Most community colleges offer associate degrees in criminal justice. While some colleges offer this degree in the form of an associate of arts degree (A.A.), there are many that offer an associate of science (A.S.) degree in criminal justice. Since community colleges offer associate degrees, which are two-year degrees, students will generally need to complete between 60 and 66 credits.
Community colleges are generally less expensive than four-year colleges or universities. Students who attend accredited community colleges can transfer to four-year colleges or universities. Students can earn a two-year degree, seek employment, and then attend a four-year college to earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice if they wish to advance their career. That said, there are many career opportunities for individuals who have an associate degree in criminal justice.
The coursework that a criminal justice student needs to complete at a community college varies. Students will generally need to take sociology, psychology, social problems, introduction to criminal justice, criminology, law, investigative techniques, criminal justice ethics and juvenile delinquency. Criminal justice students are also usually required to take English, mathematics, and speech communications to earn their degree. Students are also usually required to complete an internship prior to graduation.
Community colleges generally provide the required courses for criminal justice through two methods of delivery. Students are able to take courses in traditional classroom settings. They may also be able to take their courses through distance learning. Some community colleges allow students to complete their entire degree entirely online, while others have some on-campus requirements. If the student chooses to complete an online degree from a community college in another state, they may need to arrange to complete a local internship.
An associate degree in criminal justice can provide many career opportunities. Students can generally work as police officers, security officers, detectives, private investigators, fish and game wardens, and correctional officers. With further education, criminal justice majors can become probation and parole officers, crime scene investigators, and federal law enforcement agents. Earnings will vary according to the specific career choice, but the job outlook for most careers in the criminal justice field is good.