Criminal Justice (AA)

Keiser University’s Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice provides students with a comprehensive foundation in the principles, practices, and systems that define the American criminal justice landscape. The program explores key areas such as criminal behavior patterns, law enforcement organizations, juvenile justice systems, legal principles and doctrines, and the fundamentals of criminal investigations.
 
Through a combination of academic study and practical, hands-on learning experiences, students gain the critical thinking and technical skills necessary to analyze real-world criminal justice challenges. This degree program prepares graduates for entry-level positions in law enforcement, corrections, and security. The associate degree in criminal justice also serves as a strong stepping stone toward advanced study in the field, including bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice or related disciplines at Keiser University or other educational institutions.
 
Students explore the criminal justice system from multiple perspectives, examining criminal law, criminal procedure, police procedures, and how various components work together within the court system. The curriculum emphasizes problem-solving skills, ethical behavior, and foundational understanding of the legal system that governs law enforcement and corrections at local, state, and federal levels.

Program Mission

The mission of Keiser University’s Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice program is to prepare students for entry level placement as criminal justice professionals. The program utilizes a combination of didactic and hands-on activities to instruct the student in areas such as criminal behavior patterns, law enforcement organizations, juvenile systems, legal principles and doctrines and fundamentals of criminal investigations.

Program Goals

The criminal justice associate degree program aims to:

1. Develop students’ understanding of the American Criminal Justice System.
   Understand the history of the criminal justice system, including its evolution and its impact on society.
2. Demonstrate a capacity to think critically about issues involving the criminal justice system.
3. Develop skills that are necessary for careers in criminal justice and related fields and have students uphold the ethical standard of criminal justice professionals.

Prerequisites

None. Students with a high school diploma or equivalent can begin the associate degree program.

Program Highlights

The Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice offers small class sizes, flexible learning options including online and on-campus formats, transfer credits that vary based on previous coursework, and comprehensive preparation for both career entry and further education toward a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Estimated Student Costs

Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take, and they support the costs associated with completing an approved program of study. Fees are defined in the or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice. Fees that are optional will not be paid using GI Bill® benefits and will be the responsibility of the student choosing these additional options. For additional guidance, please see your Program Director or Admissions Counselor.

Accreditation Statuses

Keiser University holds institutional accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees. While the criminal justice programs doesn’t require specialized programmatic accreditation, the program offers a robust and practical curriculum designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills needed for a successful career in the criminal justice field.

Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Criminal Justice Career

• Criminal justice system operations and criminal procedure knowledge
• Criminal investigations techniques and evidence collection methods
• Police procedures and law enforcement protocols
• Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• Communication skills for law enforcement and court settings
• Understanding of juvenile justice and correctional systems
• Foundational knowledge of criminal law and the legal system
• Preparation for careers as police officers, correctional officers, and security professionals

Keiser University offers career-oriented education designed to support working professionals, career changers, recent high school graduates, and military veterans. With on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degree levels.

Admission includes Keiser University's general requirements plus any program-specific requirements listed below, followed by the university’s application process.

Transfer credit. Credit for courses completed at another institution is subject to approval by Keiser University’s Dean of Academic Affairs, and those courses must be similar in content and duration to the courses in this program. Keiser University requires that a student complete at least the final 25% of a program through the University; active duty, reservist and National Guard service members may complete that 25% at any point in the program. Official transcripts must reach Keiser University by the end of the student’s first semester, and Keiser University makes no blanket promise to accept credits from any other institution.

Keiser University students take one class at a time.

Keiser University publishes this program as approximately 20 months and 60 credit hours.

Keiser University lists this program as available on campus, Online and Hybrid.

Tuition is charged per 16-week semester according to the credit hours scheduled.

Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

Required fees

• Application fee — $55.00, one time on enrollment
• Registration fee — $145.00, one time on enrollment
• Education fee — $550.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources

Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, re-entry $150.00, transcript $5.00, student ID replacement $15.00, returned check $35.00, late payment $10.00 and library late fee $10.00. Clinical, licensure, professional skill development and technical fees vary by program.

Financial aid

Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

The curriculum combines 24 credit hours of criminal justice major courses, covering criminology, corrections, law enforcement, juvenile procedures, criminal law, and criminal investigations, with 36 credit hours of general education. A representative sequence of courses is shown below.

Graduates of Keiser University’s Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice prepare for entry-level positions across the criminal justice field. This criminal justice associate degree opens doors to career opportunities in law enforcement, corrections, private security, and related fields throughout the justice system. The program provides foundational knowledge that supports various career paths while preparing students for further education at a four-year institution.

Career Pathways in Criminal Justice

Law Enforcement Opportunities

• Evidence collection specialists
• Federal government positions

• Police officer positions with police departments
• Law enforcement officer roles at local, state, and federal levels

Corrections and Rehabilitation

• Correctional officers in correctional facilities
• Probation officer support roles

• Juvenile justice positions in juvenile courts
• Victim advocates in government agencies

Investigation and Analysis

• Criminal investigations support
• Crime scene documentation assistance

• Court system administrative positions

Placement Rate

Keiser University publishes the following in its 2025 Undergraduate Placement Rates report for AA Criminal Justice.

Keiser University’s notes on this report: “Does not include international campuses.” “Report as of April 2026, 16.43% has been verified through 3rd party.”

Although Keiser University provides employment placement assistance, it cannot promise or guarantee employment.

How to Apply

1. Submit your online application
2. Speak with an admissions advisor
3. Provide transcripts or transfer credits
4. Enroll and choose your start date

Keiser University’s criminal justice programs provide the foundational education prospective undergraduate students need to enter the criminal justice field. Whether you’re a career changer, recent high school graduate, working professional, or military veteran, our associate degree programs offer the flexible learning options and comprehensive curriculum to help you achieve your career goals. With options to continue toward a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or enter the workforce in entry-level positions, Keiser University supports your journey from education to career success.