Are you interested in a career in criminal justice? If so, and if you don’t want to spend several years in school to obtain your bachelor’s degree, then you may want to consider an associate of applied science (AAS) in criminal justice studies instead.
In this type of career-focused program, you can build your skills and prepare for careers across various sectors of the criminal justice system. From there, you can enjoy the rewarding work of a criminal justice professional as you strive to maintain law and order, ensure justice, and contribute to the safety of your community.
What Is an AAS in Criminal Justice Studies?
Specifically, an AAS in criminal justice studies is an undergraduate program that typically consists of around 60 credit hours and takes two years to complete (for students enrolled full-time). In an AAS in criminal justice studies program, students prepare for roles in law enforcement, corrections, and the legal court system while gaining a stronger understanding of crime, social issues, and justice.
The Importance of Criminal Justice Studies
Criminal justice studies are incredibly important in our society, as the professionals who go on to work in these fields have a direct impact on the public safety of our communities and overall welfare. When criminal justice professionals are properly trained and educated, they can truly make their respective communities a better place.
Core Focus Areas of a Criminal Justice Studies Program
While no two associate in criminal justice programs will be exactly alike, there are some core concepts that a typical program will focus on to prepare students for careers in this field.
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Any reputable associate degree in criminal justice program will include an introduction to criminal justice and an in-depth discussion of its core components (law enforcement, the court system, and corrections). This includes criminal justice online classes covering the history and evolution of criminal justice systems in the United States and worldwide, as well as potential trends and proposed changes for the future.
Criminal Law and Procedure
Criminal justice students will also study the fundamentals of criminal law, including the various types of crimes and their classifications, as well as legal definitions and principles of criminal liability. As part of their coursework, students will also learn the ins and outs of criminal procedures, ranging from due process and search/seizure to arrest procedures and the fundamental rights of those who have been accused of a crime.
Law Enforcement Principles
As part of a criminal justice degree program, students will also explore coursework in law enforcement principles and techniques. This includes such topics as law enforcement patrol operations, common investigation processes and techniques, and community policing initiatives. A robust criminal justice studies program will also focus on the important ethical and legal responsibilities that law enforcement officers must uphold in every aspect of their work.
Corrections and Rehabilitation
Students in a criminal justice studies program also look closely at corrections and rehabilitation topics, including the management and rehabilitation of offenders in prisons, jails, and community-based programs across the country. Coursework in this area also explores contemporary issues in corrections seen in the United States today, including problems with overcrowded prisons, recidivism, and alternative sentencing options.
Criminal Investigation Techniques
Proper investigative methods in a criminal case can increase the chances of a successful conviction, allowing law enforcement professionals to bring criminals to justice. In a criminal justice AAS program, students learn a variety of investigative methods used in criminal justice, including the essentials of crime scene analysis, proper evidence collection (including chain-of-custody), and interviewing techniques.
Some investigations require the application of forensic science techniques, such as the collection and analysis of DNA evidence. This type of forensic investigation can play a critical role in solving crimes.
Ethics in Criminal Justice
Criminal justice professionals routinely face ethical dilemmas in their work, so knowing how to handle these dilemmas and act with integrity is important. In a criminal justice AAS program, students will explore ethical issues related to use of force in law enforcement, racial profiling, corruption, and more. With a solid understanding of these issues, future criminal justice professionals can maintain the high level of integrity and accountability required in these roles.
Juvenile Justice System
Another important area of criminal justice is the juvenile justice system, which applies to people under the age of 18 who have been accused of committing a crime. Students in a criminal justice AAS program learn about the treatment of juvenile offenders, the differences between juvenile and adult justice systems, and the role of rehabilitation for these offenders.
Coursework in an AAS program will also explore current trends and challenges in the juvenile justice system, including restorative justice practices and the impact of societal factors on youth crime rates.
Along with the above core focus areas, students will also gain an understanding of criminological theories, a foundational understanding of Homeland Security principles, policies and practices, and explore diversity in the criminal justice field.
Practical Skills Developed in a Criminal Justice Associate Degree
Whether you take criminal justice courses online or in-person, there are many practical skills you can build upon in a criminal justice AAS program.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Working in any area of criminal justice requires the ability to think critically about complex issues, sometimes in high-pressure situations. An associate in criminal justice program emphasizes critical-thinking and preparing students to propose effective solutions.
Communication and Report Writing
A criminal justice AAS program also includes coursework and training on effective communication skills (both verbal and written) that are essential for law enforcement officers, correctional officers, investigators, and other professionals in the field. Being able to write clear and cohesive reports to document incidents, investigations, and court proceedings will serve criminal justice professionals well in their future work.
Conflict Resolution and Negotiation
Working in criminal justice also requires strong conflict resolution and negotiation skills, especially when it comes to law enforcement officers de-escalating potentially dangerous situations and negotiating resolutions in high-pressure situations. These skills, which are covered in a criminal justice AAS program, are also useful in corrections and court-related roles.
Technology and Information Management
These days, many technologies are used in the criminal justice field, and a degree program can prepare students to use them properly. Databases, crime mapping tools, and even forensic software are covered in criminal justice course work, teaching students to manage information securely and ethically when handling sensitive data and working criminal cases.
Career Opportunities with a Criminal Justice AAS
What can you do with an associate degree in criminal justice? Here are just a few possibilities to consider.
Law Enforcement Careers
Many criminal justice AAS graduates go on to work in such law enforcement roles as:
- Police officer
- Sheriff’s deputy
- State trooper
Careers in Corrections
Those in corrections roles are responsible for supervising or overseeing people who have been convicted of crimes. Some examples of jobs in corrections include:
- Correctional officer
- Probation officer
- Parole officer
Court-Related Careers
Criminal justice AAS graduates can also pursue jobs in the court system, such as:
- Court clerk
- Victim advocate
- Court administrator
Private Sector and Other Opportunities
In addition to many career paths in the public sector, some criminal justice studies graduates prefer to work in the private sector. Some examples of related jobs that may be worth exploring in the private sector include:
- Private investigator
- Security manager
- Intelligence analyst
- Criminal profiler
Advantages of Earning an AAS in Criminal Justice Studies at Baker
Choosing the right associate degree in criminal justice program can help you build the critical skills and knowledge that you need to thrive in a high-paced career. So, what sets Baker College’s criminal justice AAS program apart from other options?
Foundation for Further Education
First, Baker’s AAS in criminal justice studies can serve as a steppingstone for further education. Many graduates, for example, go on to pursue their bachelor’s degrees in criminal justice or a related field. Often, credits from our criminal justice AAS program can transfer to a bachelor’s degree program to save students time and money on their next degree.
Quick Entry into the Workforce
Because our AAS program consists of just 60 credits, many students can graduate in about two years. This allows many of our graduates to enter the workforce sooner than those pursuing longer degree programs (such as a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, which can take four or more years to complete).
Cost-Effective Education
Compared to a four-year degree program (which now costs an average of about $27,000, according to the National Center for Education Statistics), the average cost of an associate degree is about half that. This makes a criminal justice AAS program an accessible option for students looking to minimize educational expenses, especially when you consider the many financial aid options offered through Baker College.
Start Your Career in Criminal Justice at Baker College
Interested in learning more about our criminal justice associates degree at Baker College? Drop us a line today! This program is available in convenient online and online live formats to suit your needs, and our curriculum is designed with input from industry professionals to reflect the real needs of the field.
Ready to enroll? Get started by completing an online application today.