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Overview of Associate Degree Program in Criminal Justice Administration

Majors Overview April 8, 2013

An Associate of Science degree program in Criminal Justice Administration provides students with a broad overview of the legal system and criminal justice in place, in the United States. It will prepare students for entry-level positions and allow them to further their studies in the legal or law enforcement field.

Associate of Science (A.S.) in Criminal Justice Administration

Some universities and community colleges are the types of schools most likely to offer two-year degree programs in administration of justice. These are entry-level programs and provide students with a general introduction to the corrections system, theories of delinquency and crime, the United States legal system, law enforcement, and criminal justice.

Students who are enrolled in a criminal justice administration associate degree program will learn about the current functions and history of the United States criminal justice system, along with how to differentiate between federal, state, and local justice systems. Students will also learn proper legal punishments for different offenses, as well as studying theories of what causes crime in the country. A majority of programs include electives, which cover race relations, social issues, sociology, and psychology.

Education Requirements

Criminal justice administration associate degree programs are usually entry-level in nature and admit individuals who do not have educational history greater than a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or high school diploma. However, such programs typically require students to complete basic academic courses in social science, mathematics, history, and humanities while completing core courses.

Program Course Topics

Students will be provided with a foundational background in different aspects of the criminal justice system through the core courses. Specific courses can include:

•Ethics
•Criminal investigation
•Theory of criminal behavior
•Juvenile crime
•Community policing
•The court system
•Law enforcement
•Corrections
•Introduction to criminal justice

Career Options

A majority of jobs in the fields of corrections and criminal justice expect employees to have a minimum of a baccalaureate degree. However, there are positions available to students who have graduated from an associate degree program in criminal justice administration, including (several can require additional training):

•Juvenile hall counselor
•Jailer
•Police officer
•Correctional officer

Continuing Education

Criminal justice administration associate degree program are great entry-points into baccalaureate degree programs. Students who have graduated from the program may select different specializations in the field, including criminal justice administration, corrections, and law enforcement. Graduate degree program covering the administration of justice prepare students for leadership and management roles within the criminal justice field.

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