Request Information
Fill out this brief form and an AIU Admissions Advisor will contact you and help with your degree questions.
*All fields are required
Associate of Science Degree in Criminal Justice
Online Associate's Degree in Criminal Justice
Our online criminal justice associate degree program adheres to industry-relevant standards to expose you to criminal justice basics, including investigation and law enforcement, law and courts, juvenile delinquency, and corrections and parole. You will have the opportunity to study interactive criminal justice modules created from current events and policies. This degree program is taught by faculty members who have many years of experience in the field. Pursuing a mobile-friendly associate in criminal justice online provides you with the flexibility to access coursework any time, any place.
Next start date
Program Credits
90
Each Course Length
5 Weeks
Location
Online,
Atlanta,
Houston,
Classes start on Jul 30, 2025
Program Outline
Criminal justice is the study of the U.S. penal system and the principles, theories, and ethics that shape it. Our associate in criminal justice online degree program explores key tenants of law enforcement, corrections, the U.S. court system, criminal law, and crime causation.
Working to advance your criminal justice education can help you explore how the criminal justice system operates, societal needs, and how to better serve communities. Successfully completing your online criminal justice associate degree may help you prepare to continue your education and study toward a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, or a specialization within the criminal justice degree program.
There are no prerequisites to enroll in this associate in criminal justice online degree program and we do not require a SAT score. At AIU, you can receive dedicated support at every step of your educational journey. Your Graduation Team will help guide you through the enrollment and financial aid processes and provide ongoing support to help you reach your academic goals.
Courses
Course Name
& Number
Course Number
Credits
General Education
|
English Composition I
ENGL106
In this course, students focus on developing writing skills through practice and revision of a variety of different types of essays. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation. In this course, students focus on developing writing skills through practice and revision of a variety of different types of essays. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation. |
ENGL106 | 4.5 | ||||
|
English Composition II
ENGL107
In this course, students focus on research and developing writing skills through writing the ''argument'' essay. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation. In this course, students focus on research and developing writing skills through writing the ''argument'' essay. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation. |
ENGL107 | 4.5 | ||||
|
General College Mathematics
MATH125
An introductory course designed to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and quantitative reasoning skills through the use of standard mathematical operations and techniques as well as analysis of visual data. Students will be expected to identify, analyze, and solve problems in a variety of applied contexts for transfer toward academic, personal, and professional success. An introductory course designed to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and quantitative reasoning skills through the use of standard mathematical operations and techniques as well as analysis of visual data. Students will be expected to identify, analyze, and solve problems in a variety of applied contexts for transfer toward academic, personal, and professional success. |
MATH125 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Technology and Information Literacy
UNIV106
This course exposes students to foundational components of computer technology and information literacy. Utilizing computer systems and applications, students will practice using a variety of computer applications used in the modern workplace. This course will introduce basic digital and information literacy skills, including responsible use of innovative technology tools such as Generative Artificial Intelligence, to help students build a foundation to be better consumers and users of information. The goal of this course is to help students build their technology and information literacy skills essential for success in the 21st century classroom and workplace.
This course exposes students to foundational components of computer technology and information literacy. Utilizing computer systems and applications, students will practice using a variety of computer applications used in the modern workplace. This course will introduce basic digital and information literacy skills, including responsible use of innovative technology tools such as Generative Artificial Intelligence, to help students build a foundation to be better consumers and users of information. The goal of this course is to help students build their technology and information literacy skills essential for success in the 21st century classroom and workplace.
|
UNIV106 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Academic and Professional Success
UNIV103
This is a course for students who are new to university-level learning. Topics will include the theory and application of setting goals, managing time and money, developing self-awareness, and adhering to the rigorous standards of academic and professional writing. Additionally, students will be prepared to work autonomously and collaboratively in academic and professional settings. This is a course for students who are new to university-level learning. Topics will include the theory and application of setting goals, managing time and money, developing self-awareness, and adhering to the rigorous standards of academic and professional writing. Additionally, students will be prepared to work autonomously and collaboratively in academic and professional settings. |
UNIV103 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Interpersonal Communication
UNIV109
This course will introduce students to the basic principles of communication theory and effective interpersonal communication. It will assist students in the identification of how communication impacts an individual, and will help them develop techniques and competencies in diverse social and professional communication situations.
