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"Degrees & Programs"

Associate's degree

Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice

2 years

Approximate Program Length

60

Total Credits

$398

Cost per Credit

Online

Format

Start when you're ready

Register by: Aug 24, 2022

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Learn how the criminal justice and corrections systems operate — and prepare for a career that allows you to support the agencies, systems and procedures involved in criminal justice. Our customizable Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice is transfer-friendly when you optimize your work experience, transfer credits and certifications.

Courses in this program are just 5 weeks long, so they won’t get in the way of your busy life. Plus, There’s no application fee, no SAT test requirements, and we’ll even request your prior college transcripts for you.

  • Enforcement

  • Sociology

  • Communication

Download program and career details

A degree built around the skills employers want

We know what skills employers want because we did our homework.

We worked with labor market researchers to align in-demand skills with our program to ensure you have the opportunity to learn and demonstrate them in your coursework.

Look for the skills icon to see exactly which in-demand skills you’re learning in the courses you take.

See how skills-aligned learning works
Skills-aligned program

Courses

1

Course at a time

5

Weeks per course

10

Courses per year

Schedule

Your academic counselor will help you schedule your courses for an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice.

What you'll learn

When you earn your online associate’s in criminal justice, you’ll be equipped with a concrete set of skills you can apply on the job. 

You’ll learn how to:

  • Explain the foundational components of the criminal justice system.
  • Apply interpersonal and collaborative communication skills.
  • Explain societal issues in the criminal justice system.

Program Purpose Statement

The University’s Criminal Justice programs are educational degree programs. For those interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement or corrections or as a peace officer with any particular local, state, federal, tribal or international agency, there are numerous additional qualifications (and often disqualifications), depending on the position. Before enrolling in a Criminal Justice program, potential students are highly encouraged to check with the relevant agency for a complete list of position requirements. The University makes no representations regarding whether any particular University program will qualify a graduate for any such position.

Careers & Outcomes

What can you do with an Associate's in Criminal Justice?

An AACJS can prepare you to be a:

  • Community Corrections Officer
  • Correctional Sergeant
  • Corrections Corporal
  • Corrections Specialist
  • Deputy Jailer
  • Detention Officer
  • Juvenile Corrections Officer
  • Security Officer

Career Services for Life®

Get career coaching, resumé building and interview prep, for life. While outside career advising can cost over $200 an hour, at University of Phoenix it’s built right into your degree at no added cost.

You don’t have to go it alone.

You’ll have a team of advisors invested in your success from day one — dedicated to helping you build your confidence and a personalized career plan you can stick with.

Tools and resources available 24/7/365

We're a university built for the busy. Build your resumé, prepare for an interview and plan your career — whenever it fits your life, day or night.

Networking & mentorship

Through virtual job fairs and networking with the alumni community, we've made it easy to tap into the experience and connections of your peers and colleagues at the University.

Learn more about career support

Tuition

Paying for school

While education costs have risen an average of 2.6% in the U.S. every year, our Tuition Guarantee ensures you’ll pay one flat rate from the moment you enroll to the day you graduate.

Earn your degree without starting from scratch

On average, students with prior eligible college credits and relevant life experience saved  $11k and 1 year on their undergraduate degree.

Up to $1 million a month in available scholarships

Our scholarships aren’t just for the chosen few. We’ll help you understand which scholarships you may qualify for, worth up to $3,000.

See scholarships

Credit transfer made easy

Graduate faster by transferring in prior eligible credits from another accredited institution.

Transfer credits

Count on the quality of your education

Have previous relevant work and life experience evaluated for potential credit. If you have military or law enforcement training such as Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) or basic corrections academy training, you can have relevant experience evaluated for potential college credit. Contact an enrollment representative at 844-YES-UOPX for more information.

See how it works

NEED SOME HELP?

Our enrollment representatives provide personal support while you make an informed choice about going back to school.  Reach us by phone at 844-937-8679 or chat with us 7 days a week

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Student Experience

An education that fits your busy life

Balancing family, work and school

Work toward your degree without giving up what matters most. Start your degree year-round and take one class at a time.

Learn about our flexibility

Online learning

Enroll in online classes and attend class whenever it fits your life, day or night.

Read about online classes

Around-the-clock support and resources

You have a support team available up to 20 hours a day, 5 days a week. And our academic counselors, who are with you every step of the way, have earned a 5-star rating from 90% of our surveyed students.

See student resources

Accreditation & Faculty

Count on the quality of your education

Institutional accreditation

University of Phoenix is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), hlcommission.org. Since 1978, University of Phoenix has been continually accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Real-world faculty

26

Average years of industry experience

18

Lieutenants

85 %

Of surveyed students would recommend their instructors

Faculty Spotlight

As a faculty member, I'm on your team. I'm your coach and your cheerleader."

Doris Savron

Vice Provost of Colleges, University of Phoenix

Read her story

*While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.

Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projections are not specific to University of Phoenix students or graduates.

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