Criminal Justice
AAS = Associate of Applied Science | 2 years

Criminal Justice AAS = Associate of Applied Science | 2 years

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Criminal Justice is a two-year degree program designed to lead directly to employment, or career advancement, in the field of criminal justice. Typical careers include law enforcement, probation officer, corrections officer or even social work. This hands-on program provides practical training in criminal law, policing practices, corrections systems, investigative techniques, and the American justice system.


Students develop job-ready skills through coursework in criminal investigation, ethics in criminal justice, report writing, constitutional law, emergency response, and criminal procedure. The program emphasizes real-world application, critical thinking, communication, and decision-making skills needed for today’s criminal justice professionals.


Graduates of the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice are prepared for careers as police officers, sheriff’s deputies, correctional officers, probation and parole officers, security officers, and other entry-level public safety roles. With experienced instructors, affordable tuition, and a strong focus on workforce readiness, UA Northark helps students gain the skills needed to serve and protect their communities while building a strong foundation for continued professional advancement.



Offered On Campus
Not Offered Online
Related Programs

Transfer or Stackable Options

The Associate of Applied Science degree is stackable with the Associate of Science (AS) degree in criminal justice. However, any student who plans to transfer to a four-year institution, or plans to eventually pursue a bachelor’s degree, should follow the Associate of Science (AS) path in criminal justice.

Learning Outcomes

  • An understanding of how the criminal justice system and its agencies operate together as a system
  • An understanding of how this system is designed to bring about social justice
  • An understanding of the various theoretical frameworks that explain the definition, causes and consequences of crime
  • An understanding of proper standards of conduct regarding investigation, collection of evidence and procedural processes
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