A.A. in Criminal Justice: Career Outlook
Begin Your Rewarding Career in the Criminal Justice Field
Expert faculty
Career support
With an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice, you can pursue a career in law enforcement, corrections, and a variety of public safety and community-focused roles. This online program prepares you for Minnesota POST licensure, or for certification in your home state, giving you hands-on experience as you earn your degree. Guided by faculty and alumni mentors, you’ll build the skills and connections that open doors to promotions, specialty roles, and long-term career growth.
- Minnesota POST accredited
- 1:1 law enforcement mentorships
- Start your criminal justice career in 2 years
Explore Diverse Career Paths with an A.A. in Criminal Justice
Our A.A. in Criminal Justice Professional Peace Officer Education program provides you with a diverse career pathway. Not only will you be equipped for law enforcement careers, but this program can also open doors to a wide range of career opportunities across the Criminal Justice System (CJS), including roles within federal, state, county, local, tribal, and international organizations in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. Some top roles include:
- Police Officer
- Sheriff’s Deputy
- MN State Patrol
This program can prepare you for opportunities in:
- Domestic violence / sexual assault shelters & victim services
- Substance use & recovery programs (nonprofit and private)
- Crisis intervention centers & 24/7 hotlines
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Build Real-World Connections in Criminal Justice
The online Associate in Criminal Justice program is designed to connect your education to real-world opportunies. Through partnerships with local law enforcement agencies, students can gain early exposure to the field while building professional credibility and practical experience that employers value.
Students may also have the opportunity to participate in travel abroad experiences that explore criminal justice systems from a global perspective, broadening cultural awareness and strengthening critical-thinking skills. Beyond graduation, an active alumni network offers ongoing connections to professionals working in law enforcement, corrections, and community-based public safety—supporting career growth long after the program is complete.
- Law enforcement agency partnerships
- Travel abroad experiences
- Alumni networking opportunities
Program Outcomes and Skills Acquired
What You’ll Learn
In the Associate in Criminal Justice online program, you’ll learn how to make ethical decisions, communicate clearly, lead with confidence, and use technology effectively. With these skills, you’ll be ready to step into a variety of roles and build a meaningful career protecting communities.
Skills You’ll Gain
- Evaluate ethical dilemmas in criminal justice and describe moral decisions to demonstrate virtuous decision-making competency.
- Identify and practice opportunities for lifelong learning by researching educational resources and setting specific personal development goals.
- Recognize and use effective verbal and nonverbal communication strategies in diverse criminal justice contexts to build rapport and communicate information.
- Analyze, select, and describe suitable technological tools by assessing their effectiveness and relevance to various criminal justice scenarios.
- Synthesize and integrate knowledge and skills by applying solutions to practical challenges in criminal justice, describing ways to navigate complex situations.
- Demonstrate influential leadership by integrating resources, motivating teamwork, and advocating for effective solutions within the criminal justice system.
- Demonstrate the ability to strategically manage your career through self-awareness, informed decision-making, effective job search techniques, and professional networking, ensuring readiness to enter and/or advance in your chosen fields with integrity and professionalism.
Support Beyond Your Graduation Date
In addition to the high-quality education you’ll receive at CSP Global, you’ll benefit from a wide range of support during your time as a student that will extend throughout your professional journey as an alumnus.