What You Can Do with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
An associate degree in criminal justice can open the door to a wide range of entry-level careers in law enforcement, corrections, the courts, and public safety. It can also help you build practical skills, gain real-world insight into the justice system, and prepare for roles in areas such as homeland security, private investigation, and community supervision. Whether you’re looking to launch your career or build a foundation for future advancement, a criminal justice associate degree can help you take the next step.
What Do You Learn in a Criminal Justice Associate Degree Program?
An associate degree in criminal justice offers a strong introduction to the systems, laws, and public safety practices that shape the field, and prepares you for a career in a variety of entry-level criminal justice roles. Through this program of study, you’ll build an understanding of how professionals such as police officers, corrections officers, and dispatchers contribute to maintaining order and supporting community safety. You’ll explore the three core pillars of the field: law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. The curriculum is structured to build a mix of legal, technical, and soft skills needed for public safety careers.
10 Jobs You Can Get with an AS in Criminal Justice
Whether you’re interested in serving your community, supporting the legal system, or exploring investigative work, this associate degree can help you build the knowledge and skills to get started. Here are 10 jobs you can pursue with an AS in Criminal Justice.
1. Police Officer
If you’re driven to protect others and serve your community, a career as a police officer can offer both purpose and opportunity. Police officers, sheriffs, and state troopers help maintain order, enforce laws, respond to emergencies, and investigate criminal activity. As trusted public safety professionals, they often serve as the first point of contact in critical situations and work closely with courts, corrections, and other agencies to help keep communities safe.
2. Crime Scene Technician
If you’re detail-oriented and drawn to forensic work, a career as a crime scene technician can put you at the center of the investigative process. Crime scene technicians collect, document, and preserve physical evidence using forensic, fingerprint, and digital methods—helping ensure critical details are protected and ready to support investigations and court proceedings.
3. Court Clerk
If you’re interested in the inner workings of the legal system, a career as a court clerk can offer a strong entry point into the criminal justice field. Court clerks play a vital role in daily court operations by managing records, assisting judges and attorneys, and helping ensure that hearings and trials are properly documented. In this essential role, you’ll contribute to the accuracy, organization, and efficiency that help the justice system function effectively.
4. Security Guard
If you’re looking for a career centered on safety, awareness, and responsibility, working as a security guard can be a strong entry point into the criminal justice field. Security guards help protect people and property in a wide range of settings, including hospitals, shopping centers, government buildings, and correctional facilities. In this role, you may monitor surveillance systems, patrol assigned areas, check credentials, and respond to emergencies while helping maintain secure, orderly environments.
5. Probation Officer
If you want a career that combines public service, accountability, and the opportunity to support positive change, becoming a probation officer can be a strong path forward. Probation officers help supervise individuals serving sentences in the community, ensuring that they follow court-ordered conditions while working toward rehabilitation. In this role, you may monitor progress, connect individuals with support services, and help promote both public safety and successful reintegration.
6. Corrections Officer
If you want a career focused on safety, structure, and service, becoming a corrections officer can be a strong fit. Corrections officers work in local jails, state prisons, and federal facilities, where they help maintain secure environments by supervising individuals in custody, enforcing rules, and responding to security issues. In this role, you may also escort detainees, help prevent disturbances, and support the overall safety and well-being of the facility.
7. Victim Advocate
If you’re passionate about helping others during difficult moments, a career as a victim advocate can be both meaningful and impactful. Victim advocates support people affected by crime by offering emotional support, crisis assistance, and guidance through the legal process. In this role, you may also help connect individuals with resources, explain victims’ rights, and serve as a trusted link between victims, law enforcement, and prosecutors.
8. Private Investigator
If you’re curious, analytical, and driven to uncover the facts, a career as a private investigator can be an exciting path. Private investigators gather information for individuals, businesses, and legal teams by conducting surveillance, interviewing witnesses, performing background checks, and verifying details to support legal, financial, or personal cases—all while working within the law.
9. 911 Dispatcher
If you thrive in high-pressure situations and want to make a real difference, a career as a 911 dispatcher can be both challenging and rewarding. Also known as public safety telecommunicators, dispatchers are often the first point of contact during emergencies, helping connect callers with police, fire, and EMS services when every second counts. In this fast-paced role, you’ll stay calm under pressure, gather critical information, coordinate emergency response, and provide clear guidance that helps protect lives and support public safety.
10. Bailiff
If you’re interested in courtroom operations and want a role that combines security, responsibility, and public service, a career as a bailiff can be a strong fit. Bailiffs help maintain order and safety in the courtroom while supporting judges, juries, attorneys, and the public. In this role, you may prepare courtrooms, secure evidence, assist with courtroom procedures, guide visitors, and help ensure that proceedings run smoothly and according to court protocols.
Start Your Criminal Justice Career at Excelsior
If you’re ready to take the first step toward a career in law enforcement, corrections, the courts, or investigative work, Excelsior University’s associate degree in criminal justice can help you get there. With flexible online courses and student support services built for busy learners, the program helps you develop job-ready skills with confidence. And when you’re ready to move on, Excelsior’s Career Readiness can help you explore career paths, build professional skills, and connect with employers through resources, events, and practical guidance.
Excelsior’s AS in Criminal Justice program gives you a strong foundation in the field while helping you build practical knowledge you can apply right away. You will learn the essential concepts that can prepare you for entry-level roles today and that will support your path toward a bachelor’s degree in the future.
