Penn State's associate degree program in criminal justice can prepare you for positions in criminal justice through study of the three main components of the criminal justice system, and their interrelationships. The program includes study in law enforcement, the courts, and corrections—individually and as components of a system—plus work in theories of crime causation and crime control policy. Students should expect reading, writing, and critical-thinking skills to be rigorously applied and developed throughout the program. The program's focus on traditional liberal arts skills, such as critical thinking, analysis, and communication, will prepare you for a career in many fields.
Educational Milestones
Many of the credits you earn in this program can be applied toward the bachelor's degree in organizational leadership or a bachelor of science or bachelor of arts in criminal justice. Talk with an adviser to learn how you can apply your credits toward these or other associate or bachelor's degrees from Penn State.
Locations and Flexible Access
Adult students require maximum flexibility of course delivery. The associate degree in criminal justice can be completed by mixing weekend, evening, lunchtime, and early morning courses with online courses. Talk with an adviser to determine online course availability and the best mix of courses for your particular needs.
Admission Requirements
- You must be a high school graduate.
- Or you must have completed your GED.
Application for degree status is submitted electronically through the Undergraduate Admissions Office. Your adviser can help you with a pre-application checklist.
Value of a Penn State Education
The data is clear—the higher the education, the better the payback. The 2004 U.S. Census Population Survey revealed that workers with an associate degree were earning $7,500 more than those with a high school diploma alone. The news gets even better at the bachelor's degree level. Workers with a bachelor's degree were earning an average of $15,000 more than those with an associate degree, and $22,500 more than high school graduates. Over a lifetime, a college degree can increase your personal and professional mobility, help you make better-informed financial decisions, and improve the quality of life for you and your family.
Similar Programs of Interest
Bachelor's Degree in Organizational Leadership; Associate Degree in Letters, Arts, and Sciences; Certificate in Labor Studies and Industrial Relations; Certificate in Organizational Communication; Postbaccalaureate Certificate in Industrial Relations and Human Resources
an outreach program of Penn State Altoona
