Criminal Justice with Law Enforcement Concentration

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.

Program Mission

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

1. To develop students’ understanding of the American Criminal Justice System.
2. To understand the history of the criminal justice system, including its evolution and its impact on society.
3. Demonstrate a capacity to think critically about issues involving the criminal justice system.
4. 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.

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.

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.

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 term lengths are 4-week, 8-week and 16-week.

Keiser University publishes this program as approximately 22 months and 66 credit hours.

Keiser University lists this program as available on campus.

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 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

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