Program Overview
To develop effective strategies to prevent and combat crime, you must first understand its causes, patterns, and effects on society. In the Associate of Science (AS) in Criminal Justice degree program at 天美影院 Institute of Technology (天美影院), you experience dynamic and intensive instruction in all aspects of the criminal justice system so that you can help make communities safer and more just.
Through comprehensive classroom learning and practical training in the field, you graduate prepared to kickstart your career. Starting your very first term, you take core classes covering criminal justice foundations, corrections, and the court system. From the second to the sixth and final term, you explore specialized subjects such as drugs and the law, interviewing and investigation techniques, gangs and organized crime, sentencing, and more.
Program Highlights
- Earn your associate degree in only 18 months
- Engage with contemporary issues in the field
- Develop an understanding of police operations and administration, report writing, forensic science, firearm skills, terrorism, and more
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Get Ready to Work in Criminal Justice Through:
Internship Opportunities
In the final term of your studies, you may choose to participate in an internship to work with criminal justice professionals in the Rhode Island community or beyond. During this internship, you have the opportunity to apply classroom training to real-life situations in various police departments, courts, correctional facilities, and investigative agencies. This substantial training and first-hand knowledge of the criminal justice system shows future employers that you have the ability to solve problems and make ethical decisions.
Hands-On Experience
Our curriculum also equips you with critical thinking and valuable hands-on experience through creating a portfolio 鈥� a lifelike investigative assignment that starts with the commission of a mock crime event, the gathering of victim and witness statements, processing a crime scene, and collecting evidence. This project culminates in a mock trial, where you can present testimony.
Preparation for an Advanced Degree
After you complete the criminal justice associate degree program, you possess the qualifications employers desire for entry-level employment in several challenging criminal justice professions. Likewise, your newly honed skills prepare you for advanced study, such as through 天美影院鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program.
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Learn From Experts
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Our dedicated faculty members bring real-world expertise to the classroom. Their passion for teaching and commitment to your academic growth make them your mentors, inspiring you to excel and guiding you on your path.听
Careers With an AS in Criminal Justice
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts . Over that same time period, , faster than the national average for all occupations.
With a rise in ongoing lawsuits, fraud, and interpersonal distrust in the United States, demand for investigative services will only increase. Moreover, many employers require stringent background checks that necessitate the services of investigators and detectives. And even when crime rates fall, there is a continued need for police services to maintain public safety.
Students with an associate degree in criminal justice can work as:
- Corporate loss prevention specialists
- Correctional or court officers
- Crime scene investigators
- Criminal justice counselors
- Criminal law counselors
- Federal law enforcement officers
- Homeland security officers
- Insurance claims investigators
- Police officers
- Private security officers
- State troopers
Explore 天美影院鈥檚 Campus
Want to know what 天美影院 Tech is all about? Take a virtual tour to get a feel for our campus and culture.
Admissions
Ready to take the first step toward a rewarding career in criminal justice? We aim to make our admissions process as straightforward and accessible as possible, ensuring that you have the support you need to start your journey with us. Discover the requirements for admission and learn how to submit your application.
Visit the 天美影院 admissions page.
Financial Aid
Financial aid at the 天美影院 Institute of Technology includes non-repayable grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and traditional student loans. We also offer a robust tuition payment plan that can help make the cost of your degree more manageable.
Explore financial aid options.
Take the Next Step 鈥� Apply to the Criminal Justice Associate Degree Program
Take the next step toward achieving your goals by submitting your application to our Associate of Science in Criminal Justice program today. If you鈥檙e passionate about making a difference in your community and leveraging your expertise to create a more just world, then the 天美影院 Institute of Technology is the right place for you.
Potential Career Opportunities
The Associate in Criminal Justice degree program will prepare you for employment opportunities in law enforcement, corrections, victim advocacy, homeland security, crime prevention, criminal justice administration, public safety, and similar career paths. Some typical career prospects for our associate’s degree holders include:
Correctional Officer
Crime Scene Investigator / Technician
Security Officer
FAQ
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Can You Start a Private Investigation Business in Rhode Island With an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice?
Yes 鈥� you can start your private investigation business in Rhode Island with an associate degree in criminal justice, subject to meeting the licensing requirements. Graduates can also seek employment in other states with the desired licensure and experience.
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Is an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Worth It?
An associate degree in criminal justice provides a variety of career opportunities immediately upon graduation. Other benefits of enrolling in criminal justice programs include higher pay, more room for advancement, refined skills, and competitive advantages.
After obtaining an associate degree in criminal justice, you can also continue to a bachelor’s degree and apply for advanced roles in criminal justice fields.
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How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice?
After completing your high-school diploma/ GED, you can get your degree in criminal justice as early as 18 months. However, some criminal justice associate degree programs can take up to two years.
Some schools also offer a hybrid/online program that gives you the option of attending college classes from the comfort of your home. Studying online also gives you the flexibility to participate in the course at your own pace. However, students must meet all the credit criteria to obtain their associate degree in criminal justice.
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What Jobs Can You Get with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice?
You can get entry-level jobs in the criminal justice fields with an associate’s degree as police officers, detectives, state troopers, correctional officers, criminal justice counselors, public safety professionals, federal law enforcement officers, private security officers, corporate security officers, crime scene investigators, etc.
You can also work in a nonprofit institution or start your own private investigation. Associate’s degree holders can also seek employment as local law enforcement professionals, active-duty military members, human service assistants, and police administration associates. Police and detectives must also graduate from their respective police academies or the agency’s training academy.
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Where Can You Get Criminal Justice Associate Degree in Rhode Island?
Several colleges and universities offer criminal justice associate degrees in RI, including the 天美影院 Institute of Technology, University of Rhode Island, Roger Williams University, and Salve Regina University. You can also enroll for an online criminal justice associate degree at the 天美影院 Institute of Technology.
An online associate program can give you the flexibility to learn at your own pace without sacrificing your current obligations. Schools like the 天美影院 Institute of Technology also offer simulated courtrooms for practical understanding of court systems and a crime scene simulation lab that adds more value to online learning.
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How Many Credits Do You Need for an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice?
You must complete a comprising lectures, laboratory, and quarter credit hours.
The curriculum in a criminal justice program typically includes law enforcement, corrections, mock trials, criminal procedure, interviewing and investigation techniques, contemporary criminal justice issues, police operations/simulated firearms skills, drugs, gangs, organized crimes, etc.
Schools also mandate that you take liberal arts and math courses to improve your communication, interpersonal, management, leadership, and professional skills.
If you have already completed these courses in your previous degree, you can also transfer credits subject to the school’s guidelines.
