How an Associate in Criminal Justice Can Help Advance Your Career

The criminal justice system relies on various professionals to uphold the law and maintain public safety. These professionals play a significant role in our communities, from conducting investigations and prosecutions to implementing the corrections process. While challenges exist within the field, many criminal justice professionals discover rewarding careers in local, state, and federal agencies. 
 
Earning an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice can be a meaningful first step if you're interested in contributing to a just society and serving your community.  
 
Does this sound like you? Discover how an online associate degree can help you start or advance your career in criminal justice. 

Develop Foundational Knowledge and Transferable Skills

An associate degree in criminal justice typically teaches you the foundational skills to begin your career. In many programs, you'll learn about topics like the following: 

• Criminal Justice: Explore the foundational concepts of criminal justice, including the three pillars: law enforcement, courts, and corrections.  
• Criminal Law: Develop a solid understanding of the legal framework that governs the criminal justice system, including court processes. 
• Social Sciences: Gain valuable insights into human behavior and societal issues contributing to crime.   
• Specialized Courses: Explore specific areas within criminal justice, such as juvenile delinquency; drugs and society; criminology, criminal investigations, probation and parole; or emergency management in high-threat situations.

A criminal justice degree can also help you develop transferable skills that employers seek. These include critical thinking and problem-solving, verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, leadership in crisis and ethical decision-making. Such skills can be helpful throughout your professional career. 

The Advantage of an Associate Degree Over a High School Diploma

You may be able to find a few criminal justice jobs right out of high school. Still, earning an associate degree offers several advantages over a high school diploma: 

• Expand Your Career Opportunities: Many employers actively seek candidates with a degree or require a degree or equivalent credit hours for entry testing, giving you a significant advantage in securing your desired position. Here are some of the career paths you can pursue with this degree:
  • Entry-Level Positions: 
    
    • Law Enforcement Officer (Police Officer, Deputy Sheriff, State Trooper, Wildlife Enforcement Agent, other) 
    • Correctional Officer 
    • Communications Officer 
    • Probation and Parole Officer 
    • Court Officer 
    • Paralegal 
    • Legal Assistant
  • Specialized Roles: 
    
    • Crime Scene Technician 
    • Intelligence Analyst 
    • Private Security 
    • Juvenile Counselor 
• Higher Starting Salaries: Studies from organizations like the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that individuals with an associate degree typically earn higher starting salaries than those with only a high school diploma. 
  
• Opportunities for Promotions: A criminal justice degree demonstrates your dedication to professional development, potentially leading to faster career advancement and promotions within your chosen field. 
  
• Build a Professional Network: Criminal justice programs often help you foster connections with instructors, classmates, and employers to build a valuable professional network. 

Pathway to Further Education and Specialization

An associate in criminal justice can also serve as a springboard for continuing your education. Many bachelor's programs accept transfer credits from accredited associate degrees. This degree also paves the way for specialization in the criminal justice field.  Whether you're fascinated by the ins and outs of forensic psychology or drawn to cybersecurity, an associate degree provides a foundation for further exploration of these fields and more. 

About LSU Eunice's Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice

If a career in criminal justice interests you, LSU Eunice's online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice can provide you with the tools to get started. This flexible degree caters to recent high school graduates and working professionals, and it allows you to fit your education around your busy schedule. 

In this program, you'll explore the core pillars of the criminal justice system while building the critical analysis skills needed to dissect complex research. LSU Eunice also prioritizes your success– students can benefit (as needed) from the nationally recognized Pathways to Success program, which provides personalized support and guidance throughout your academic journey. Plus, save time and money by applying past military or law enforcement training towards your degree. 
  
Take the next step toward a fulfilling career in criminal justice. Explore LSU Eunice's online criminal justice degree, and apply today!