If you’re passionate about making a positive difference by fighting crime, advocating for victims, or even rehabilitating offenders, then a career in criminal justice may be right for you. The best news? You don’t have to commit to four (or more) years of school to pursue many rewarding careers in criminal justice.
With an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice in Law Enforcement Academy or criminal justice studies from Baker College, you can earn your degree in an average of just two years.
So, which program is right for you, and what careers are in criminal justice? Read on to learn more about the differences between these programs and the types of criminal justice careers you may be able to pursue with each.
Why Choose a Criminal Justice Associate Degree?
Whether you’re interested in law enforcement, corrections, security, or the legal system, earning a criminal justice associates degree can be a smart first step. Compared to a traditional four-year program, an associate degree offers unique benefits that can help you launch your career more quickly and affordably.
Faster Entry into the Workforce
One major advantage of a criminal justice associates program is the timeline. While a bachelor’s degree program typically takes at least four years, an associate degree can be completed in just two. This allows you to start exploring criminal justice careers sooner.
Affordable Pathway to Public Service
Because they require less time and fewer credit hours, associate degree programs in criminal justice tend to be more affordable than bachelor’s degree programs. This makes them a cost-effective option for launching your career in law enforcement, corrections, security or in the legal system.
Career-Ready Training
An associate of applied science (AAS) degree places a strong emphasis on core criminal justice concepts — providing hands-on training for a wide range of criminal justice careers.
Clear Advancement Potential
Associate degrees in criminal justice often serve as a stepping stone into entry-level positions in the field. After gaining some real-world experience, many professionals move on to more advanced roles or pursue further credentials, such as a bachelor’s degree or academy certification.
Multiple Career Options
An associate degree in criminal justice opens the door to a wide range of career opportunities in both the public and private sectors. Some people may prefer criminal justice administration careers, which involve lots of office work. Others may prefer working with law enforcement in police departments and court systems or working privately for security firms.
AAS in Criminal Justice Studies
Baker College’s AAS in Criminal Justice Studies program is a 60-credit program that includes 36 hours of core criminal justice courses, nine hours of electives, and 15 hours of general education credits.
What You’ll Learn
Students in this program take courses that cover essential areas of criminal justice studies, including:
- Criminology
- Courts
- Policing
- Corrections
- Juvenile Justice
- Homeland security
- Ethics
- Diversity
- Trauma-Informed Care
In this career-focused curriculum, students can build a solid foundation in criminal justice while improving written/verbal communication and critical thinking skills.
Career Paths for Graduates
Wondering what careers are in criminal justice? Explore some of the most common paths for graduates below.
Police Officer/Law Enforcement Officer
Police officers and other law enforcement professionals serve to protect communities, enforce laws, respond to emergencies, and prevent criminal activity. Depending on the agency, they may work at the local, county, or state level. Those who complete a criminal justice associates degree enter the field with a strong understanding of justice systems, as well as criminal procedures and ethical conduct.
Correctional Officer
Correctional officers play a critical role in the safe and secure operation of jails and prisons. They supervise incarcerated individuals, enforce facility rules, and contribute to inmate rehabilitation. Our criminal justice associates program includes coursework that equips students with foundational knowledge for entry-level jobs in the correctional field.
Probation Officer
These professionals supervise offenders pre-trial, and after release – monitoring compliance with the terms of probation and facilitating rehabilitation programs. They also access community resources. Baker’s AAS program provides a solid basis for students who wish to pursue a BS degree which is a requirement for this occupation.
Court Clerk or Court Assistant
Court clerks and assistants play a behind-the-scenes role in ensuring court systems run smoothly. Their duties often involve filing legal documents, preparing court dockets, and assisting judges or attorneys during proceedings. Baker’s curriculum includes an overview of the U.S. legal and court systems, helping students develop the skills needed to pursue criminal justice administration careers.
Security Specialist/Private Security Officer
Private security professionals protect property, people, and assets in a variety of settings, including schools, hospitals, retail stores, and corporate and non-profit organizations. Baker’s program builds relevant skills through coursework in security procedures in private settings, making it ideal for students seeking criminal justice degree careers in the private security sector.
Victim Advocate
Victim advocates make a positive difference in the lives of victims by providing emotional support, practical resources, and valuable guidance. They often work alongside law enforcement and legal professionals to help victims navigate the justice system. Baker’s focus on communication, ethics, empathy and restorative justice ensures graduates are prepared to enter this field with knowledge, compassion and professionalism.
How the Program Prepares You
Baker College’s AAS in Criminal Justice Studies prepares students for fulfilling criminal justice entry-level careers with foundational courses taught by instructors with real-world field experience. Most are still actively working in their fields. Students can also take nine credit hours of career-focused elective courses to further customize their path in a variety of criminal justice fields.
AAS in Law Enforcement with Police Academy
If you’re interested in serving as a sheriff’s deputy, police officer, state police officer or similar role, Baker College’s AAS in Law Enforcement prepares students to enter the applicable academy.
