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Online Criminal Justice Associate Degree Accredited Associate of Science (AS) Program

Sheila and Sharla Barnes, identical twins who both earned their bachelor's in criminal justice from SNHU in 2023, wearing their cap and gowns at the SNHU commencement ceremony.

Cost per credit $330

Total courses 20

Term length 8 weeks

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Program Overview Why get a criminal justice degree?

Uncover the many career paths of criminal justice with an Associate of Science (AS) in Criminal Justice from Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU). Created from a real-world perspective, this program explores ideas, theories and practices related to the American judicial system. It caters to those who'd like to land an entry-level position in the field and experienced criminology professionals who want to upgrade their skill set. 

Skills you'll learn:

  • Communication tactics
  • Decision-making techniques
  • Cultural awareness 
  • Research literacy 
  • Statistical analysis  
  • Laws, regulations and ethical standards 
Salvador Villa, who earned his AS in Criminal Justice in 2019, sitting on a couch smiling and working on his laptop in front a large bright window and with a young girl sitting next to him.

Courses & Curriculum Career-focused online criminal justice classes

This program's curriculum is primarily split between complementary general education and major-specific classes. Should you choose to continue your education, these class credits can be transferred into our Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice online degree program.

Degree Courses

Online criminal justice associate degree courses

You'll have an array of courses to choose from, so you can gain a thorough understanding of the American justice system, criminal law, social science and more.

Courses may include

Course ID: CJ 112
In this introduction to the criminal justice program students will begin to understand the major components within various professions at the state, local and federal levels and how they are interconnected. Communication skills, career prospects, and an overview of the core components of the United States government will be reviewed to provide students with a holistic view of sworn and civilian roles within the criminal justice system.
Course ID: CJ 140
Students will develop an understanding of various types of written, verbal, and nonverbal communication used within the criminal justice profession. Report writing, identification of the proper type of communication for various situations, and interviewing techniques will be practiced.
Course ID: CJ 205
Students will explore the historical evolution of policing to better understand its current structure and function within criminal justice. The value of positive community relationships and partnerships will be covered, as well as how sworn and civilian positions work together to maintain public safety. Various types of communication such as internal reports and documentation will be practiced.
Course ID: CJ 210
Students will examine the function of corrections in the United States criminal justice system to develop an understanding of the structure, function, and relationships with allied professions. Systemic issues impacting incarceration, ideologies of punishment that influence sentencing, and the role of public policy in corrections will be analyzed.
Course ID: CJ 230
The significance of discretion in decision-making within criminal justice, including the latitude provided by laws and policies that govern its use, will be analyzed. In addition, students will study how to exercise discretion in accordance with professional requirements such as documentation, objectivity, and equality.
Course ID: SCS 285
Students will analyze the value of using various kinds of data and credible existing research to address professional problems. Essential research skills and strategies such as research question development, evaluating data sets for practical application, and applications of social science research methods will be covered, enabling students to become effective consumers of research.

Visit the course catalog to view the full AS in Criminal Justice curriculum.

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Upcoming term starts: September 1, 2025 | October 27, 2025

Next term starts:
June 30, 2025

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Online Student Experience What’s it like going to SNHU?

Attending college online at SNHU can be a life-changing experience. In fact, 91.6% of online students would recommend SNHU according to a 2024 survey with 8,000+ respondents.

What to expect:

8-week terms

Learn around your schedule

24/7 online support

Online Classroom

What does an online course look like?

You’ll take your courses within SNHU’s Brightspace platform. This is where you’ll find your:

  • Schedule of weekly assignments
  • Discussion boards
  • Grades
  • Instructor announcements
How to Take an Online Class at SNHU
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Whether you're applying for an undergraduate or graduate degree, you’ll fill out a form to verify your previous education experience. As part of our admissions process, we'll help you request transcripts from your previous school(s) to see if you can transfer any credits into your SNHU program! (Also for free!)

