Students who complete this program earn an Associate in Applied Science degree. The Criminal Justice A.A.S. degree program is designed to prepare graduates to enter immediately into a variety of criminal justice professions such as local and State law enforcement, corrections, and private sector investigative and public safety occupations. The program is also designed to benefit current criminal justice practitioners seeking to enhance their knowledge, skills, and abilities to better perform their respective public or private service responsibilities and increase promotion opportunities.

The A.A.S. degree program is comprised of an increased blend of job‐specific criminal justice course offerings with a reduced concentration of general and liberal arts courses of study. This program offers an optional concentration in forensic investigations through elective course selection. Students who successfully complete the A.A.S. degree in criminal justice may also continue pursuing a baccalaureate degree; however, transfer polices vary, and students should be aware that additional coursework in the general and liberal arts education areas are likely to be required at a four‐year college.