100% Online Degree

Criminal Justice Associate’s Degree

An affordable path to prepare for a career in law enforcement, emergency services, or the legal field. This associate’s program transfers to a bachelor’s degree.

 

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Associate Degree in Criminal Justice

he criminal justice program is designed to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, emergency services, or the legal field. The criminal justice program can also serve as building the groundwork for students pursuing training in other related areas such as social work. Students within the criminal justice program will not only learn the basic components of the criminal justice system, but will also apply theories and practices of criminal justice to structuring, managing, directing, and controlling a variety of criminal justice agencies associated with police, courts, and corrections. While actively learning about the criminal justice system, the program provides students with the courses needed to fulfill the requirements of the core curriculum and degree requirements for the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or Associate in Applied Science degrees in criminal justice. Our Criminal Justice program provides a holistic approach to educating students by not only providing students with well-rounded skills and knowledgebase, but also emphasizing character education and critical thinking.

Estimated Annual Cost: $8,280

Cost estimate based on enrollment in 45 annual quarter hours with current Tuition and Fees. Cost includes fees for textbooks and materials.

 

Learn more about Associate of Applied Science Degrees >

 

Career Paths

Police and Detectives
Overall employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations. About 67,100 openings for police and detectives are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists
Employment of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists is projected to grow 4 percent from 2020 to 2030, slower than the average for all occupations. Despite limited employment growth, about 8,100 openings for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Forensic Science Technicians
Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 16 percent from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 2,500 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

What You Will Learn

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Students will be able to analyze aspects of the criminal justice system.

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Students will be able to debate contemporary issues as they relate to the criminal justice system.

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Students will be able to design a literature review in preparation of advanced learning.

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Students will be able to critically evaluate the various theories in criminal justice.

Earn Credits From Law Enforcement/Correctional Officer Training:

Officers who receive the Basic Law Enforcement Certificate (Peace Officers) will be given credit for the following:

Officers who receive the Basic Law Enforcement Certificate (Peace Officers) for training completed on or after
January 1, 2025, will be given credit for the following courses:

CRJ 100P Introduction to Criminal Justice – 5 Hours

CRJ 103P Criminal Procedures – 5 Hours

CRJ 111P Emergency Vehicle Operation – 5 Hours

CRJ 112P Defensive Tactics – 5 Hours

CRJ 113P Basic Firearms for Law Enforcement – 5 Hours

CRJ 211P Practical Investigations – 5 Hours

CRJ 203 Police Community Relations I – 5 Hours

CRJ 204 Ethics in Criminal Justice – 5 Hours

CRJ 206 Introduction to Policing – 5 Hours

CRJ 208 Criminal Law – 5 Hours

 

Time Saved: 50 Hours

Money Saved: $9200

Officers who receive the Instructor Training Certificate will be given credit for the following:

COM 201 Public Speaking – 5 Hours

 

Time Saved: 5 Hours

Money Saved: $920

Officers who receive the Basic Correctional Officer Training will be given credit for the following:

CRJ 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice – 5 Hours

Time Saved: 5 Hours

Money Saved: $920

Officers who receive the Juvenile Probation Officers Certificate will be given credit for the following:

CRJ 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice – 5 Hours
CRJ 104 Juvenile Delinquency and Procedure – 5 Hours

 

Time Saved: 10 Hours

Money Saved: $1840

Request Your Official POST Transcript

Click here to request your official POST transcripts to submit for admission to earn the appropriate college credits for your training.

Leadership. Character. Civility.

Attending GMC is about more than just earning a degree. We prepare our graduates to stand out in the world by teaching leadership skills, character education, and ethics. GMC grads have the grit and determination to be successful in an ever-changing job market.

See How GMC Builds Character

Why pay more for the same degree?

Thanks to our Transfer Agreements, GMC Online students can take their college credits with them to dozens of other colleges and universities. Why pay more for core curriculum when you take the same accredited courses at GMC Online for less, and then transfer to the four-year college of your choice? Here’s a cost comparison:

“My GMC Online Enrollment Coach really believed in me, and pushed me to want to do better for myself… One year later, I found myself with a degree and two jobs. I was very quickly able to get myself a new car, put my son in a better school, and eventually buy myself a house. I became an all-around happier and healthier person thanks to GMC Online.”

