Associates Degree in Criminal Justice – Program Overview
The Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice provides dynamic and intensive instruction in all aspects of the criminal justice system. We offer a comprehensive theoretical and practical understanding of criminal justice fundamentals during our criminal justice associates degree program. You can complete this program in as little as 18 months.
The first term focuses on core foundational courses like criminal justice, corrections, and the court system. From the second term of this program and continuing into the sixth term, you will learn specialized subjects under the criminal justice umbrella.
Our comprehensive criminal justice curriculum also equips you with critical thinking and valuable hands-on experience in applying the theoretical aspects to work. Additionally, an essential part of our criminal justice associate degree program includes contemporary issues in the field, so our graduates are aware of best practices in the area they will be entering.
Graduating in the criminal justice field can help you seek entry-level jobs as police officers, detectives, state troopers, correctional officers, court officers, criminal justice counselors, federal law enforcement officers, private security officers, crime scene investigators, and corporate loss prevention and insurance claims investigators.
Criminal Justice Degree –
Full Description
An Associate Degree in Criminal Justice in RI, provides dynamic and intensive instruction in all aspects of the criminal justice system. Criminal Justice students will utilize the skills and knowledge acquired to participate in an all-encompassing Criminal Justice (CJ) Portfolio beginning in the second term and continuing until graduation.
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The CJ portfolio in our criminal justice degree program is a life-like investigative assignment starting with the commission of a mock crime event, gathering of victim and witness statements, processing a crime scene, and collecting evidence. This representational process will culminate with the presentation of testimony in a Moot Court/Mock Trial scenario. The prospective graduates present a portfolio that they have constructed and maintained during the entire investigative process.
The first term focuses on core foundational courses like criminal justice, corrections, and the court system. Starting from the second term, the instructors teach various specialized disciplines under the criminal justice umbrella such as police operations and administration, report writing, forensic science, firearm skills, gangs, organized crime issues, drugs, and terrorism.
In the final term of their studies, our learners may have the option to participate in an internship to work with criminal justice professionals in the community.
Prospective students will gain valuable hands-on experience in various topics, including financial and cyber-crimes; police operations and report writing; criminal procedure; forensic science; firearm skills; drugs; and terrorism, gangs, and organized crime issues.
In addition, after completion of their associate’s degree program, you are eligible to continue for a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice.
After completion of your criminal associate degree program, you will have the desired qualification to seek entry-level employment in several challenging criminal justice professions such as police officer, state trooper, correctional officer, court officer, criminal justice counselor, federal law enforcement officer, private security officer, crime scene investigator, homeland security officer, criminal law counselor, corporate loss prevention, and insurance claims investigator.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that the employment of police and detectives will grow by 7 percent in the next ten years, while during the same period, there will be a 13 percent increase in the number of jobs for private detectives and investigators. In the United States, an increase in ongoing lawsuits, frauds, interpersonal distrust will propel the demand for investigative services.
Employers also demand stringent background checks that require the services of investigators and detectives. Additionally, even when crime rates fall, there is a continued demand for police services to maintain public safety.
You can also start your private investigation business in Rhode Island with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, subject to meeting the licensing requirements. Rhode Island graduates can also seek employment in other states with desired licensure and experience.
Financial aid at the New England Institute of Technology is also available from a variety of sources:
- Non-repayable grants
- Scholarships
- Work-study programs
- Student loans
- New England Institute of Technology’s tuition payment plan
Applicants may receive financial aid through any or all of the programs, depending on their financial needs.
Potential Career Opportunities
The Associate in Criminal Justice degree program will prepare you for employment opportunities in law enforcement, corrections, victim advocacy, homeland security, crime prevention, criminal justice administration, public safety, and similar career paths. Some typical career prospects for our associate’s degree holders include:
Correctional Officer
Crime Scene Investigator / Technician
Security Officer
FAQ
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Is an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Worth It?
An associate degree in criminal justice provides a variety of career opportunities immediately upon graduation. Other benefits of enrolling in criminal justice programs include higher pay, more room for advancement, refined skills, and competitive advantages.
After obtaining an associate degree in criminal justice, you can also continue to a bachelor’s degree and apply for advanced roles in criminal justice fields.
START YOUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREER
Earn your degree in Criminal Justice from NEIT and begin your new career path today!
ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
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How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice?
After completing your high-school diploma/ GED, you can get your degree in criminal justice as early as 18 months. However, some criminal justice associate degree programs can take up to two years.
Some schools also offer a hybrid/online program that gives you the option of attending college classes from the comfort of your home. Studying online also gives you the flexibility to participate in the course at your own pace. However, students must meet all the credit criteria to obtain their associate degree in criminal justice.
START YOUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREER
Earn your degree in Criminal Justice from NEIT and begin your new career path today!
ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
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What Jobs Can You Get with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice?
You can get entry-level jobs in the criminal justice fields with an associate’s degree as police officers, detectives, state troopers, correctional officers, criminal justice counselors, public safety professionals, federal law enforcement officers, private security officers, corporate security officers, crime scene investigators, etc.
START YOUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREER
Earn your degree in Criminal Justice from NEIT and begin your new career path today!
ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
You can also work in a nonprofit institution or start your own private investigation. Associate’s degree holders can also seek employment as local law enforcement professionals, active-duty military members, human service assistants, and police administration associates. Police and detectives must also graduate from their respective police academies or the agency’s training academy.
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Where Can You Get Criminal Justice Associate Degree in Rhode Island?
Several colleges and universities offer criminal justice associate degrees in RI, including the New England Institute of Technology, University of Rhode Island, Roger Williams University, and Salve Regina University. You can also enroll for an online criminal justice associate degree at the New England Institute of Technology.
An online associate program can give you the flexibility to learn at your own pace without sacrificing your current obligations. Schools like the New England Institute of Technology also offer simulated courtrooms for practical understanding of court systems and a crime scene simulation lab that adds more value to online learning.
START YOUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREER
Earn your degree in Criminal Justice from NEIT and begin your new career path today!
ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
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How Many Credits Do You Need for an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice?
You must complete a total of 95-98 college credits comprising lectures, laboratory, and quarter credit hours.
The curriculum in a criminal justice program typically includes law enforcement, corrections, mock trials, criminal procedure, interviewing and investigation techniques, contemporary criminal justice issues, police operations/simulated firearms skills, drugs, gangs, organized crimes, etc.
Schools also mandate that you take liberal arts and math courses to improve your communication, interpersonal, management, leadership, and professional skills.
If you have already completed these courses in your previous degree, you can also transfer credits subject to the school’s guidelines.
START YOUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREER
Earn your degree in Criminal Justice from NEIT and begin your new career path today!
ASSOCIATE’S DEGREE
BACHELOR’S DEGREE
