Criminal Justice Studies, AAS, Online
Quick Facts
Credit Hours: 60 | Estimated Time to Completion: 2 years | Cost Per Credit Hour: $480.65 | Start Dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Details
- Location
- Wayne Campus, Akron Campus
- Level
- undergraduate
- Degree/Program Type
- Associate of Applied Science / major
- Format
- online
- Course Info
- Course Sequence
- College
- Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences (BCAS)
- School/Department
- Criminal Justice Studies
Program Contact
- David A. Licate, Ph.D.
-
Department Chair and Professor
330-972-7392
Program Overview
The University of Akron Online offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Criminal Justice Studies for students seeking foundational knowledge in criminal justice, law, corrections, and policing. Whether you're entering the field, advancing your current career, or planning to continue toward a bachelor's degree, this accredited program provides a strong introduction to the criminal justice system.
The curriculum combines criminal justice coursework with studies in sociology, political science, and related disciplines. Students build an understanding of crime, law enforcement, courts, corrections, and public policy while developing analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills applicable across criminal justice professions.
Delivered in a flexible online format, the program is designed for traditional students, working professionals, military service members, and adult learners. Students can tailor their studies through criminal justice electives while learning from faculty with real-world experience in the field.
What You'll Learn
Develop foundational knowledge of the criminal justice system while building skills that support careers in public safety, law enforcement, corrections, and related fields.
Skills Gained
Criminal justice system analysis
Legal and ethical decision-making
Research and critical thinking
Professional communication
Problem-solving and case evaluation
Understanding of public safety systems
Core Practice
Analyze criminal justice processes and institutions
Evaluate legal and policy issues
Examine crime and social behavior
Understand policing, courts, and corrections
Apply ethical reasoning in criminal justice settings
Key Topics
Criminal justice systems
Criminal law
Policing and law enforcement
Corrections and rehabilitation
Criminology and crime analysis
Government and public policy
Career Outcomes
The Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Studies provides foundational preparation for careers across public safety, criminal justice, government, and community service organizations.
Job Titles
Police officer*
Court services officer
Corrections officer
Probation officer*
Parole officer*
Private investigator*
Crime scene technician*
Crime intelligence analyst
Where You’ll Work
Police departments
Correctional facilities
Courts and judicial systems
Government agencies
Community supervision programs
Private security organizations
Investigative services firms
Nonprofit and victim assistance organizations
Career Advancement Pathways
Many students use the associate degree as a foundation for continued education. Graduates may choose to pursue bachelor's degree programs in Criminal Justice, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Organizational Supervision, and related fields to expand career opportunities and prepare for leadership roles.
*Additional training, certification, licensure, or agency requirements may apply.
Additional Program Information
Criminal Justice Curriculum
The curriculum combines general education, criminal justice coursework, and interdisciplinary electives to provide a well-rounded foundation in the field.
General Education Foundation
Build essential communication, quantitative reasoning, and critical thinking skills through coursework in writing, public speaking, mathematics, and the natural sciences. These foundational skills help students communicate effectively, evaluate information, and make informed decisions in criminal justice and public safety environments.
→ See full general education requirements
Core Coursework
Develop a foundation in the criminal justice system through coursework focused on criminal law, policing, and corrections. Students examine the institutions, legal frameworks, and processes that shape the administration of justice while gaining an understanding of how criminal justice professionals serve individuals, communities, and organizations.
→ View full program requirements
Concentrations
After completing foundational coursework in criminal justice, political science, and sociology, students select a concentration in policing, corrections, or criminology. Concentration studies allow students to explore a specific area of the field in greater depth while aligning their education with career interests and professional goals.
Electives
Further personalize your degree through criminal justice, political science, and sociology electives. Elective coursework allows students to broaden their understanding of crime, justice, government, public policy, and social behavior while exploring topics that support their individual interests. Eligible University of Akron Police Academy coursework may also be applied toward elective requirements.
Practitioner Focused
Built by Criminal Justice Professionals
Established by practitioners for practitioners, the program has supported criminal justice professionals and aspiring public safety leaders for more than 50 years.
Military Friendly
Supporting Military Student Success
Working alongside The University of Akron's Military Services Center, the program helps military students explore prior learning opportunities and pathways that may reduce time to degree completion.
Rankings
Top-Ranked Criminal Justice Program
Ranked No. 11 among criminal justice programs nationwide and No. 2 among Ohio universities by Intelligent.com (2024), this program is recognized for its quality and career-focused curriculum.
Admissions Information
Tuition and Cost Considerations
- Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis of [PLACEHOLDER]
- Online students pay in-state tuition, with a $1 per credit hour out-of-state surcharge
→ View cost of attendance information
Financial Aid Options
Students may be eligible for a range of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Student loans and work-study programs
- Institutional scholarships and merit-based awards
The University of Akron awards significant financial aid annually, with a large percentage of undergraduate students receiving some form of assistance.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Scholarships and Value
- Students are eligible for:
- Many scholarships require no separate application
- Aid packages may include multiple funding sources
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid provides support throughout the process, including help with FAFSA, scholarships, and understanding your aid package.
To apply to the online criminal justice associate degree, you’ll need to:
- Submit an undergraduate application
- Provide official academic transcripts
- Meet general university admission standards
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
- Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis of [PLACEHOLDER]
- Online students pay in-state tuition, with a $1 per credit hour out-of-state surcharge
→ View cost of attendance information
Financial Aid Options
Students may be eligible for a range of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Student loans and work-study programs
- Institutional scholarships and merit-based awards
The University of Akron awards significant financial aid annually, with a large percentage of undergraduate students receiving some form of assistance.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Scholarships and Value
- Students are eligible for:
- Many scholarships require no separate application
- Aid packages may include multiple funding sources
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid provides support throughout the process, including help with FAFSA, scholarships, and understanding your aid package.
To apply to the online criminal justice associate degree, you’ll need to:
- Submit an undergraduate application
- Provide official academic transcripts
- Meet general university admission standards
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Online Criminal Justice Faculty & Staff
Learn from faculty with professional experience in criminal justice, law enforcement, public safety, and related fields.
Online Criminal Justice Degree FAQs
A criminal justice degree can prepare students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, courts, investigations, public safety, and community services. Common career paths include police officer, corrections officer, probation officer, parole officer, court services officer, private investigator, crime scene technician, and crime intelligence analyst. Graduates may also pursue opportunities with government agencies, nonprofit organizations, rehabilitation programs, and private-sector employers.
Salary potential varies by role, employer, location, and experience level. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, police and detectives earn a median annual salary of approximately $77,000, probation officers and correctional treatment specialists earn approximately $64,000, and private detectives and investigators earn approximately $52,000. Additional education, specialized training, and professional experience may increase earning potential over time.
Most full-time students can complete the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Studies in approximately two years, or four semesters. Completion time may vary based on transfer credits, course load, and individual circumstances.
The cost of an online criminal justice degree depends on tuition rates, fees, transfer credits, and financial aid eligibility. The University of Akron Online charges tuition on a per-credit-hour basis, and online students receive in-state tuition rates, with only a $1 per-credit-hour out-of-state surcharge. Financial aid, scholarships, grants, and employer tuition assistance may help reduce overall costs.
Yes. Many students use the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Studies as a pathway to a bachelor's degree. Graduates may continue their education in programs such as Criminal Justice, Emergency Management and Homeland Security, Organizational Supervision, and other related fields, allowing them to expand their knowledge and pursue additional career opportunities.
Earn Your Criminal Justice Associate Degree Online
Develop the knowledge needed to better understand crime, justice, and community safety in today's evolving world.