— Charity Suggs, Graduate

Recent Grads

Concentration Courses

CRJ 100 Intro to Criminal Justice | 5qh

This course is a general overview of the American criminal justice system. Each of the major components (police, courts, and corrections) will be examined.

CRJ 208 Criminal Law | 5qh

This course examines substantive criminal law and its procedures for implementation. Emphasis will be given to historical developments, contemporary forms of criminal definitions and Supreme Court decisions that govern criminal procedures.

Hiring Partners

GMC is fortunate to have partnerships with a wide range of businesses who hire our graduates. Here are a few of our partners:

 

Law Enforcement & Public Safety Scholarship

Georgia Military Global Online Leadership College offers a scholarship to those in the community who offer immediate assistance in the event of an accident or emergency.  This includes police officers, peace officers, firefighters (including volunteers), EMT’s, paramedics etc. and their spouses/dependents.

Recipients of this scholarship may be awarded 10% off tuition costs.

All students must meet all requirements to be fully admitted to the college to receive institutional scholarships. All students are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students who are Georgia residents must complete the Georgia Student Finance Application (GSFApp). All eligible awards associated with these grants must be applied prior to consideration for GMC scholarships.

In order to receive this scholarship, the applicant need only show they are employed by a Law Enforcement/Public Safety agency/organization – proof of employment is a badge, or diploma, or pay stub, or ID card, or memo from their agency/organization.

Frequently Asked Questions

About This Program

The criminal justice program is designed to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, emergency services, or the legal field. The criminal justice program can also serve as building the groundwork for students pursuing training in other related areas such as social work. Students within the criminal justice program will not only learn the basic components of the criminal justice system, but will also apply theories and practices of criminal justice to structuring, managing, directing, and controlling a variety of criminal justice agencies associated with police, courts, and corrections. While actively learning about the criminal justice system, the program provides students with the courses needed to fulfill the requirements of the core curriculum and degree requirements for the Associate in Arts, Associate in Science, or Associate in Applied Science degrees in criminal justice. Our Criminal Justice program provides a holistic approach to educating students by not only providing students with well-rounded skills and knowledgebase, but also emphasizing character education and critical thinking.

Degree Program Coordinator

Christy Musgrove, cjames@gmc.edu

Program Benefits

This degree will help students gain the skills to compete effectively in the criminal justice profession.  While for some entry-level positions, a degree is not required, given the job market, having an associate degree makes a qualified candidate more competitive.  Moreover, this degree prepares students to transfer to four-year programs.  Most associate degree graduates are competitive for entry-level positions in corrections, private and corporate security, and office support for law enforcement departments. Bachelor degree graduates may start in similar positions but will be prepared to later assume supervisory or management responsibilities. Students who are interested in graduate school or law school will need to obtain a bachelor’s degree.

Cost for the Degree

Average Annual Cost for this Degree:
$8,280

Earn Rewards for Referring Students to GMC Online

Do you know someone who would be a perfect fit for GMC Online?

Introducing our Exclusive Referral Program! By simply connecting us with individuals who are ready to pursue their college degree, you can earn generous rewards.

Pocket up to $175 for every new student you refer.

Click the button below to learn more about our rewarding Referral Program.

Refer a Friend

 

*Referral Verification Disclaimer: All referrals are subject to a thorough verification process to confirm their authenticity. GMC Online retains the right to withhold gift cards if any referral appears suspicious or violates our program guidelines. This is crucial in preventing fraud and maintaining the integrity of our program. 

*Terms & Conditions: This program applies solely to individuals referred to the GMC online campus and does NOT include GMC employees or those who have previously been referred to our institution. The referral program officially launched on June 23, 2023. Please note that referrals made before this date will not be eligible for rewards.

Academic Excellence.
Since 1879.

We’ve been educating bright minds for well over a century. That’s why a degree from GMC means more than just a great education. It means success.