What You Can Expect from a Criminal Justice Program
An Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Criminal Justice is a two-year degree designed to prepare students for entry-level jobs in law enforcement, corrections, private security, and related public service careers. These programs combine theoretical knowledge of the criminal justice system with practical, hands-on training to ensure students are job-ready upon graduation. Students also develop strong ethical reasoning, communication, and decision-making skills that are essential in the field.
What You Study in a Criminal Justice AAS Program
A typical AAS in Criminal Justice includes between 60 and 90 credit hours. The curriculum is split across three main categories: core criminal justice courses, general education, and electives.
Core Criminal Justice Courses These courses focus on essential topics in the criminal justice system:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Criminal Law
- Criminology
- Police Procedures
- Juvenile Justice
- Homeland Security
- Correctional Systems and Practices
- Criminal Investigations
- Criminal Procedure
- Ethics in Criminal Justice
Programs may also include field training such as a Criminal Justice Externship, offering direct experience in police departments, courts, or correctional facilities.
General Education Courses Students gain communication and analytical skills through general education subjects:
- English Composition I & II
- College Algebra
- Public Speaking
- Psychology
- U.S. Government
- Literature or Humanities
- Anatomy and Physiology (in some programs)
Electives Depending on the school, electives may allow specialization in areas like:
- White Collar Crime
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Cybersecurity and Computer-Based Crime
- International Relations
- Victimology
- Women and Criminal Justice
Program Length and Format
Most programs take about two years of full-time study to complete. Some colleges offer part-time or online formats to accommodate working students. Examples include:
- Purdue Global University – fully online
- Hudson Valley Community College – online and on-campus options
- San Jacinto College – in-person with transferable certificates
Admissions Requirements
Admission is generally open to high school graduates or GED holders. Requirements vary by institution, but commonly include:
- Completed application
- Official transcripts
- Placement or entrance testing (if required)
- Minimum GPA (varies)
- Criminal background check (if participating in field placements)
Programs like Brightpoint Community College may offer additional credits for certified law enforcement officers. Some institutions, such as Prince George’s Community College, partner with police academies to award credit for academy training.
Program Costs
The total cost of a Criminal Justice AAS degree varies widely based on location and format:
- In-district public colleges: $5,000–$12,000 (e.g., McHenry County College, College of Lake County)
- Out-of-district or online schools: $15,000–$30,000 (e.g., Purdue Global charges $371 per credit)
Many programs offer financial aid, scholarships, veteran benefits, and flexible payment plans.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of AAS in Criminal Justice programs qualify for roles such as:
- Police Officer
- Correctional Officer
- Private Security Guard
- Juvenile Services Caseworker
- Court Clerk
- Crime Scene Technician
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the median annual salary for police officers at around $69,000. Entry-level roles in corrections and security may start between $35,000–$45,000, with potential for advancement.
Programs like SUNY Morrisville and Montgomery College also offer transfer pathways to bachelor’s programs for students pursuing long-term careers in law, forensics, or public administration.
Top Schools
For those aiming to begin or advance a career in law enforcement, corrections, or related fields, Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degrees in Criminal Justice offer a focused and practical path forward. Across the United States, a diverse range of community colleges and institutions provide specialized training that blends real-world scenarios with theoretical foundations in the justice system.
Whether students are recent high school graduates or current professionals seeking to expand their credentials, these programs offer flexible schedules, hands-on experiences, and pathways to further education. The following schools exemplify the breadth and quality of today’s career-ready criminal justice education.
| School | Location | Program Length | Estimated Cost | Delivery Format | Unique/Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| College of the Mainland | Texas City, TX | 2 years | Not listed | On-campus, flexible options | Ideal for current law enforcement personnel; real-world application focus |
| McHenry County College | Crystal Lake, IL | 64 weeks | $11,420 (in-district) | On-campus | Strong emphasis on public policy roles and ethical training |
| Hudson Valley Community College | Troy, NY | 2 years | Not listed | Online with some in-person labs | Transfer agreements and credit for prior law enforcement training |
| College of Lake County | Grayslake, IL | 2 years | $12,318 | On-campus | Over 50% of curriculum focused directly on criminal justice |
| San Jacinto College | Pasadena, TX | 2 years | Not listed | On-campus | Credit for police academy, up to 3 embedded certificates, transfer-ready |
| Brightpoint Community College | Midlothian, VA | 2 years | G3 assistance available | On-campus with some online elements | Simulations and up to 20 credits for certified VA officers |
| Prince George’s Community College | Largo, MD | 2 years | Not listed | Fully online | Earn up to 32 credits from police academy training |
| SUNY Morrisville | Morrisville, NY | 2 years | Not listed | On-campus | Hands-on training and B.Tech. continuation option available |
| Jackson State Community College | Jackson, TN | 2 years or less | Not listed | On-campus | Two specialized tracks: Corrections and Law Enforcement |
| Montgomery College | Germantown, MD | 2 years | Not listed | On-campus and online | Faculty advising plus transfer agreements with multiple universities |
| Purdue Global University | Online / West Lafayette, IN | 2 years | $371/credit hour | Fully online | Flexible schedule with military credit pathways and capstone project |
College of the Mainland
https://www.com.edu/academics/law-enforcement/aas-criminal-justice-degree.html
Texas City, TX
Practical Preparation for Criminal Justice Careers
The Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Criminal Justice at College of the Mainland is designed for students pursuing careers in law enforcement, including roles such as police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and correctional officers. The program also benefits individuals who are currently working in police or correctional services and want to deepen their knowledge and qualifications. The curriculum emphasizes real-world applications of criminal justice principles and provides foundational training for local, state, and federal careers in the field.
