Pursuing a career in the field of criminal justice may provide you with a sense of value and commitment to your community. Criminal justice professionals help to uphold the law and provide a sense of safety and well-being to those around them. Earning an associate's degree in criminal justice may help prepare you for a variety of entry-level employment opportunities in this competitive field.

 Program Highlights 

This program is designed to help you develop a broad liberal arts knowledge base and the skills sought by employers in the criminal justice industry. Highlights include:

  • An opportunity to interact with practicing professionals and study career-specific skills in criminal justice
  • An overview of the philosophy and development of the U.S. criminal justice system, its agencies and institutions, and the issues and challenges they face
  • A strong focus on criminology, criminal investigation, criminal law, domestic and international terrorism, and methods of countering terrorism
  • A capstone project in which you will apply the techniques and skills you study in your online courses in real-world criminal justice scenarios.

 Curriculum for the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice  

    Courses Credits
    Communication Course 5
    Mathematics Course 5
    Communication Course 5
    Courses Credits
    Eight Skills of the Effective Criminal Justice Student 5
    Introduction to the Criminal Justice System 5
    Criminal Investigation 5
    Criminal Procedure 5
    Associate’s Capstone in Criminal Justice 5
    Major Electives 15
    Courses Credits
    Open Electives 35
    Total Program Requirements 90

 Get the Credit You Deserve 

If you have previous work experience in criminal justice or credit from another college or university, you may qualify to receive academic credit toward your program requirements at Kaplan University. Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Admissions Advisor for details about our Transfer of Credit policy.

 What Are the Career Opportunities? 

As a graduate of this program you may qualify for entry-level employment in police departments, sheriff's departments, or other law enforcement offices, juvenile detention facilities, jails, prisons, or the court system.* Opportunities may also exist in private-sector, corporate, and government security and private detection or investigation. Successful completion of the online Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program at Kaplan University may also prepare you for further baccalaureate and master's-level studies in criminal justice.† 

For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour$353.00
Total program requirements90
Total cost of tuition$31,770.00

This program requires a $100 technology fee per term. Effective July 1, 2009, a minimum deposit of $70 is required at the time of enrollment and will be credited toward your tuition when you begin classes. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs. Refer to the University Catalog for transfer of credit policy. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships. For more information, chat live or call an Admissions Advisor at 866.527.5268 (Toll Free).

Kaplan University offers tuition discounts to active-duty military servicemembers and veterans. Call 866.583.4412 to speak to a military Admissions Advisor.

Chat with a representative about your financial aid options

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* Additional police academy training may be required to qualify for certain positions in law enforcement.
† While the program is designed to prepare graduates to pursue continued bachelor's- and graduate-level education, the University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any bachelor's- or graduate-level programs.