Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
Become an Advocate for Victims with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
The criminal justice field can be a challenging yet rewarding career. Whether you want to chase criminals or manage resources behind the scenes, a degree in criminal justice will help you attain your goals.
You’ll receive the training you need in just 2 years by pursuing an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice. With this degree, you will gain an understanding of criminal law as well as the nature of crime and how it relates to a biblical worldview. You will be prepared for many specialized career opportunities including criminal investigator, detective, and corrections officer.
Pursue Your Degree with Confidence
- Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges.
- Learn from professors with years of real-life experience in law enforcement working for agencies like the FBI and the Virginia Beach Police Department.
- The faculty and staff within this program are available to provide support, guidance, and firsthand knowledge as you complete your criminal justice classes.
What Will You Learn?
- Basic skills needed in mathematics, communications, and social science
- Corrections, criminal law, and the judicial system in the United States
- How to carry out investigations as an asset to law enforcement or investigation agencies
Career Opportunities for Graduates of the A.A. in Criminal Justice
- Bailiff
- Bounty hunter
- Corrections officer
- Criminal investigator
- Forensic science technician
- Homicide detective
- Police officer
Internship Opportunities and Resources for Students in the Criminal Justice Associate Program
- In our A.A. in Criminal Justice program, you will be taught by professors recognized for their excellence in teaching and who have served with the FBI, the Virginia Beach Police Department, and other distinguished law enforcement agencies.
- We care about you as an individual and are dedicated to giving you the support and mentorship you need throughout your A.A. in Criminal Justice degree.
- Our program is rooted in the practical application of the theories you learn through simulations within the classroom and internships in the field.
- We were awarded an Illuminate Grant for Justice Project DNA testing equipment and training, allowing students, under the supervision of professors from our School of Law and our criminal justice and biology departments, to research cold cases and assist criminal justice reform advocates in exonerating wrongly convicted individuals.
Admission Requirements for Our Undergraduate Degree Programs
Every application is reviewed by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis, meaning there are no set minimums for acceptance. However, all applicants must submit the following documents* for admission:
- Admission application
- Official high school transcripts
- Official college transcripts (if applicable)
- Results from the CLT, SAT, or ACT are not required for admission, but may be used in consideration for merit-based aid.
- Admission essay
*Note that additional documentation may be requested by the admission committee after your application has been received.
Tuition rates may change annually. For the most current information, please visit our LU Tuition Cost page.
Credit Hours
Available On Campus
Class Type
Residential
Transfer Credits
Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total
Next Start Date
Jan 19, 2026
Accreditation
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
