Criminal Justice (AS)
Criminal Justice (AS) is an Associate Degree program offered by Keiser University in Tallahassee, FL. The program takes 22 months to complete.
Program Overview
Keiser University’s Associate of Science degree in Criminal Justice offers students a strong foundation in the principles, procedures, and practices of the American criminal justice system. The program examines key areas such as criminal behavior, law enforcement organization and administration, juvenile systems, legal doctrines, and fundamentals of criminal investigations.
Through classroom instruction and hands-on learning experiences, students gain practical skills that prepare them to apply their knowledge in real-world criminal justice settings. Graduates equip themselves to pursue entry-level positions in law enforcement, corrections, private security, or related fields and to continue their studies toward a bachelor’s degree.
The program promotes law enforcement careers in the state of Florida through a partnership with local police academies and public safety institutes. Students complete Law Enforcement Academy Externships that provide direct exposure to police departments and the criminal justice profession.
The mission of Keiser University’s Associate of Science in Criminal Justice with a Law Enforcement Concentration is to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for entry-level positions in law enforcement. Through a blend of theoretical instruction and practical application, the program covers areas such as criminal behavior patterns, law enforcement organizations, juvenile justice systems, legal principles and doctrines, and the fundamentals of criminal investigations. This comprehensive approach ensures that graduates are well-prepared to meet the demands of a career in the criminal justice field.
Program Goals- To develop students’ understanding of the American Criminal Justice System.
- To understand the history of the criminal justice system, including its evolution and its impact on society.
- Demonstrate a capacity to think critically about issues involving the criminal justice system.
- To develop skills that are necessary for careers in criminal justice and related fields and have students uphold the ethical standard of criminal justice professionals.
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Program Highlights- Students complete criminal justice major courses, including Law Enforcement Academy Externships. These externships connect students with police academies and provide hands-on law enforcement training.
- General education courses develop critical thinking, research methods, and communication skills while criminal justice courses cover criminology, criminal law, criminal investigations, corrections, juvenile justice, and law enforcement procedures.
- Students complete coursework in areas such as evidence collection, physical evidence handling, legal system procedures, and administrative responsibilities commonly associated with law enforcement careers.
- College credit earned through this associate degree program transfers to Keiser University’s bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice, allowing students to continue their education and pursue advanced career opportunities.
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 university’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.
Career Outcomes
Graduates of Keiser University’s Associate of Science in Criminal Justice prepare for entry-level positions across the justice system. This criminal justice program supports students pursuing careers in law enforcement agencies, corrections facilities, private security, homeland security, and forensic science. The degree program provides practical skills in criminal investigation, evidence collection, and understanding the court system while preparing students for continued education toward a bachelor’s degree.
Career Pathways in Criminal Justice
- Police officer
- Corrections officer
- Crime scene technician
- Private investigator
- Probation officer
- Victim advocate
- Private detective
- Crime scene investigator
- Law enforcement officer
- Forensic science technician
- Court security officer Paralegal
Are You Already in Law Enforcement?
Certified Police and Correctional Officers – Keiser University will accept up to 15 credit hours of law enforcement academy and 12 credit hours of correctional officer training toward any of our Criminal Justice degrees. Must be employed as law enforcement or correctional officer and the transfer credit will be evaluated by the dean at the campus
Why Choose Keiser University
Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Criminal Justice Career
- Criminal investigation techniques
- Understanding of criminal law and legal procedures
- Legal document preparation
- Communication skills for law enforcement professionals
- Critical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Knowledge of the court system and trial process
- Understanding of corrections and juvenile justice
- Physical evidence handling protocols
- Administrative skills for law enforcement settings
- Research methods for criminal justice
- Writing skills for reports and legal documents
Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels.
Request More InfoFrequently Asked Questions
Can I get a criminal justice degree online at Keiser University?
The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice with Law Enforcement concentration requires on-campus attendance due to the Law Enforcement Academy Externships and hands-on training components. However, Keiser University offers online options for the Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice and other criminal justice degree programs at the bachelor’s and master’s levels.
What's the difference between the AS and AA in Criminal Justice?
The Associate of Science (AS) includes 66 credit hours with Law Enforcement Academy Externships (18 credit hours total) and focuses on preparing students for direct entry into law enforcement careers. The Associate of Arts (AA) includes 60 credit hours without externships and serves students planning to transfer to a bachelor’s degree program. Both provide strong foundations in the criminal justice system.
What careers can I pursue with this degree?
Graduates pursue entry-level positions as police officers (after completing police academy requirements), corrections officers, crime scene technicians, victim advocates, private investigators, and court security officers. The degree also prepares students for continued education toward a bachelor’s degree for expanded career opportunities.
