today. You'll learn the foundations of justice, criminology and law through flexible online classes you can complete from home, on your schedule.

  • Can prepare students for entry-level criminal justice jobs like police officer, corrections officer, court clerk, and more. 
  • College-level classes cover foundational knowledge in criminal law, criminology, police studies, community corrections, crime scene investigation, crisis intervention, police management, and more to help you succeed in the criminal justice field.
  • Earn 71 college credits that can be transferred to Penn Foster's Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree if you choose to further your education. Credits may also be transferrable to other higher education institutions.
  • Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.

First Semester

$1,499

$2,199 Save $700

or

$69/month, Start for as low as $19

1-800-471-3232 (10AM - 6:30PM EST)

Career Outcomes

Police Officer

Corrections Officer


Our online Criminal Justice Associate Degree can help prepare graduates for a variety of jobs in the legal and criminal justice field including police officer, corrections officer, bailiff, court clerk, and more.

State Licensing Requirements

Associate Degrees from Penn Foster College are awarded under licensing from the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

Criminal Justice Curriculum

  • 4 Semesters
  • 71 Credits

Estimated completion time per semester:

  • Fast track = 5 months
  • Average time = 10 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework.

In our Criminal Justice Associate Degree courses, you'll learn the foundational criminal justice concepts that are used everyday in law enforcement. Your online courses include:


  • Criminal Law
  • Police Studies
  • Crime Scene Investigation Basics
  • Criminology

Show Full Curriculum

Criminal Justice Associate Degree Tuition

Take the first steps toward a new career with our Criminal Justice Associate Degree Program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today!   

Our Proven Criminal Justice Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

  • Start anytime 
  • No exam due dates 
  • Self-paced 

Interactive

  • Digital study guides 
  • Self-check quizzes 
  • Webinars and discussion boards 

Connected

  • 24/7 access to online resources
  • Online student community 
  • Student Portal Help Center

Supportive

  • Expert faculty 
  • Dedicated student services 
  • Robust learning resources

FAQ

How long does it take to earn a criminal justice associate degree?

The length of time it can take to complete a criminal justice associate degree can vary. In a traditional school setting, you'll study for at least two years. However, with a self-paced, online degree program in criminal justice like the one offered at Penn Foster, you can finish the program in the time frame that works best for you and your schedule. On average, most students can earn their associate degree in 16-24 months.

What can you do with an associate degree in criminal justice?

Earning an associate degree in criminal justice can prepare you for a variety of entry-level legal and law enforcement jobs. Job opportunities for graduates can include roles as police officers, corrections officers, court bailiffs or clerks, paralegals, and more. For those interested in pursuing a job as a police officer, it's important to note that, depending on your state or county, you may be required to earn further certifications and complete studies at a local police academy before qualifying for the job. By earning an associate degree in criminal justice, you can prepare to meet any prerequisites for a police academy as well as have a head start on understanding the ins and outs of criminal justice before applying.

What will I learn while earning an associate degree in criminal justice?

In your online criminal justice degree program, you'll learn the foundational skills and knowledge relevant to working in law and law enforcement. An associate-level criminal justice curriculum should cover some fundamental topics like criminal law, criminology, police management, and even crime scene investigation basics. You'll also take general education classes in English, psychology, and more to round out your education.

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

The average salary for someone with an associate degree in criminal justice can vary depending on the job you pursue. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, corrections officers can earn a national average salary of $47,440 per year while a police officer can earn $67,290 per year.* Your potential salary can also vary based on education, work experience, where you work, and even the state in which you live.

Can you earn a criminal justice degree online?

Yes! With an accredited, online college you can earn a degree in criminal justice that can help you prepare for a career in the field. Through Penn Foster's Criminal Justice Associate Degree, you'll learn the important concepts and theories that have shaped the law and law enforcement.

Disclaimers:

California residents please click here for Required California Disclosures.

Sources:

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. "Police and Detectives." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Accessed May 20, 2021. 

Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. "Correctional Officers and Bailiffs." Occupational Outlook Handbook. Accessed May 20, 2021. 

Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.

What is the easiest associate's degree to get?

The easiest associate degree to get is an online Associate Degree in General Studies, Liberal Studies, or Education. Although these online associate degree programs have flexible curricula, how easy you find your coursework will depend on your learning abilities and style.

How fast can you get an associate's degree at Penn Foster?

An online associate degree in business at Penn Foster is self-paced and can be completed around your schedule, with no set start dates or exam deadlines. However, on average, most students complete the associate degree within a period of two years and a bachelor's degree in a period of four years.

How long is Penn Foster criminal justice program?

In Penn Foster's online Criminal Justice Program, you can study at your own pace and start each semester when you're ready instead of waiting for a new term to begin. With that in mind, most students can earn their degree in 36-48 months.

How long does it take to get an associates degree at Snhu?

Southern New Hampshire University's associate degree programs are 60 credits, typically broken down into 20 3-credit courses. As a full-time student, you'd be able to take 2 classes per term – giving you the opportunity to earn your degree in less than 2 years.