Is an associates degree in criminal justice worth it? Compare top career paths, salaries, and projected job growth to see if it’s the right degree for you.
If you are looking into beginning a career in criminal justice, you may ask is an associates degree in criminal justice worth it. A criminal justice associates degree online or on campus can help prepare you for a wide-range of career opportunities such as police officer, probation officer, and paralegal, to name a few.
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The answer is yes, it is worth it for many students. Anytime you are looking to better your education to better your career option it can be worthwhile.
Is an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice Worth It?
Yes, an associates degree in criminal justice is worth it for many professionals. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3% job growth in protective service occupations for the next 10 years, as fast as the average for all occupations. Common careers in this field include police officer, probation officer, corrections officer, security officer, and paralegal.
Getting the degree you want so you can work towards the career you desire is likely to be worth the time and effort. An associate’s degree in criminal justice can open doors for you and help you achieve your career goals. It is a rewarding career for many and many find it a worthwhile pursuit.
Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice Careers & Salaries
A degree in criminal justice can help you to further your career in many fields. Many of the careers available with this major are public service type jobs that pay well.
If you are interested in a potentially good career with excellent benefits, see the table below to see if any of these careers are right for you. Depending on the employer, you may need additional education or work experience to qualify for some of these jobs.
| Careers | Annual Median Salary |
| Emergency Management Directors | $76,250 |
| Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators | $68,130 |
| Police and Detectives | $67,290 |
| Forensic Science Technicians | $60,590 |
| Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists | $55,690 |
| Paralegals and Legal Assistants | $52,920 |
| Correctional Officers and Bailiffs | $47,440 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
There are potentially great opportunities in this field of study for those who are not ready to get a bachelor’s degree. The need for every position in this field is excellent, and jobs with an associate degree education are often just as fulfilling, monetarily, and security.
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Whether you want to pursue an associates, bachelors, masters, or PhD in Criminal Justice online or on campus, many professionals find serving their communities in the field of criminal justice to be a rewarding career choice.
Criminal Justice Associate Degree Jobs
There are many career options for you to pursue if you have an associate degree in criminal justice. You may qualify for work as a police officer, a bailiff, a fire inspector, a paralegal, and many other occupations. These careers may require more training after you find employment.
Police Officer
Police officers are first responders to community emergencies. They also watch their local area to keep the peace and protect community members against crimes. Police officers must complete a variety of written reports, investigate crime scenes, and testify in court when needed.
Bailiff
A bailiff helps to keep the order in a courtroom. They ensure the safety of everyone in the courtroom and helps make sure the proceedings run smoothly.
Fire Inspector
Fire Inspectors inspect buildings and organizations to make sure there are no fire hazards. They enforce all local, state, and federal fire codes and impose warnings and fines to those who are a violation. Many fire inspectors have experience in firefighting.
Paralegal
A paralegal helps lawyers research, write reports, ad prepare for court. They do much of the footwork required by lawyers.
Claims Adjuster
Many claims adjusters are called in to investigate when an insurance claim has been made. They look for the extent of the damage to buildings and automobiles and help to find a fair way to make the person making the claim whole.
The information about these careers were found at the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You can find out more about these careers and others on their website. An associate degree can help you get your foot in the door with an entry-level position and work your way up, or you may advance in your career by obtaining a higher-level of education.
Either path you chose, these are often excellent career opportunities for those willing to work hard and protect others.
Criminal Justice Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a degree in criminal justice can help open doors in careers such as police officers, correctional officers, fish or game warden, and many others in this field. There is a five percent growth expectancy in this career area expected in the next eight years.
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An associate degree can help you get a job, but the competition in criminal justice jobs is high, and employers may look at applicants who with skills such as:
- Bilingual
- Military experience
- Higher degree of education
Good communication skills, excellent leadership qualities, and problem-solving abilities can help you succeed in this field. An associate degree in criminal justice can help you build these skills and more.
Associate’s in Criminal Justice vs. Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice
A degree in criminal justice can help you secure a career that can make a difference for others. Both an associate degree and a bachelor’s degree can be beneficial and choosing which one you want depends on your career goals. The table below some of the pros for each degree path.
| Associate’s vs. Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice | |
| Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice | Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice |
| With about 60-course credits needed, it usually costs less to complete | More career options in a variety of different careers |
| It typically takes less time to complete | Higher long-term earning potential |
| Allows you to enter the workforce faster because of your degree goals take less time | More skills in a variety of core areas |
| Great if you do not have the GPA or SAT scores needed to get into a higher-degree program | Able to pursue a high-level position after you gain your degree |
| Get your first two years of your bachelor’s degree done and you can likely transfer the credit later | Can apply to grants, loans, and scholarships to bring down the cost of attending school |
After you decide which on-campus or online criminal justice degree program will work best for your career path, you can begin looking at colleges and universities that are right for you. If an associate degree in criminal justice is what you are looking for, you may even consider a community college near you.
Accreditation
Colleges and universities can participate in accreditation programs to help make sure their school provides the best in criminal justice education that can compete in a global industry.
Regional accreditation is the gold-standard.
Attending a university that is regionally accredited helps ensure that you receive a high-quality education.
Financial Aid
The total cost for an associate degree in criminal justice online will vary depending on the school you chose. Public colleges are often cheaper than private colleges. Most community colleges and technical school will offer financial aid packages, but the actual cost of your program will depend on factors such as:
- your household income
- grants or scholarships provided by your school
- other financial awards, and scholarships for which you apply
You should start with filling out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid, otherwise known as FAFSA. You can find all the necessary information, such as deadlines, forms, and directions on their website.
Can You Work as a Probation Officer With an Associate’s Degree?
It is challenging to obtain a job as a probation officer with an associate degree. The probation officer career is a competitive job, which makes qualified candidates with more experience and higher degrees.
Most agencies assume candidates with a bachelor’s degree have a better chance of having the skills needed to carry out the rigorous duties of this job.
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Probation officers are charged with supervising criminal offenders to protect the community. They need to have the highest moral character and must pass an extensive background check. Probation officers must be well versed in report writing, firearms safety, and communication.
If you are interested in a career as a probation officer, you may want to consider beginning your education by getting an associate degree in criminal justice and get some experience in the criminal justice field.
After you get your associate’s degree, you may want to transfer into a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice so you can be more competitive in the field.
What Job Can I Get With an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice?
When you think of criminal justice, you usually think of police officers. This field is more diverse than many realize. With an associate degree in criminal justice, you can consider occupations as a bailiff, fire inspector, paralegal, and claims adjuster.
These jobs are only a few of the many areas in which you may start with your two-year degree.
A criminal justice major will focus on three key areas including the justice system, courts, policing and corrections. These studies can help you learn the essential fundamentals of this career field, as well as psychology, sociology, and communication skills that can help you be more successful in working with others.
Getting Your Associate’s in Criminal Justice Degree Online
Is an Associate of Arts degree worth it? Whether you want to work in private security or as a police officer, an associate’s degree in criminal justice can help prepare you for a rewarding career.
Quite a few accredited universities now offer an online associate’s in criminal justice program allowing students to complete their degrees anytime or anywhere.