Can I transfer credits from another institution?
Yes, Keiser University accepts transfer credits for undergraduate and graduate-level programs. Our admissions team will work with you to review your transcripts and determine your transfer eligibility. Credits transfer based on several factors including accreditation and course equivalency. Learn more about credit transfer requirements and eligibility requirements.
Is financial aid available?
Yes, financial aid is available to students pursuing an online or on-campus degree including grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. Learn more about Keiser University’s Financial Services.
Can you become a police officer with this degree?
Yes. A criminal justice degree from Keiser University provides foundational knowledge in criminal law, law enforcement procedures, and the justice system needed to pursue careers as a police officer. While you still need to complete police academy training through your hiring agency, this degree program helps fulfill education requirements and prepares you for the application process. The Law Enforcement Academy Externships provide direct exposure to police departments and law enforcement training.
How long does it take to complete this program?
The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice typically takes approximately 24 months to complete when attending full-time. Actual completion time varies based on factors like course load, transfer credits, and individual scheduling needs.
How much does it cost to earn this degree?
Tuition at Keiser University varies by degree program. Keiser offers financial aid, military and veteran benefits, scholarships, and tuition reimbursement to those who qualify. For more detailed cost information, please contact an admissions advisor. Get more information about Keiser University’s tuition and costs.
What courses make up the criminal justice major?
The criminal justice major courses include Criminology, Introduction to Criminal Justice, Introduction to Corrections, Introduction to Law Enforcement, Introduction to Juvenile Procedures, Writing and Communications for CJ Professionals, Criminal Law, Criminal Investigations, and Law Enforcement Academy Externship courses. These courses examine the criminal justice system, criminal behavior, law enforcement organizations, and investigative procedures.
What do the Law Enforcement Academy Externships involve?
Law Enforcement Academy Externships provide hands-on training at police academies and public safety institutes through Keiser’s partnerships in Florida. These externship courses allow students to gain practical experience in law enforcement procedures, physical training, legal protocols, and police department operations while completing their associate degree program.
Can I continue to a bachelor's degree after completing this program?
Yes. The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice transfers to Keiser University’s bachelor’s degree programs in criminal justice and related fields. Many students use this associate degree as a stepping stone toward a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice or other bachelor’s degree programs that expand career opportunities in the criminal justice field.
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Location
Accreditation
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 do not require specialized programmatic accreditation, the curriculum meets rigorous academic standards and prepares students for successful careers in criminal justice.
Required Courses
| Name | Credits |
|---|---|
| Criminal Justice Major Courses (42.0 credit hours) | |
| Criminology | 3 |
| Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 |
| Introduction to Corrections | 3 |
| Introduction to Law Enforcement | 3 |
| Introduction to Juvenile Procedures | 3 |
| Writing and Communications for CJ Professionals | 3 |
| Criminal Law | 3 |
| Criminal Investigations | 3 |
| Law Enforcement Academy Externship I | 3 |
| Law Enforcement Academy Externship II | 3 |
| Law Enforcement Academy Externship III | 3 |
| Law Enforcement Academy Externship IV | 3 |
| Law Enforcement Academy Externship V | 3 |
| Law Enforcement Academy Externship VI | 3 |
| Subtotal | 42 |
| General Education Courses (24.0 credit hours) | |
| American History Pre 1876 | 3 |
| American History Since 1876 | 3 |
| Political Science | 3 |
| Introduction to Psychology | 3 |
| Sociology | 3 |
| Subtotal | 15 |
| Communications (3.0 credit hours) | |
| Speech Communications | 3 |
| Subtotal | 3 |
| Computers (3.0 credit hours) | |
| Introduction to Computers | 3 |
| Subtotal | 3 |
| English (6.0 credit hours) | |
| English Composition I | 3 |
| English Composition II | 3 |
| Subtotal | 6 |
| Humanities/Fine Arts (3.0 credit hours) | |
| American Literature | 3 |
| English Literature | 3 |
| Contemporary World Literature | 3 |
| Creative Writing | 3 |
| Subtotal | 12 |
| Mathematics (6.0 credit hours) | |
| Intermediate Algebra | 3 |
| Subtotal | 3 |
| Natural Science (6.0 credit hours) | |
| General Biology | 3 |
| General Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| Environmental Science | 3 |
| Advanced Biology | 3 |
| Advanced Biology Laboratory | 1 |
| General Chemistry | 3 |
| General Chemistry Laboratory | 1 |
| Advanced Chemistry | 3 |
| Advanced Chemistry Laboratory | 3 |
| Subtotal | 21 |
| Program Total | 105 |
