Big moves begin withthe right degree

Associate in Criminal Justice

Jump start your career in criminal justice

An Associate in Criminal Justice Degree is a versatile credential that prepares you for a career in criminal justice or to move on to a four-year degree program. Completing an associate degree provides you with an advantage over the competition for many career opportunities. 

A-of-CJ-body-image

Degrees that put you to work

Be ready. SMC students earn an associate degree when they successfully complete the halfway point of a bachelor’s degree. Two degrees in four years means you’ll get a valuable degree for the first two years of college – something many other colleges don’t offer. A two-year degree can help you earn better pay while you’re finishing up your bachelor’s degree. It can also be a safety net in case you have to pause your college studies for financial, family, or other reasons.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that people with an associate degree earn approximately $8,000 more per year than workers with just a high school education. An associate degree provides you with the first leg up in your career, whether you choose to pursue a four-year degree right away or wait.

 

Click below for a degree plan and check out the classes you’ll take.

Degree Plan

It’s your future – pick your degree pathway

SMC’s customizable bachelor’s degree lets you specialize in criminal justice. During your first two years, you’ll take introductory criminal justice courses and general college courses that will let you decide if it’s the right career pathway for you. You’ll earn the Associate in Criminal Justice Degree for your hard work, then complete your bachelor’s degree.

If you’re a student who needs to take a break from college due to financial, family, or other life circumstances, getting an Associate Degree halfway to your bachelor’s degree means you won’t stop out of college without a credential and the increased earning power that comes with it.

Explore 4+ Years
Girl-Laptop-line-art

All the knowledge (and skills) you’ll need

Your introductory criminal justice courses are taught by professors who have real-world experience in policing, law and courts. You’ll earn an Associate Degree and get a solid foundation in criminology, evidence, corrections, community policing, forensics, and more. You’ll be well prepared to complete your bachelor’s degree.

Apply Now

What You’ll Do with an Associate in Criminal Justice Degree

Those who choose to continue their education will be well prepared for the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program. Others will be able to move directly into the workforce in jobs such as: 

  • Corrections officer 
  • Forensic technician 
  • Juvenile counselor 
  • Probation officer 
  • Law enforcement officer 

Affordable for a Reason  

Thanks to our generous scholarship and financial aid opportunities, it’s likely you’ll pay way less than you think for an SMC education. You may even be able to attend tuition-free! Check it out for yourself!

Explore Financial Aid

What’s Camak Core

It's our for-credit career readiness courses that give you workplace skills now, so you can stand out to employers later.

Discover more

Come see us!

Visit

Ready to begin?

Apply

What's Next?

1750 Powell Mill Road
Spartanburg, SC 29301
SMC will be closed on Friday, March 29 in observance of Good Friday. We will resume normal business hours Monday, April 1.