Degree for Featured: Associates

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Campbellsville University

 Associate AS in Criminal Justice Administration Website
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We have 2,304 associate's degree programs in our database.

Earning an associate’s degree in criminal justice typically involves a larger investment of time compared to a certificate program, but less time than what’s required for a bachelor’s degree. Most associate’s degree programs are designed to be completed in two years or less. There are a number of schools that also offer online criminal justice degrees, which may allow you to work at a slower or faster pace depending on your schedule.

Each degree program varies in terms of coursework but, generally, you can expect to take classes in law enforcement, criminal law, juvenile justice, corrections, court procedure, constitutional law, and victimology. You may also have the option of completing a capstone project or internship as part of your degree requirements.

What Can I Do with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice?

For many students, an associate’s degree in criminal justice is a preliminary step toward completing a bachelor’s degree. For others, an associate’s degree can lead to entry-level careers in law enforcement, the court system, or corrections. Some of the potential job opportunities you may pursue with an associate’s degree include working as a probation or parole officer at the state level, serving as a police officer or detective with a local law enforcement agency, working as a victim's advocate, or acting as a clerk of court.

Criminal justice graduates work in a wide variety of settings, including county jails, juvenile detention facilities, women’s shelters, state prisons, sheriff’s offices, police departments, and nonprofit organizations. You may also be able to find employment at the federal level, although agencies such as the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives or Customs and Border Patrol may require a bachelor’s or master’s degree for certain types of jobs. Joining professional organizations or associations such as the Fraternal Order of Police or the American Jail Association can be an excellent resource for finding potential employment opportunities and networking with others in the field.

Career Outlook for Criminal Justice Majors

Employment of criminal justice professionals is expected to increase, with the highest growth in the corrections field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of probation officers and correctional officers is expected to increase by 4 percent through 2020.

Projected employment of police officers is slightly higher at 7 percent. In terms of pay, salaries among criminal justice professionals can be higher than the average for all other professions. As of 2016 according to the BLS, the median annual wage for police officers and detectives was $61,600. Probation officers earned a median annual salary of $50,160 while correctional officers earned a bit less. While this is a good starting range, earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice may open the door to higher-paying opportunities.

Still Looking for a Criminal Justice Program?

Below are some of the top criminal justice degree writeups. You can review the program page, or schools by state to find detailed information about the degree or career.

Consider a sponsored online program currently accepting applications for 2025.

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We have 30 forensic psychology programs in our database.

Overview of Forensic Psychology
Psychology is the study of the human mind and the different behaviors that people engage in. Forensic psychology is the intersection of the application of psychological principles and the law. Forensic psychologists focus their efforts on the criminal justice system to understand and evaluate the causes of criminal behavior and its impact on the perpetrator, the victim, or society as a whole. While the most popular image of forensic psychology is that of the criminal profiler, the reality is actually quite different.

The Role of Forensic Psychologists

Forensic psychologists can perform a number of different functions within the criminal justice system. They may work with either adult or juvenile offenders to provide an assessment of the individual’s mental state or determine competency to stand trial. Forensic psychologists may also evaluate offenders to make sentencing recommendations or to assess the mental state of individuals who may be released on parole. A forensic psychologist may also be called upon to offer expert testimony at trial or assist with jury selection.

Completing a Degree in Forensic Psychology

Becoming a forensic psychologist means earning both a bachelor’s degree as well as a graduate degree in psychology. The American Academy of Forensic Sciences recommends completing a master’s degree in the behavioral sciences before moving on to a doctoral degree. Typically, forensic psychologists are required to earn a PhD or PsyD with an emphasis on either clinical or counseling psychology. To complete an advanced psychology degree successfully, you’ll need to have excellent critical-thinking skills, an understanding of scientific theory and empirical research, as well as knowledge of both criminal and civil law. Strong written and oral communication skills are also desirable. Once you complete your degree, you’ll need to become licensed and certified as a psychologist in the state where you plan to work.

Job Openings for Forensic Psychologists

Forensic psychologists may choose to work as private consultants or in public medical settings, such as hospitals or clinics. They may also be employed by local, state, or federal government agencies, such as the Bureau of Prisons or the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Overall, employment of psychologists, including forensic psychologists, is expected to increase by 22 percent through 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. As of 2010, the median annual income for psychologists was $68,640, with wages tending to be highest among individuals working in industrial-organizational settings.

Still Looking for a Criminal Justice Program?

Below are some of the top criminal justice degree writeups. You can review the program page, or schools by state to find detailed information about the degree or career.