Career-Ready Curriculum with Flexible Options
The program equips students with critical thinking and communication skills, while fostering an understanding of legal systems and enforcement procedures. Students graduate with a strong base to either begin their professional careers immediately or continue with additional education. With flexible learning options and a focus on career readiness, this A.A.S. degree is a valuable stepping stone for those committed to justice and public service.
McHenry County College
https://www.mchenry.edu/criminaljustice/
Crystal Lake, Illinois
Comprehensive Education in Law Enforcement Fundamentals
McHenry County College offers a 60-credit Criminal Justice A.A.S. degree that develops students’ understanding of the American criminal justice process. Over the course of 64 weeks, students study criminal law, criminology, the judicial process, and ethical decision-making. The curriculum focuses on practical training for public policy roles and administrative functions within criminal justice institutions.
Affordable, Accessible, and Focused on Student Outcomes
The total in-district tuition cost for this program is approximately $11,420, offering an accessible path to career advancement or entry into the workforce. MCC’s program is ideal for individuals already employed in the criminal justice field or those just beginning their professional journey. It also serves as a solid foundation for further academic pursuit in the field.
Hudson Valley Community College
https://www.hvcc.edu/programs/all/business-liberalarts/criminal-justice-aas.html
Troy, NY
Flexible Options for Aspiring Justice Professionals
Hudson Valley Community College’s A.A.S. in Criminal Justice prepares students for diverse roles in the criminal and juvenile justice systems. Offered through the Business and Criminal Justice Department, the program enables students to pursue careers in law enforcement, crime prevention, or corrections at various governmental levels. It also supports continued education with several formal transfer agreements.
Online Access and Hands-On Experience
Students benefit from online availability of all core criminal justice courses, though some, like Forensic Science I, may require in-person lab work. The program allows for college credit recognition of prior professional training and emphasizes experiential learning. Designed for full- or part-time study, the degree is an ideal match for both new and in-service students.
College of Lake County
https://www.clcillinois.edu/programs/bssdv/criminal-justice/criminal-justice-aas-career-degree
Grayslake, IL
Engage in Real-World Criminal Justice Scenarios
The Associate in Applied Science in Criminal Justice at College of Lake County is a 62-credit hour program that typically takes two years to complete. The program combines theoretical knowledge with active class discussion and interaction, preparing students for roles in law enforcement, courts, and corrections. With over half the coursework focused on criminal justice, students develop strong industry-specific skills.
Skills That Translate to Multiple Career Paths
At a cost of approximately $12,318, this program trains students in communication, supervision, project management, and software proficiency. Graduates may pursue immediate employment as police officers or correctional officers, or continue their studies to prepare for careers such as federal agents or attorneys.
San Jacinto College
https://publications.sanjac.edu/areas-study/public-safety-human-consumer-services/criminal-justice-aas/
Pasadena, TX
Versatile Degree with Multiple Career Avenues
San Jacinto College’s A.A.S. in Criminal Justice is tailored to those looking to enter law enforcement, homeland security, social work, or corrections. The program emphasizes civic duty and social impact while training students in core aspects of the justice system. It supports both career entry and long-term educational goals, including transitions to pre-law and bachelor’s programs.
Credit for Prior Learning and Transfer Opportunities
The degree allows students with prior police academy training to earn credit, accelerating their path to graduation. Students can also earn up to three certificates along the way and potentially transfer to a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Science program. The curriculum blends classroom learning with external experiences, and vaccination requirements apply to students participating in those placements.
Brightpoint Community College
https://www.brightpoint.edu/majors/criminal-justice-aas
Midlothian, VA
Real-World Learning with Transfer Potential
Brightpoint’s Criminal Justice A.A.S. is a two-year program designed to prepare students for jobs in corrections, security, and investigations. The curriculum includes simulations that train students in ethical behavior, legal systems, juvenile justice, and crime theories. G3 tuition assistance is available for eligible students, and the program offers up to 20 credits to certified Virginia Law Enforcement Officers.
Designed for Immediate Employment or Further Study
Although primarily career-focused, the program has established transfer pathways to institutions like Old Dominion University and Virginia Commonwealth University. Graduates emerge with strong analytical and communication skills and can pursue roles ranging from security officers to criminal investigators.
Prince George’s Community College
https://www.pgcc.edu/programs-courses/program-finder/criminal-justice-aas/
Largo, MD
Workforce-Ready Training with Real Partnerships
The 60-credit A.A.S. in Criminal Justice from Prince George’s Community College prepares students for roles across the justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. The college has an active partnership with the local police academy, allowing graduates who complete academy training to earn up to 32 credits toward their degree.
