Criminal Justice

Associate Degree 4 months per semester

Criminal Justice Associate Degree

Q: How long does it take to earn a criminal justice associate degree?

Earning a criminal justice associate degree traditionally takes two years. However, with Penn Foster's self-paced, online program, completion time can adjust to fit your schedule. On average, students finish each semester in 4-9 months, potentially accelerating the overall timeline.

If you're looking for a career that allows you to make a difference while protecting public safety and upholding laws, our online Criminal Justice Associate Degree can help you prepare for the job you want today. You'll learn the foundations of justice, criminology and law through flexible online classes you can complete from home, on your schedule.

Can prepare students for entry-level criminal justice jobs like police officer, corrections officer, court clerk, and more.
College-level classes cover foundational knowledge in criminal law, criminology, police studies, community corrections, crime scene investigation, crisis intervention, police management, and more to help you succeed in the criminal justice field.
Earn 71 college credits that can be transferred to Penn Foster's Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree if you choose to further your education. Credits may also be transferrable to other higher education institutions.
Our online programs are flexible enough for you to finish them at a pace that works for you, based on how much time you can dedicate to your coursework each week.

Accredited

Online

Self Paced

First Semester

$1,599

$2,199 Save $600

$69/month, Start for as low as $20

Enroll Now Request Info

1-800-471-3232 (9AM - 9PM ET)

female criminal justice professional in front of courthouse.

What You Will Learn

How the history of the legal system and law impact criminal justice today, including learning about the legal system in the United States, the origins and history of the law, the development of common law, statutory law, constitutional law and more.
How to understand the substantive and procedural operations of the criminal justice system with focus on the prosecutorial, judicial, and defense functions.
How to understand and apply the principles of criminal responsibility and the requirement of culpable mental states, the various defenses used to negate or to mitigate criminal liability, victims' interaction with the criminal justice system, and the prevailing theories and philosophies for criminal punishment including restitution, retribution, rehabilitation.
How modern policing works including the management and organizational components in the modern police organization and the various methods and theories of policing, including reactive, proactive, problem-solving, community policing.

Full Program Goal & Outcomes

Career Outcomes

Police Officer

AVG SALARY*

$69,160/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS*

808,200

JOB GROWTH*

Corrections Officer

AVG SALARY**

$49,610/yr

NUMBER OF JOBS**

395,700

Our online Criminal Justice Associate Degree can help prepare graduates for a variety of jobs in the legal and criminal justice field including police officer, corrections officer, bailiff, court clerk, and more.

State Licensing Requirements

Associate Degrees from Penn Foster College are awarded under licensing from the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. See the State Licensing page for contact information for state licensing/regulatory boards and certain industry licensing information.

Woman reading through paperwork in office.

How to Prepare for a Criminal Justice Career

Criminal Justice Curriculum

4 Semesters
71 Credits

Estimated completion time per semester:

Fast track = 4 months
Average time = 9 months

With Penn Foster, you can learn at whatever pace works best for you. Some learners will be more comfortable moving faster, and dedicating more time, and the fast track estimate will apply to them. The average track will apply to most learners who can dedicate a few hours per week to completing their coursework. The estimated completion times per semester are based on completion times for learners enrolled in this program from November 2020 - October 2021, excluding withdrawals.

In our Criminal Justice Associate Degree courses, you'll learn the foundational criminal justice concepts that are used everyday in law enforcement. Your online courses include:

Criminal Law
Police Studies
Crime Scene Investigation Basics
Criminology

Show Full Curriculum

Criminal Justice Student Success Stories

Penn Foster’s Criminal Justice Associate Degree can help prepare you for the first step in your criminal justice or legal career. This program has helped recent graduates find new jobs while learning at their own pace. Learn more about Penn Foster graduates' experiences and how Penn Foster worked for them.

View Student Success Stories

Katrina E.

Penn Foster Graduate, 2023

“I am working to complete my bachelors. I completed my associates and was able to land another position with a salary increase.”

Looking for training for your workers?

Penn Foster currently works with hundreds of leading employers to meet their unique organizational needs.

Learn More

Criminal Justice Associate Degree Tuition

Take the first steps toward a new career with our Criminal Justice Associate Degree Program. Simply choose from one of our low-cost customized payment plans below and get started today!

Option 1: Pay semester in full

First Semester

$1,599

$2,199 Save $600

Best price. Best value.
Pay the full cost today
No monthly payments

Enroll Now

Option 2: Monthly Auto Pay Plan

First Semester

$2,199

Pay $69 per month
Start for $20 down
All major credit and debit cards accepted

Enroll Now

Option 3: Monthly Mail Pay Plan

First semester

$2,199

Pay $69 per month
Start for $39 down
Mail your payments

Enroll Now

Our Proven Criminal Justice Learning Model

Empowering students to reach their professional goals

Flexible

Start anytime
No exam due dates
Self-paced

Interactive

Digital study guides
Self-check quizzes
Webinars and discussion boards

Connected

24/7 access to online resources
Online student community
Dedicated Learner Center

Supportive

Expert faculty
Dedicated student services
Robust learning resources

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FAQ

How long does it take to earn a criminal justice associate degree?

The length of time it can take to complete a criminal justice associate degree can vary. In a traditional school setting, you'll study for at least two years. However, with a self-paced, online degree program in criminal justice like the one offered at Penn Foster, you can finish the program in the time frame that works best for you and your schedule.

What can you do with an associate degree in criminal justice?

Earning an associate degree in criminal justice can prepare you for a variety of entry-level legal and law enforcement jobs. Job opportunities for graduates can include roles as police officers, corrections officers, court bailiffs or clerks, paralegals, and more. For those interested in pursuing a job as a police officer, it's important to note that, depending on your state or county, you may be required to earn further certifications and complete studies at a local police academy before qualifying for the job. By earning an associate degree in criminal justice, you can prepare to meet any prerequisites for a police academy as well as have a head start on understanding the ins and outs of criminal justice before applying.

What will I learn while earning an associate degree in criminal justice?

In your online criminal justice degree program, you'll learn the foundational skills and knowledge relevant to working in law and law enforcement. An associate-level criminal justice curriculum should cover some fundamental topics like criminal law, criminology, police management, and even crime scene investigation basics. You'll also take general education classes in English, psychology, and more to round out your education.

What is the average salary for someone with a criminal justice associate degree?

The average salary for someone with an associate degree in criminal justice can vary depending on the job you pursue. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, corrections officers can earn a national average salary of $49,610 per year while a police officer can earn $69,160 per year.* Your potential salary can also vary based on education, work experience, where you work, and even the state in which you live.

Can you earn a criminal justice degree online?

Yes! With an accredited, online college you can earn a degree in criminal justice that can help you prepare for a career in the field. Through Penn Foster's Criminal Justice Associate Degree, you'll learn the important concepts and theories that have shaped the law and law enforcement.

Disclaimers:

California residents please click here for Required California Disclosures.

Sources:

*Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Police and Detectives." Accessed October 3, 2023.

**Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, "Correctional Officers and Bailiffs." Accessed October 3, 2023.

Statements found in the United States Department of Labor Occupational Outlook Handbook are not a guarantee of any post-graduation salary, in part because the data used to create the Occupational Outlook Handbook includes workers from differing educational backgrounds, levels of experience, and geographic areas of the country.