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.

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.

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.

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and assures availability of classroom space. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.

For students enrolling at Keiser University, credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. (To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcripts--- those mailed directly to Keiser University by the previous institution---by the end of a student’s first semester.) Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete the final 25% of a program through the University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum 25% of a program at any time through the University and graduate. Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from their former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Therefore, Keiser University makes no blanket statement or promise of acceptance of credits from any other institution.

Keiser University accepts transfer credits applicable to an applicant's program of study from other institutions recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE). Keiser University accepts transfer of associate degrees that, upon evaluation, include the appropriate major course distribution without time limitations.

Transfer credits are granted only for courses in which a grade of "C" or higher was earned (2.0 on a 4.0 scale).

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.

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 school’s catalog 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.

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 placement report: “Does not include international campuses.” “Report as of April 2026, 16.43% has been verified through 3rd party.”

Although career services assistance is provided, Keiser University cannot promise or guarantee employment.

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.