Online Flexibility and Practical Skill Development
Offered fully online, the program focuses on investigative techniques, communication, and ethical decision-making. It supports both direct workforce entry and potential transfer to a four-year institution, making it a flexible option for new and experienced justice professionals alike.
SUNY Morrisville
https://www.morrisville.edu/program/criminal-justice-aas
Morrisville, NY
Hands-On Training in Modern Justice Systems
The A.A.S. in Criminal Justice at SUNY Morrisville offers a hands-on education in areas such as policing, investigations, and the judicial process. The 60-credit program spans two years and includes training in crime scene management, evidence collection, and legal procedures. Students gain practical experience through clubs, simulations, and law enforcement partnerships.
Strong Foundation for Employment or Further Education
Graduates can pursue roles with municipal or state police, correctional agencies, or court systems. The college also offers a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech.) in Criminal Justice for those seeking to continue their studies. With its focus on applied learning and community involvement, this program effectively prepares students for a range of justice-related careers.
Jackson State Community College
https://jscc.edu/academics/programs/cj-cj/
Jackson, TN
Jackson State Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice designed for students pursuing a career in law enforcement or current professionals seeking advancement. The program can be completed in two years or less and features two specialized tracks: Corrections and Law Enforcement. Taught by instructors with real-world experience, the curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning and practical knowledge that directly applies to criminal justice settings. The program is part of the college’s “Green Light” career-ready initiative, aimed at fast-tracking students into the workforce.
Career Preparation and Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for a variety of entry-level roles within the criminal justice field, including positions in policing, corrections, and juvenile services. The associate degree is well-suited for both recent high school graduates and those already employed in the field who need a formal degree to move forward in their careers. With a focus on real-world applications and career readiness, this program equips students with the foundational skills and knowledge needed to succeed in law enforcement or correctional roles.
Montgomery College
https://www.montgomerycollege.edu/academics/programs/criminal-justice/criminal-justice-aas-degree.html
Germantown, MD
Montgomery College’s Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice prepares students for immediate employment or advancement in the criminal justice field. The curriculum integrates liberal arts with career-specific coursework and is designed to serve both current professionals and students new to the field. The program provides faculty support to help students choose courses aligned with their career interests. It also offers flexibility for those considering transfer options, with articulation agreements in place with schools such as Bowie State, UMGC, and Excelsior College.
Career Preparation and Outcomes
Graduates of this AAS program are well-positioned for a wide range of criminal justice roles, including police officer, sheriff’s deputy, correctional officer, juvenile services caseworker, and private security agent. While some positions may require a bachelor’s degree, this associate program equips students with a solid foundation in criminal justice, opening doors to both employment and further education. A separate AA in Criminal Justice is available for students with plans to transfer to a four-year university, such as the University of Maryland.
Purdue Global University
https://www.purdueglobal.edu/degree-programs/criminal-justice/online-criminal-justice-associate-degree/
West Lafayette, IN
Purdue Global’s Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice is a 100% online program designed for flexibility and career advancement. Consisting of 18 courses and typically completed in about two years, the program costs $371 per credit hour and requires 15–18 hours of coursework per week. The curriculum covers criminology, criminal law, investigation techniques, terrorism, corrections, and more, and includes a capstone project for real-world application. Elective options allow students to tailor their studies to specific interests or career paths.
Career Preparation and Outcomes
Graduates are equipped for entry-level positions across law enforcement, courts, corrections, private security, and public safety. The program emphasizes both theoretical and practical skills, with discipline-specific outcomes like understanding crime theory and legal principles. Purdue Global also offers unique credit pathways for military servicemembers. While the program prepares students for many roles, it may not fulfill all state requirements for certain law enforcement positions, such as corrections officers in Minnesota. Certification eligibility depends on individual factors like experience and background.
Conclusion
Pursuing an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice is not only a meaningful step toward a career in law enforcement, corrections, or public safety—it can also be a financially manageable one. With tuition for many of these programs ranging between $10,000 and $13,000, let’s use a rounded average tuition of $12,000 to estimate repayment timelines.
According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average starting salary for entry-level roles in the criminal justice field (e.g., correctional officers, police dispatchers, security officers) typically falls between $35,000 and $42,000 annually. For this example, we’ll use a conservative starting salary of $38,000 per year.
Here’s how long it would take to pay off a $12,000 student loan (excluding interest, for simplicity) depending on the percentage of salary dedicated to repayment:
- 5% of salary ($1,900/year) → ~6.3 years
- 10% of salary ($3,800/year) → ~3.2 years
- 15% of salary ($5,700/year) → ~2.1 years
- 20% of salary ($7,600/year) → ~1.6 years
These estimates show that, even with modest income levels, criminal justice graduates can realistically repay their educational investment in just a few years—especially with budgeting discipline or the help of financial aid, scholarships, or employer tuition reimbursement programs. The result? A manageable path to a rewarding and respected career in public service.