Associate Degree in Criminal Justice: Online Degree
Do you want to be a police officer, court worker, corrections agent or investigator? Do you not have the type of schedule that allows you to attend classes in a traditional on-campus setting? You can earn an associate's degree in criminal justice online. Keep reading to learn more. Schools offering Criminal Justice degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
What Is an Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice Online Program Like?
If you need a flexible schedule while you earn your associate's degree in criminal justice, an online program lets you work on your own time from home. Typically, you need about two years of full-time study to complete the program. In many cases you can either enter the work force or transfer your credits to a 4-year bachelor's degree program.
The skills you gain in a criminal justice associate's degree online program prepare you for work in local and state police agencies, sheriff's departments, courts and correctional facilities. In some cases, you can choose between earning an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) or an Associate of Science (A.S.). The A.A.S. program gives you practical skills that can be applied to entry-level jobs upon graduation. The A.S. program typically prepares you for further education.
What Will My Courses Be Like?
The courses you take in this program give you an understanding of the courts, agencies and laws that make up the justice system in the U.S. You will gain historical, theoretical and practical perspectives of the corrections process. The roles of various actors within the system are discussed; you learn about detainees, guards, parole boards, probation officers, police officers, judges, lawyers and others that play a part in serving justice.
You can usually take some elective courses, too. These offerings include criminal investigations, juvenile justice, drug abuse and other courses. Criminal procedures, agency management, evidence protocol and ethics are also covered. Some programs allow you to focus on law enforcement or other concentrations, such as criminalistics and the study of delinquency.
How Do I Learn Online?
Most schools that offer online degree programs give you access to their Web-based classroom management software. This is what you use to stay on top of class assignments, view reading materials and participate in discussions. All you usually need to enroll is a working computer and regular high-speed Internet access. Course exam dates, deadlines and school schedules still apply, though. Coursework is usually much the same as in on-campus classes, and you need to spend the same amount of time studying and completing assignments.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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