Criminal Justice (AA)

The program follows Keiser University's signature one-class-at-a-time model, with students taking a single course over each four-week term and new classes starting every month. The degree comprises 60 credit hours across 20 courses and takes approximately 24 months to complete, though timing varies by individual circumstances and transfer credit.

Classes are offered in flexible online, on-campus, and hybrid formats to fit different schedules, with on-campus availability at select Florida campuses and through Keiser's online education division. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue in the program. There is no clinical or externship component for this degree.

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.

Required Courses

Tuition is charged per 16-week semester based on scheduled credit hours. A full-time schedule (12–17.99 credits) runs approximately $12,408 per semester (Keiser Undergraduate Tuition & Fee Disclosure; subject to annual review). Completing the 60-credit-hour program at a full-time pace of roughly four semesters yields an estimated tuition of about $49,600. On enrollment, students also pay a one-time $55 application fee and a one-time $145 registration fee. Prospective students should use Keiser's Net Price Calculator for a personalized estimate.

A range of financial aid is available to those who qualify, including federal Pell Grants, FSEOG, Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and Federal Work-Study; Florida programs such as FSAG and EASE; institutional scholarships; and veterans and military benefits. Aid begins with the FAFSA (school code 015159), which must be completed each year.

Estimated total program tuition of about $49,632 (full-time semesters at ~$12,408/semester); actual cost varies with pace and transfer credit.

Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles across the criminal justice field, including:

• Law enforcement: police officer positions, evidence collection specialists, and support roles in federal, state, and local agencies
• Corrections and rehabilitation: correctional officers, probation and parole support roles, juvenile justice positions, and victim advocates
• Investigation and court support: criminal investigations support, crime scene documentation, and court system administrative positions
• Public and private security: security officers and loss-prevention roles

The associate degree also serves as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or a related field. Note that specific law enforcement roles may carry their own agency hiring standards, academy training, and background requirements beyond the degree.

Students take one class at a time in four-week terms, focusing fully on each subject before moving to the next. Coursework mixes academic study with practical, applied learning in areas such as criminal investigations, criminal law, corrections, and juvenile procedures. Expect small classes and direct access to instructors who have worked in law enforcement, corrections, and the legal system.

Learners can choose online, on-campus, or hybrid delivery to match their schedule, making the program workable for both traditional students and working adults. Because most credits are general education, students also build broadly transferable skills in writing, communication, mathematics, and the social sciences that support advancement to a bachelor's degree.