After reviewing your official evaluation, you can decide if SNHU is right for you! If you choose to enroll, just pick your start date and get ready for classes to begin.

Talk to an admission counselor: 888.327.SNHU | enroll@snhu.edu

Accreditations

SNHU is accredited by the regional accreditor the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The university also carries specialized accreditations for some programs.

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Tuition Cost & Savings College can be more affordable than you think

As a nonprofit university, SNHU offers some of the lowest online tuition rates in the country. And when you work with our Financial Services team, we'll explore ways to help you save even more on your education – and customize a payment plan that works for you.

Online associate tuition

Student
Cost per credit
Cost per course
Cost for 60-credit degree*
Full- and part-time students
$330
$990
$19,800
Active-duty military and spouses | Full- and part-time students**
$231
$693
$13,860

*before previously earned credits are applied

Tuition rates are subject to change and are reviewed annually.

**Note: Students receiving this rate are not eligible for additional discounts.

Additional costs: Course materials vary by course.

Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

$3,960 $7,920 $11,880 $14,850
Transfer credits and lower your cost by:

If 12 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $15,840

If 24 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $11,880

If 36 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $7,920

If 45 of your prior learning credits ($330/credit) are accepted toward your associate degree.

Your remaining tuition cost: $4,950

How we estimate your tuition cost:

We look at the cost per credit multiplied by the number of credits you need to earn for an associate degree. Most associate degrees require 60 credits. SNHU allows you to transfer in up to 45 credits, requiring a minimum of 15 credits to be taken at SNHU. This is only a tuition estimator and doesn't account for other fees that may be associated with your program of choice.

Career Outlook What can I do with an online criminal justice associate degree?

The associate degree in criminal justice was designed to help prepare you for entry-level jobs in many fields, including business security, corrections, court administration, dispute resolution, law enforcement and victim advocacy. 

Occupations

With this degree in hand, you can pursue a number of positions. However, it's important to note that law enforcement roles may involve additional training and eligibility requirements.

Provide client services (including support for families) in a wide variety of fields, such as psychology, rehabilitation and social work. 

Guard people in penal institutions, as well as those in transit between jails, courtrooms, prisons or other points.

Assess injuries and illnesses, provide emergency medical care and transport patients to medical facilities.

Detect fire hazards, recommend prevention measures, ensure compliance with fire codes and investigate causes of fires.

Search for information about legal, financial and personal matters, in addition to offering services like background checks.

Stay alert (watching for anything unusual) to protect property against theft, vandalism and other illegal activity.

9%

Increase in roles for social and human service assistants through 2032, projected by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.1

Understanding the numbers
When reviewing job growth and salary information, it’s important to remember that actual numbers can vary due to many different factors—like years of experience in the role, industry of employment, geographic location, worker skill and economic conditions. Cited projections are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics data, not on SNHU graduate outcomes, and do not guarantee actual salary or job growth.

What SNHU students are saying

Joseph Medina '17 '19
Joseph Medina '17 '19

My degree has made my son realize the importance of education and has motivated him to want to go to college.

Joseph Medina '17 '19
Criminal Justice (AS)

Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers about the online criminal justice degree

An associate degree in criminal justice provides a strong foundation in theories and practices related to the American criminal justice system, criminal law, social science and more. It’s a valuable program of study, whether you’re just breaking into the field or enhancing your professional skill set.

Sal Villa with the text Sal Villa

Sal Villa '19 pursued his AS in Criminal Justice online at Southern New Hampshire University after 14 years in the military and realized immediate career benefits. He improved his writing skills, and it showed in the quality of his reports and briefs.

It depends on how you define “worth it.” If you’re looking to advance your career, an associate degree in criminal justice can definitely help you get there. Some students who’ve been passed up for promotions find the academic credential not only looks good on their resumes, but opens more doors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, associate degree holders earn about 35% more than those with only a high school degree.1

In addition, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 409,500 new jobs in protective service occupations through 2032, with a 2023 median annual wage of $47,760.1 Police officers and detectives occupy the high end of the salary range, with 2023 median annual incomes of $74,910.1

If you hold a criminal justice degree, you have many career paths to consider, including law enforcement, corrections, forensics, homeland security and private security.

