Best Online Associate’s Degrees in Criminal Justice

Criminal justice specialists who want to improve their professional skills may enroll in the Associate of Applied Science in Corrections at Kansas City Kansas Community College. Options open to students are in corrections and police science. In addition to these two year programs, the school offers an option to earn a one-year certificate in corrections or police science. There is a basic skills and a math general education admissions requirement. First time students must also take the COMPASS exam. Sample classes include criminology, probation and parole, juvenile delinquency and justice, world terrorism, criminal procedure and criminal investigation. About 39 of the 64 credits needed to graduate are in the police science or corrections field.

Aspiring law enforcement professionals can earn a certificate or associate degree in the field at Chemeketa Community College to get started with their careers. Some associate programs are specifically designed to be transfer options for those who wish to earn a four-year degree. A Career Pathways roadmap is available on the school's website to help students determine which program is best suited for their career goals. Students attending online courses do so through CCC's eLearn online course management system, where they communicate with instructors and peers, access course materials and submit assignments.

College of the Ouachitas is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. The associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice is administered through the Allied Health Science division. There's an option to complete the school's one year criminal justice certificate program then transfer into the associate program. Comprising the 60 to 61 credit associate program are more than 20 degree focused and general education courses. Prerequisites in police organization and management, sociology, reading and writing offer a rounded curriculum. Career counseling, academic advising and student support services are available to assist students with class scheduling and job searches.

About 75 percent of Tallahassee Community College graduates pursue advanced degrees at four-year schools in Florida. The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice Technology degree is one of the many degree programs offered at the school. Political science, psychology, law and sociology are the four fields that instructors cover during the criminal justice portion of the training. Program length is 60 credits and students can expect to learn topics such as an overview of the court system, justice administration, contemporary criminal justice issues, probation and parole and juvenile justice. If students want training that is more narrowly defined in law and corrections, they could earn a public safety certificate.

Aspiring law enforcement officers can earn a diploma, certificate or degree in criminal justice at Fayetteville Technical Community College. The programs are available completely online, along with programs in about 30 other web-based programs. Distance education students access their course materials and instructors online, providing the flexibility they need to complete their education. Special services are available for active military and veterans and a corporate and continuing education program is available for those looking to increase skills in their current field. The school has more than 200 programs of study with the support of counseling services, a student learning center and a variety of clubs and organizations.

A certificate or associate degree in criminal justice from Forsyth Tech teaches students about the judicial processes at the local, state and federal level, preparing graduates for a career in the field. It also includes a 16-week spring internship, giving students the hands-on experience they need to secure a job after graduation. This and many other programs are available online, with the flexibility to view lectures and communicate with instructors and peers at any time of the day. The college offers a total of 69 associate degrees, 29 of which are available completely online.

The criminal justice technology curriculum at Coastal Carolina Community College teaches students about criminal and constitutional law, ethics, criminology and the system's role within society. Students who choose to take online courses receive the same curriculum as on-campus students. While the courses are accessible entirely online, many exams are proctored, requiring students to visit campus or take the test at an approved testing facility. The Learning Resource Center provides online help, video tutorials and access to research databases for online students, helping to set them up for success.

Wayne Community College's small class sizes enable its criminal justice technology students to get the personalized attention they need to get on the right path to a career in the field. Students can earn the degree online, along with a degree in education, office administration, accounting and several other fields. WCC also has diploma and certificate programs available online. An online learner survival guide gives students tips on time management, motivation and study skills. Online study resources are also available, helping students to be successful in an unstructured environment.

Part of the Mississippi Virtual Community College, Holmes Community College offers a number of online and virtual courses and programs. Students attend class by accessing course materials via the Canvas online learning system. They can work at their convenience, watching lectures and submitting assignments at any time, so long as they meet instructor-set deadlines. In addition, the Community College Network offers interactive video courses that links HCC to other community colleges and two state universities to offer conference-style courses. A self-assessment helps students determine if they're a good candidate for online learning opportunities.

Fox Valley Technical College has six in-person locations and a number of flexible learning options for the non-traditional student. Its online courses and programs require a stronger commitment by the student to ensure they are on track and up-to-date on all requirements. Students pursuing a career in public safety can take some courses online, however hands-on training is typically required for those going into these fields. FVTC prepares its graduates for careers in the technical fields and offers more than 200 associate degrees, diplomas, certificates and apprenticeships. The school also has a career development resource to help new and future students help in determining their career path.