Be a Formidable Asset for Justice with an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
If you’re passionate about the field of law enforcement and criminal justice, Liberty University’s Associate of Arts (AA) in Criminal Justice program is a stepping stone towards turning your interests into a meaningful career. This program is designed to provide you with foundational knowledge in criminal justice, including the legal and ethical issues relevant to the field.
As a student, you’ll explore various aspects of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections. The curriculum is tailored to offer a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, helping to ensure you can work to become equipped for the challenges of the field.
Professionally, the AA in Criminal Justice can open doors to numerous opportunities in the criminal justice field. You can be eligible for roles in law enforcement, corrections, private security, and even federal agencies. The program is designed to help prepare you for positions that require not just knowledge of criminal justice but also integrity and leadership. With this degree, you can pursue a career that aligns with your passion for justice and your desire to make a tangible impact in society.
More than just a career, this degree allows you to be a catalyst for positive change in your community. With a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system, you can contribute to community programs, youth mentorship, and other initiatives that aim to reduce crime and improve public safety. Your expertise can also be valuable in shaping policies and practices that impact the criminal justice system at a local or national level.
Award-Winning Campus
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education that equips students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence helped us rank as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com. Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Why Choose Liberty’s Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice Degree?
An associate degree in criminal justice can provide the credentials to begin a career serving your community with pride. This degree program is well-rounded and allows for the possibility of transferring earned credits toward a bachelor’s program. Our professors are experienced law enforcement and criminal justice professionals who have years of training under their belts working for the FBI, Virginia Beach Police Department, and many other agencies. Throughout your academic journey, you will receive support, guidance, and first-hand knowledge from your professors and classmates.
This exposure to industry veterans not only enhances your academic experience but also provides networking opportunities. These connections can be invaluable as you embark on your career path, offering guidance, mentorship, and potential job leads. The faculty’s commitment to your success goes beyond academic instruction; they are dedicated to helping you achieve your career goals.
Our AA in Criminal Justice gives you the benefit of face-to-face instruction, hands-on academic opportunities, and a vibrant campus life. You’ll have access to campus resources such as the Jerry Falwell Library, academic advising, and student organizations that can further enrich your educational experience. By living and studying on campus, you can also build strong connections with your peers, creating a community that supports your academic and professional aspirations. Plus, with Liberty’s commitment to integrating Christian principles into all areas of study, you can approach your criminal justice education with a unique blend of faith and professionalism.
What Will You Learn in Our Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice Degree?
As you begin your AA in Criminal Justice degree, you will take general education classes like math, English, social science, or history. The real fun begins with your specialized classes in criminal justice. Throughout these classes, you can familiarize yourself with corrections in the United States, criminal law, and the judicial process. You can gain the knowledge and skills needed to carry out investigations and be an asset to any law enforcement or investigatory agency.
In addition to theoretical knowledge, the program focuses on practical skills essential for a career in criminal justice. You can gain insights into the procedures and practices of law enforcement, including investigation techniques, police operations, and the principles of criminal law. This hands-on learning approach ensures that you are not only knowledgeable but also capable of applying your understanding in real-world scenarios.
You’ll also explore the foundations of government and free enterprise, gaining an understanding of the constitutional framework and the American government system. Adding to this, you’ll have the opportunity to select electives that enhance your knowledge in communications and information literacy.
A unique aspect of your program is the integration of religious perspectives in the study of contemporary moral issues. This component is designed to enhance your understanding of ethical considerations and moral values, providing a well-rounded educational experience.
Review the Degree Completion Plan, and check out our featured courses below to discover more about what you’ll be studying:
Featured Courses
CJUS 320 – Corrections
CJUS 330 – Judicial Process
CJUS 340 – Criminology
CJUS 400 – Criminal Law
Highlights of Our AA Degree in Criminal Justice
- In our AA 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 AA 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 Criminal Justice, School of Law, and Biology departments to research cold cases and assist criminal justice reform advocates in exonerating wrongly convicted individuals.
Associate in Criminal Justice Degree Information
- Residential
- 61 total credit hours
- Transfer in up to 75% of your total degree
- This program falls under the Helms School of Government
- View the Degree Completion Plan
- View our course catalog
Potential Career Opportunities for Criminal Justice Graduates
- Bailiff
- Bounty hunter
- Corrections officer
- Criminal investigator
- Forensic science technician
- Homicide detective
- Police officer
Admission Requirements for Undergraduate Degrees
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.
