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Associate Degree in Criminal Justice

An Associate’s in Criminal Justice is a great opportunity for anyone looking for a career change, seeking to further advancement in the field, or an aspiring student wishing to pursue a career in the Criminal Justice field.

An Associate’s degree program will prepare students with a solid foundation and real-world knowledge in the areas of law enforcement, corrections, courts, legal processes, probation and security. The Associate degree programs also provide students with an in-depth understanding of the Criminal Justice system, equip students with the technical skills required in their specialized area of choice, as well as essential knowledge in the application of the social and behavioral science.

Earning an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice

An Associate’s in Criminal Justice typically takes two years to complete. The program is designed to teach students fundamental and technical Criminal Justice skills, in addition to immersing students in the study of the liberal arts and sciences. An Associate’s in Criminal Justice can be obtained through a junior college, community college, or through an online program which will provide numerous benefits for an individual currently in the law enforcement field. Some Associate’s programs may place special emphasis on the training and development of technical skills for professionals working in the field, while training and preparing aspiring students for specialized entry-level positions within the Criminal Justice system. An Associate’s degree may be transferred to a four-year degree college or university program.

Career Opportunities with an Associate’s in Criminal Justice

An Associate’s in Criminal Justice provides a solid foundation in the Criminal Justice field. The issue of crime and law enforcement is a major concern for country. Most police departments are always in demand for new recruits with basic college-level training and individuals with an Associate’s in Criminal Justice will be even more appealing. Potential job titles for a Criminal Justice degree holder include:

Bailiff
Border Patrol Agent
Customs Agent
Paralegal
Court Clerk
Law Clerk
Employment Agency Recruiter
Sheriff
Police Officer
Body Guard
Teacher
U.S. Marshall
U.S. Customs Agent
Military Officer

Salary for a Criminal Justice Graduate

The median salary for a Criminal Justice Associate’s degree holder will vary significantly depending on age, area of specialty and location. The lower ranking professionals in the law enforcement field such as police officers will earn an average $31,000 – $51,000. Police Sergeants and detectives may earn an average $68,500 per year, while the higher ranking positions such as police chiefs will earn between $81,000 and $91,000 annually.

Pros and Cons of Earning an Associate’s in Criminal Justice

Earning an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice will allow you to acquire in-depth knowledge and skills in the field of Criminal Justice. An Associate’s degree will also make you more appealing to potential employers than an individual with a Criminal Justice certificate. This will also pave the way for pursuing a higher degree in the field, further advancement within the law enforcement field and increase your salary prospects.

While there may be several benefits with earning an Associate degree, an individual with a two-year degree may find it difficult to maintain a viable edge with the continuous influx of Bachelor’s degree holders in the job market. A Bachelor’s degree holder will be more appealing to some employers hiring in a particular field and some will not even consider hiring an individual with an Associate degree.