Is an associate’s degree in criminal justice worth it? If you’re interested in the systems we use to locate, arrest, prosecute criminals, then yes! There’s a wide range of careers you can pursue with an associate’s degree in criminal justice, with employment opportunities on the rise.
Other areas of the field are growing even faster. Employment among forensic science technicians is expected to increase by a staggering 14% over the next few years, signaling a much more significant growth than applied to other industries.
Opportunities for private detectives and investigators don’t fall far behind, with a 13% increase in employment by 2030. Read on for more information about different jobs you can pursue with an associate’s degree in criminal justice!
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Why Get a Criminal Justice Degree?
Though many positions across the criminal justice field provide on-the-job training, earning a degree before applying is a great way to maintain a leg up on the competition.
A degree in criminal justice demonstrates that applicants possess essential knowledge and skills pertaining to the job. Employers will look for someone with an existing foundation in criminal law, corrections, report writing, forensic science, and other aspects of the criminal justice system.
Beyond general education courses, criminal justice degree programs often provide life-like investigative assignments, mock crimes, and moot court events to better prepare students for their experiences on the job.
There’s also the matter of eligibility to consider. In addition to a high school diploma, police departments in major cities like New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia have an associate degree education requirement for all new hires. Most associate degree programs include a minimum of 60 credit hours.
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Other advantages of earning a criminal justice degree revolve around higher pay and opportunities for advancement. Degree holders are more likely to land more high-level positions immediately upon graduation, thanks to their previous training. Unsurprisingly, these roles are also associated with higher salaries.
As far as cost is concerned, many criminal justice degree programs offer financial aid packages to help students cover the tuition. Other discounts may be available to active duty military members and their spouses. Criminal justice online programs also make opportunities more accessible to individuals who are either employed or manning responsibilities at home.
This level of education provides access to even more prestigious and high-paying positions, including criminal investigator, DEA agent, forensic science technician, and secret service agent.
Some career paths will still require further education. Lawyers, detectives, and individuals working in homeland security typically need a master’s degree to practice.
Criminal Justice Career Outlook
The career outlook for criminal justice students remains promising. These programs provide individuals with the credentials needed to perform various entry-level jobs in law enforcement, private security, court administration, victim advocacy, corrections, and more.
The BLS also anticipates a number of positions will experience steady growth through 2030. Employment among police officers and detectives is due to increase by five percent during that window.
Meanwhile, opportunities among social and human servants are expected to balloon by a whopping 17 percent, a much faster rate of growth than projected for other careers. Other fast-growing career opportunities include cybercrime investigation, mental health counseling, and gambling surveillance.
Criminal Justice Jobs & Salary Expectations
As mentioned, there is a wide range of jobs you can pursue with a criminal justice background. Check out the information below to learn what kinds of positions you qualify for with an associate degree in criminal justice and how much they pay.
Police Officer
Police officers have committed to protecting the lives and property of the communities they serve. The job involves responding to emergency calls, providing evidence and testimony in criminal proceedings, and arresting offenders for crimes committed under their jurisdiction. It remains one of the most popular criminal justice careers among graduates.
To become a police officer, individuals must earn a GED or high school diploma. Though not all departments require applicants to possess a college degree, many require at least 60 college credits. Once hired, police officers will be sent to their local police academy, where they must complete a combination of physical and academic tasks.
Average Salary: $67,290
Top 10% Salary: $113,860
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Probation Officer
Probation officers help maintain public safety by managing probationers who complete a portion of their sentence in the community. They must supervise and discipline all individuals under their control. At the same time, they are responsible for supporting and rehabilitating the offenders they work with.
Probation officers should also have some background in communications, report writing, and firearm safety. Though it is possible to become a probation officer with an associate degree in criminal justice, some employers will require a bachelor’s degree.
Average Salary: $55,690
Top 10% Salary: $98,510
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Correctional Officer
Correctional officers or bailiffs work in correctional facilities overseeing those arrested and awaiting trial and individuals who have already been sentenced to serve time in jail. This law enforcement position requires specialized training in self-defense, security procedures, regulations, operations, and institutional policies. Standards may vary from state to state.
Average Salary: $47,440
Top 10% Salary: $81,360
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Legal Assistant
A legal assistant or paralegal helps lawyers research, write reports, and get ready for court. The job requires individuals to remain available to support the lawyers they work with in many ways, from preparing legal documents to handling evidence and more. Legal assistants typically find work in law firms, corporate legal departments, and government agencies.
Average Salary: $52,920
Top 10% Salary: $85,160
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Security Officer
Security officers protect public and private property from illegal activity. Most states require them to be licensed, especially if carrying a firearm. Employers often provide additional training, which may involve emergency procedures, proper communication, and crime prevention.
Average Salary: $31,080
Top 10% Salary: $62,450
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Social and Human Service Assistant
Social and human service assistants provide services to victims as they navigate the criminal justice proceedings. Their work primarily revolves around psychology, rehabilitation, and social work.
Average Salary: $35,960
Top 10% Salary: $56,080
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Correctional Treatment Specialist
Correctional treatment specialists work alongside parole officers and inmates in creating rehabilitation plans for probationers and parolees. These individuals also act as a resource to help recently released prisoners find housing, employment, and counseling services, including mental health and substance abuse treatment programs.
Average Salary: $55,690
Top 10% Salary: $98,510
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Conclusion
Choosing to pursue an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice is a great way to access several different careers. From joining the police force to aiding in rehabilitation efforts, graduates will be eligible to apply for jobs across the justice system.
A criminal justice education also provides better opportunities for advanced and high-paying positions. According to the BLS, individuals armed with an associate degree enjoy increased earnings and lower unemployment rates than those with just a high school diploma.
The New England Institute of Technology offers a nationally ranked associate degree program for those interested in becoming a criminal justice major. We also offer flexible programs and accelerated academic schedules for individuals who are already working in the field.
Students will gain access to one of the best-equipped forensic labs in Rhode Island, along with a 75-seat mock courtroom for case presentations and a 2,000-square-foot crime scene simulation lab.
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Graduates of our Associate Degree Program in Criminal Justice will have the opportunity to continue their education with our bachelor’s degree program. Students can complete the program in just 36 months to pursue positions as police officers, criminal justice counselors, federal law enforcement officers, corporate loss prevention experts, and more.
FAQ
Is criminal justice a useless degree?
A degree in criminal justice is far from useless. The credential provides individuals with the hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge needed to perform jobs across the criminal justice system.
Even if the job does not require any college experience, a degree allows individuals to apply for more advanced positions from the outset and qualify them for promotions as they become available. An associate’s degree in criminal justice will also help graduates negotiate higher salaries.
What can I do with an AS degree in criminal justice?
An associate degree in criminal justice qualifies graduates for a variety of jobs across the criminal justice field, such as police officer, crime scene investigator, security officer, paralegal, and more.
What are the top-paying jobs with an associate degree in criminal justice?
The top-paying jobs for individuals with an associate degree in criminal justice include police officer, correctional officer, legal assistant, and probation officer.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top ten percent of earners employed as police officers made over $113,000 in 2020. The organization also reports that probation officers can earn upwards of $98,000 per year.
What classes are required for an associate’s degree in criminal justice?
Criminal justice curriculums will vary, but they generally include courses on constitutional law, criminal justice, criminal justice reform, administration, eyewitness testimony, and evidence. At the New England Institute of Technology, we offer the following courses:
- Criminal Justice
- Corrections
- The Court System
- Forensics I
- Criminal Law
- Introduction to College Writing
- Introduction to College Math
- Report Writing
- Drugs & the Law
- Portfolio Management