This course will introduce students to the basic principles of communication theory and effective interpersonal communication. It will assist students in the identification of how communication impacts an individual, and will help them develop techniques and competencies in diverse social and professional communication situations.
|
UNIV109 | 4.5 | ||||
| General Education Elective (1 Course) | 4.5 | |||||
| Humanities (2 Courses) | 9 | |||||
| Natural Sciences (2 Courses) | 9 | |||||
| Social and Behavioral Sciences (2 courses) | 9 | |||||
| 58.5 Total Credit Hours | 58.5 Total Credit Hours | |||||
Lower Division Core
|
Criminal Justice Today
CRJS102
This course provides an introduction to the contemporary criminal justice system and some of the issues faced by that system today. Emphasis will be on traditional and non-traditional careers in criminal justice, the criminal justice system from the local perspective, as well as issues driving reform in the criminal justice system today.
This course provides an introduction to the contemporary criminal justice system and some of the issues faced by that system today. Emphasis will be on traditional and non-traditional careers in criminal justice, the criminal justice system from the local perspective, as well as issues driving reform in the criminal justice system today.
|
CRJS102 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Introduction to Criminology
CRJS203
This course is an overview of criminology. Students will be provided the opportunity to explore the nature, causation, and etiology of crime. Students will be introduced to criminological theory and its use in the development of policy and programs to improve detection of crime and strategies to reduce crime, relapse, and recidivism.
This course is an overview of criminology. Students will be provided the opportunity to explore the nature, causation, and etiology of crime. Students will be introduced to criminological theory and its use in the development of policy and programs to improve detection of crime and strategies to reduce crime, relapse, and recidivism.
|
CRJS203 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Introduction to Criminal Law
CRJS205
This course furnishes a concise but comprehensive introduction to the substantive criminal law. It offers an understanding of the legal environment in which criminal justice professionals must function and helps students to gain a clear understanding of the principles of the law that will be vital to success in the field of criminal justice. This course furnishes a concise but comprehensive introduction to the substantive criminal law. It offers an understanding of the legal environment in which criminal justice professionals must function and helps students to gain a clear understanding of the principles of the law that will be vital to success in the field of criminal justice. |
CRJS205 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Introduction to Law Enforcement
CRJS210
This course explores the historical development of policing, reform efforts, and political and economic factors shaping American policing. Additionally, this course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of report writing. This course explores the historical development of policing, reform efforts, and political and economic factors shaping American policing. Additionally, this course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of report writing. |
CRJS210 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Introduction to American Court System
CRJS215
This course covers the structure and organization of the Federal and state court system with special attention to the criminal courts. The basic functions of the courts will be examined. This course covers the structure and organization of the Federal and state court system with special attention to the criminal courts. The basic functions of the courts will be examined. |
CRJS215 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Foundations of Corrections
CRJS220
This course is an introduction to the correctional process and interventions designed to prevent and control adult criminal behavior. This course will address the philosophy and goals underlying the correctional interventions, types of criminal sentencing, and penal sanctions including community-based corrections, institutional corrections, and parole. This course is an introduction to the correctional process and interventions designed to prevent and control adult criminal behavior. This course will address the philosophy and goals underlying the correctional interventions, types of criminal sentencing, and penal sanctions including community-based corrections, institutional corrections, and parole. |
CRJS220 | 4.5 | ||||
| 27 Total Credit Hours | 27 Total Credit Hours | |||||
General Electives
| General Elective | 4.5 | |||||
| or | ||||||
|
Foundations of Career Success
UNIV110
This course provides an introduction to the world of work and how abilities, interests, values, and personality influence occupational choices and career paths. Students will identify professional skills, habits, and characteristics critical for career success, and see how their own interests and values align with workplace expectations, and develop strategies for developing, honing, and showcasing their skills as they progress through their program of study.