This degree also speaks well to military members looking to advance their current career or enter a new field (like law enforcement) post-service.

Most accredited universities require a total of 60 credits to award an associate degree in criminal justice. Southern New Hampshire University’s online program requirements include 24 general education credits (with coursework in English, mathematics, the humanities and the sciences) and 24 major courses. The remaining 12 credits are free electives.

Full-time students can typically complete the program in 2 years. Part-time students, many of whom work full time, are encouraged to work at their own pace. Once you've earned your associate degree, you can seamlessly start work on the remaining 60 credits for your bachelor's degree.

An associate degree is a great option if you’re on the fence about pursuing your bachelor’s. Some students use their associate as a stepping stone to earn general education credits they can put toward a bachelor’s.

At Southern New Hampshire University, for example, associate degree holders can seamlessly apply their degree toward earning the remaining 60 credits of the 120-credit bachelor's program. Candidates for both the AS and BS in Criminal Justice can also apply up to 12 credits for law enforcement training.

That alone is a major consideration for anyone looking to build on their work experience – and a top reason many students go on to pursue their bachelor’s. There’s also the practical career aspect: With a bachelor’s in criminal justice, you’ll not only deepen your understanding of the many facets and functions of the criminal justice field. You’ll gain access to a vast network of faculty and peers who are already working in the industry.

The short answer? It depends.

A few factors to consider:

  • Cost per credit: The price can vary dramatically. Most online criminal justice associate degree programs require 60 to 65 credits, though some schools, using quarter-credits, require up to 90. At $330 per credit hour, tuition for Southern New Hampshire University's (SNHU) 60-credit online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice is among the lowest in the nation.
  • Online vs. on-campus: Generally speaking, online programs are more affordable than on-campus programs.
  • In-state vs. out-of-state tuition rates: Most public schools charge more for out-of-state tuition. Online programs typically don’t differentiate their rates.
  • Transfer policy: SNHU accepts up to 45 transfer credits for an associate degree and up to 12 credits for law enforcement training. This could help you earn your degree faster — and for less money.

In May 2023, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported a median annual wage of $74,910 for police and detectives, with the highest 10% earning more than $117,100.1 The BLS notes that many entry-level job applicants have taken some college classes and significantly more are college graduates.1

In May 2023, the median annual wages for police and detectives by industry were as follows1:

  • Government: $75,570
  • Educational services; state, local, and private: $62,590

The BLS also notes that most police and detectives work full time. Paid overtime is common and shift work is often necessary to protect the public at all times.1

In addition to regular wages, many law enforcement agencies provide officers with an allowance for uniforms, as well as considerable benefits and the option to retire at an age that is younger than the average. Some police departments offer additional pay for bilingual officers or those with college degrees, potentially making your criminal justice associate degree that much more valuable.1

Police academies differ depending on the jurisdiction. In many cases, you don’t have to have a college degree before attending the police academy. Aspiring police officers are required to have at least a high school diploma or GED.

Because of this, having a college degree may set you apart from the competition during the hiring process and help you to advance your career faster.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023 median weekly earnings for all full-time workers were almost 18% higher for those who've earned an associate degree over those with just a high school diploma.1

Not only could you see a bump in pay, but the unemployment rate drops for associate degree holders in comparison to high school graduates.1

Related Articles

Sources & Citations

1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/social-and-human-service-assistants.htm (viewed Apr. 1, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/emp/tables/education-and-training-by-occupation.htm (viewed Apr. 1, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/home.htm (viewed Apr. 19, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm (viewed Apr. 19, 2024)
  • https://www.bls.gov/emp/chart-unemployment-earnings-education.htm (viewed Apr. 19, 2024)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.