Why Choose the Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice at Bethel University?
This fully online associate degree is a smart, flexible starting point for a career in criminal justice. In 60 hours, it builds a real foundation across the system, including policing, courts, and corrections, so you can step into an entry-level role or continue toward a bachelor's degree with momentum. It is designed for students and working adults who want a focused, career-relevant credential on a schedule that fits their lives.
The program keeps its focus on the field from the start. Rather than a scattered general degree, every part of the criminal justice core points toward understanding how the system works, from criminal procedure and law enforcement to corrections and the role of drugs in society. When you finish, you have both an associate degree and a strong platform for what comes next.
What You’ll Learn
In this program, you will learn:
- A foundational understanding of the criminal justice system, including police, courts, and corrections
- A knowledge of modern correctional systems for both juvenile and adult offenders
- An introduction to the U.S. court system at the municipal, state, and federal levels
- An understanding of the constitutional parameters of criminal procedure
- A working knowledge of the policing function, including community and juvenile policing
- Insight into the use and abuse of drugs in society and its psychological and social implications
Courses You'll Take
These are the core courses that define the major:
CCJ 1005, Fundamentals of Criminal Justice
CCJ 1150, Foundations of Corrections
CCJ 1250, Introduction to the U.S. Court System
CCJ 2000, Overview of Criminal Procedure
CCJ 2010, Introduction to Law Enforcement
CCJ 2200, Drugs in Society
Career Possibilities
Corrections Officer
Oversees individuals in jails and prisons, maintaining safety, security, and order.
Police Officer
Protects communities by enforcing laws, responding to calls, and maintaining public safety, often with additional academy training.
Court Support Clerk
Supports the operations of a court through records, scheduling, and case processing.
Security Officer
Protects people and property in a range of public and private settings.
Loss Prevention Specialist
Helps businesses prevent theft and respond to security concerns.
Dispatch or Communications Operator
Coordinates emergency and law enforcement response through communications systems.
Criminal Justice Bachelor's Candidate
Continues into a bachelor's program in criminal justice or a related field, having built the foundation.
This degree also provides a strong foundation for continuing into a bachelor's program in criminal justice or a related field.
Related Degrees and Programs
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