This course provides an introduction to the world of work and how abilities, interests, values, and personality influence occupational choices and career paths. Students will identify professional skills, habits, and characteristics critical for career success, and see how their own interests and values align with workplace expectations, and develop strategies for developing, honing, and showcasing their skills as they progress through their program of study.
|
UNIV110 | 4.5 | ||||
| 4.5 Total Credit Hours | 4.5 Total Credit Hours | |||||
Program Learning Outcomes
- Demonstrate foundational knowledge of law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and the juvenile justice system
- Describe and differentiate the various explanations of crime causation
- Demonstrate appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities to obtain an entry-level position in the criminal justice field
Classes Overview
-
Foundations of Criminal Justice Systems
This course provides an overview of the criminal justice system. Emphasis will be on crime in America, the criminal justice process, law enforcement, adjudication, punishment, corrections, and prisons. Students will also have the opportunity to learn about crime, law and justice, as well as special issues in the criminal justice system.
-
Theories of Crime Causation
This course is an overview of theoretical perspectives in criminology. This entails the nature, causation and etiology of criminal behaviors in offenders.
-
Introduction to Criminal Law
This course is designed to furnish a concise but comprehensive introduction to the substantive criminal law. It offers an understanding of the legal environment in which criminal justice professionals must function and is structured to help students to develop a clear understanding of the principles of the law that should help them prepare for the field of criminal justice.
-
Introduction to Law Enforcement
This course surveys the police service delivery system at the Federal, state, and local levels. Consideration will be given to historical development, the police role in contemporary society, and primary objectives of police agencies.
-
Introduction to the American Court System
This course covers the structure and organization of the federal and state court system with special attention to the criminal courts. The basic functions of the courts will be examined.
-
Foundations of Corrections
This course is an introduction to the correctional process and interventions designed to prevent and control adult criminal behavior. This course will address the philosophy and goals underlying the correctional interventions, types of criminal sentencing, and penal sanctions including community-based corrections, institutional corrections, and parole.
-
Careers in Criminal Justice
This course introduces students to multiple aspects of the criminal justice system: investigations, interviewing and report writing activities as practiced by police, court and correctional personnel for career success. Students will have the opportunity to learn writing, reporting procedures and requirements, crime scene management, technology, interviewing and interrogation skills practiced by criminal justice professionals, and strategies for seeking and obtaining employment
Course content subject to change.
Why AIU
Faculty
Locations
Ways To Save
Mobile App
Why Accreditation Title
Why Accreditation Content
FAQ
AIU’s Associate of Criminal Justice degree is designed to provide knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant for pursuing potential opportunities among the criminal justice workforce. The criminal justice degree online program emphasizes the inner workings of the criminal justice system and its components, including law enforcement, the legal system, and corrections and parole, so upon graduation you can be ready to pursue a career path in the field.
Our associate degree programs are designed as 24-month programs. However, many factors can impact your time to completion. The time it may take you to earn your Associate of Criminal Justice degree can be influenced by course loads, proficiency and/or transfer credits, and breaks.
As you work to complete your degree in criminal justice, you will be immersed in courses such as: Introduction to Criminology; Introduction to Law Enforcement; Foundations of Corrections; Introduction to American Court System; and Criminal Justice Today.
Courses for the Associate of Criminal Justice degree start approximately every five weeks. Your actual start date is based on several factors, including receiving academic and financial documentation.
The Associate of Criminal Justice degree program consists of 90 credits. You may be eligible for transfer credit, which is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. Please see the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.
Upon earning your online Associate of Criminal Justice degree, you will have an understanding of the foundational areas of the discipline, which includes law enforcement, law and courts, and corrections and parole. By studying key topics in criminal justice, you can: have an opportunity to acquire a fundamental understanding of law enforcement, the courts, and corrections; be able to differentiate the various explanations of crime causation; and be able to demonstrate appropriate knowledge, skills, and abilities utilized in the criminal justice field.
Compare Related Areas Of Study
Compare up to three additional degrees
What Students Are Saying About Their AIU Experience
My student advisor kept me going. AIU was so accommodating. They understood that people do have challenges in life.Paris S., Former Student 2024 Graduate, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Take the next steps towards your education
Classes start July 30, 2025
