Criminal Justice Associate Degree
Prepare for a career in the Criminal Justice field with an Online Associate of Applied Arts (A.A.S.) in Criminal Justice degree from the College of Legal Studies at National American University.
Criminal Justice Associate Program Overview
Criminal Justice is a dynamic field in which trained professionals work in law enforcement, the courts, private security, public safety, and corrections systems. A Criminal Justice Associate Degree will teach you to become an ethical change agent who can navigate the numerous enforcement and administrative agencies in the field.
Do you feel a noble calling to protect and serve your community in law enforcement, the courts, or corrections?
NAU’s Criminal Justice Associate of Applied Science Degree program may be for you. It will provide you with foundational knowledge of law enforcement, the courts, and corrections while exploring pocket areas such as Serial Killers, Community Policing, Diversity in Criminal Justice, Professional Ethics, Gangs in America, and Hate Crimes & the Law.
Upon completion of your degree, you will be able to effectively:
- Use critical thinking & problem-solving skills to explain preventive, deterrent and response actions related to criminal justice.
- Restate information from a variety of sources on issues of criminal justice.
- Express, in a variety of mediums, the implied ideas of presented information about criminal justice.
- Associate behaviors that lead to productive relationships to achieve goals in criminal justice field.
- Considers the viewpoints of others, and an understanding of the responsibility to contribute to one’s wider community.
Criminal Justice Associate Degree Classes and Curriculum
The Criminal Justice Associate Degree program consists of three class requirements: major core, open electives, and general education core. These classes total 90 credits.
Criminal Justice Major Core
31.5 credits
Open Electives
15 credits
General Education Core
43.5 credits
Course availability is subject to minimum class size requirements.
Criminal Justice Associate Degree Tuition and Fees
Learn more about our undergraduate tuition schedule.
Criminal Justice Associate Degree Career Outcomes
The Criminal Justice Online Associate degree prepares you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities you’ll need for entry-level employment in policing, courts, or corrections, as well as for career advancement to supervisory and administrative levels.
With an Associate in Criminal Justice, your career options include:
- Police Patrol Officer
- Court Clerk
- Court Bailiff
- Correctional Officer
- Probation or Parole Officer
Additional training will be required for policing and institutional corrections employment.
Who Is a Good Candidate for the Criminal Justice Associate Degree?
- Entry-level job seekers: The Criminal Justice Online Associate degree is an empowering first step if you plan to begin a Criminal Justice career. You receive the knowledge and skill base required for entry-level employment, even with no prior Criminal Justice work experience.
- Criminal justice professionals: ACriminal Justice Administrators commonly require a college degree to advance in a Criminal Justice field, regardless of your vast and diverse work experience. Your degree can demonstrate your dedication to your supervisors and set you apart from other job candidates. Also, as an online student, you can take classes as you advance your career.
Please Note:
Graphic images depicting violent crimes are utilized as teaching tools in various courses. Students should be prepared to view these images and to engage in discussions regarding these images as part of their required learning activities.
Individual agencies regulate the employment of individuals in the policing, courts, and corrections professions. Persons convicted of certain crimes may not serve in these positions. Please consult with the employer of interest to establish what regulations may exist.
Course Listing (90 Credits)
CJ1000 – Introduction to Criminal Justice
CJ1500 – Criminological Theory
CJ2100 – Criminal Law
CJ2150 – Professionalism and Ethics in Criminal Justice
CJ2280 – Communication for the Criminal Justice Professional
CJ2300 – U.S. Courts
CJ2400 – U.S. Corrections
CJ – CJ Electives
Communications
EN1150 – Composition I
EN1300 – Composition II
EN2100 – Speech OR
EN2150 – Interpersonal Professional Communication
Science
SC – Science Elective
Mathematics
MA2000 – Quantitative Reasoning
Humanities
HU2oo0 – Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Behavioral/Social Sciences
Behavioral/Social Science Elective
General Education
CS1202 – Strategies for Professionals OR
CS1204 – Advanced Strategies for Professionals
CS1302 – Consumer Mathematics
CS2080 – Career Management
Course availability is subject to minimum class size requirements.
