Associate's degree programs in criminal justice vary slightly from college to college, but all generally focus on the fundamentals of criminal justice and law enforcement. Students will traditionally have to complete coursework on subjects like the societal causes of crime, the foundations of the American justice system, the court system, corrections, criminal procedures and the technical aspects behind law enforcement. They'll also be introduced to the subjects of parole, juvenile justice, victimology, forensic psychology, street gangs and homeland security.
Most of the nation's larger colleges feature departments that offer criminal justice education. Colorado Technical University's campus in Kansas City offers two-year criminal justice degree programs through which students earn an associate of applied science. Heald College also features programs that lead toward a two-year associate of applied science criminal justice degree, as does Remington College, which has campuses across the nation in cities like Cleveland, Colorado Springs, Houston, Memphis and Tampa.
Advances made in computer technology have made it possible for students to study and complete certain degree programs online. Many colleges offer associate's degree programs that are attainable online, an option that's ideal for students who can't physically attend classes. Everest University, Keiser University and Lincoln College are three schools that offer the online coursework required to earn associate of arts or science degrees in criminal science.
Several opportunities are more open to students who acquire an associate's degree in criminal justice. They may be ideal candidates for entry-level employment in fields like law enforcement, corrections and security. Obtaining an associate's degree in criminal justice also paves the way to higher degree opportunities in criminal justice. Students with a criminal justice associate's degree can continue training to achieve a bachelor's degree in a more focused aspect of the field.