Career Paths for Graduates
An associates in law enforcement degree can set students up to pursue law enforcement careers at the local, county or state levels.
Law Enforcement Officers
After passing the required academy to become a police officer, sheriff or state police officer, these individuals protect the citizens in their states in various capacities. There are also opportunities to work as officers for the Department of Natural Resources or marine units guarding the waterways. Baker’s associates in law enforcement offers a foundation for these positions, as well the basis to continue their education to receive a BS.
Transit, Campus Public Safety Officer and School Resource Officers
These police officers work in transit systems or campus settings to help ensure the safety of commuters, students, and staff. They often patrol specific facilities like schools, colleges, or public transit hubs, responding to incidents and maintaining order. This type of role may be ideal for those seeking security work in a structured and fixed environment, or those who would like to work with juveniles in a school setting.
Border Patrol or Federal Enforcement Roles
Graduates of Baker’s criminal justice associates degree in law enforcement may also qualify for entry-level positions with U.S. Border Patrol of the TSA at airports. Although additional federal training is typically required for most government positions, completing a police academy and earning state law enforcement certification can set candidates apart by demonstrating readiness and knowledge.
Liaison or Community Service Officer
These officers serve as a bridge between law enforcement agencies and the community – working to build trust with the public while providing educational outreach and enhancing neighborhood safety. This role is ideal for those who want to make a difference through communication, prevention, and collaboration.
Corrections or Detention Officer
Corrections officers or detention officers work in jails, detention centers, or juvenile facilities to oversee inmate supervision, carry out security protocols, and manage daily operations. An associates in law enforcement offers targeted training in corrections and crisis intervention, preparing students for criminal justice careers in institutional settings.
Security or Loss Prevention Specialist
Professionals in corporate, retail, or private security roles use their knowledge of law enforcement practices to monitor surveillance systems, respond to emergencies, and reduce theft or loss. These positions blend public safety principles with risk mitigation strategies. Baker’s AAS program supports this career track with coursework in security operations, ethics, and tactical response, making it a great fit for those seeking criminal justice degree careers in the private sector.
How the Program Prepares You
As one of just a few completely online programs that offers both a degree and a built-in track to the police academy for certification, our program prepares students to not only take the state licensing exam — but also to enter the law enforcement field with confidence.
Choosing the Right AAS Degree in Criminal Justice at Baker College
How can you decide which AAS in Criminal Justice is right for you? Ultimately, this is a very personal choice that boils down to your professional goals, aspirations, and interests.
AAS in Criminal Justice Studies
If you’re interested in exploring a wide range of criminal justice careers — from law enforcement, court administration and corrections to victim advocacy or private security — an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Studies offers the flexibility you need. All programs are 100% online – so you can earn your degree working around your personal and work schedules.
This program provides a broad foundation – equipping students with the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed for various criminal justice degree careers. It’s also an excellent option for those interested in pursuing a bachelor’s degree in the future, offering a seamless pathway toward continued education and career advancement.
AAS in Criminal Justice Law EnforcementAcademy
For those looking to jump directly into the field as a certified officer, the criminal justice associates in law enforcement is a career-focused alternative. Graduates are educationally ready to sit for their state’s licensing exam—the final step for those pursuing careers in law enforcement.
Real-World Skills You’ll Gain in Both Criminal Justice Associate Programs
No matter which program you end up choosing, completing your AAS in Criminal Justice at Baker College gives you options, and the opportunity to build career-ready skills that transfer seamlessly to the workforce.
Understanding of the Criminal Justice System
Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the core components of the criminal justice system — law enforcement, courts, corrections and homeland security — and how they work together to uphold public safety. Taking some of Baker’s extensive criminal justice electives, students can also learn the basics of cybercrime, forensic science, investigations, evidence collection and criminal justice research.
Legal and Ethical Decision-Making
As an AAS in Criminal Justice student at Baker College, you’ll also develop a strong foundation in important topics such ethics and ethical decision-making. This knowledge prepares you to make fair, informed decisions, especially in high-pressure situations where integrity is essential.
Effective Communication and Report Writing
Clear written and verbal communication is key in any criminal justice role, and students in the AAS program develop strong verbal and written skills, and learn how to write accurate reports, relay information correctly and professionally – maintaining confidentiality.
Cultural Awareness and Community Engagement
Criminal justice professionals must be equipped to work with diverse populations. Baker’s program emphasizes the value of empathy, respect, and cultural competence — skills that help students build trust and engage meaningfully with the communities they serve. All coursework includes diversity, and working with the neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ communities – emphasizing the importance of trauma-informed care.
Learn More About Criminal Justice Degrees at Baker College
Whether you’re leaning toward an AAS in Criminal Justice with a law enforcement concentration or would rather focus on a well-rounded degree in criminal justice studies, Baker College has program options to suit your needs. Get in touch to learn more about these programs, or take the next step by applying today!