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Online Associate in Criminal Justice Degree
Get started in criminal justice work or get ahead in your career with a 100% online criminal justice degree.
A criminal justice degree is valuable and versatile - it's an excellent way to enter the criminal justice field or advance your career. Getting your degree online will save you time and money, and you'll enjoy the flexibility of learning when it works for your schedule.
Spartanburg Methodist College is a non-profit liberal arts college focused on your success. Since 1970, we've been preparing students for the police academy, careers in many criminal justice fields and for transfer into bachelor's degree programs (including either SMC's B.A. in Criminal Justice - Business or B.A. Criminal Justice - Psychology).
When you enroll in our online criminal justice degree, you'll get the same support and high-quality education that our students experience in the traditional classroom setting.
Classes start every 8 weeks
Next start date:
January 7, 2025
WHY get an associate in CRIMINAL JUSTICE degree from SMC?
- You want to get started in criminal justice right away. A two-year criminal justice associate degree will quickly give you the knowledge for careers in law enforcement, security, corrections, investigation, government and many others.
- You want advance your career path. Change careers, give yourself the best chance for career advancement or earn a valuable online associate degree while waiting to enter the police academy.
- You want to save money. Your associate degree cost-per-course is less than for-profit colleges, and financial aid/GI Bill will lower your cost even more.
- You want experienced instructors. Learn from faculty who have real-world experience in criminal justice professions.
Career Opportunities
The Associate in Criminal Justice degree prepares students to enter one of many career fields in Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement or to transfer to four-year degree programs in Criminal Justice.
The degree is built upon a strong core of liberal arts and social science courses and includes Criminal Justice courses essential to your success in the career field. Careers include:
- Corrections officer
- Law enforcement officer
- Paralegal
- Victim’s advocate
- Probation officer
- Fingerprint technician
- Evidence technician
- Crime scene technician
- Private investigator
- Insurance investigator
- Security officer
Quick Facts
Classes start every 8 weeks
Enroll full-time or part-time. Each online criminal justice degree course runs for 8 weeks.
Program Cost
$335 per credit hour. Your associate degree cost will be lower with financial aid and transfer credits. Compare SMC's cost to other online degree programs.
Financial Aid
Federal and state grants, employer reimbursement, GI BillĀ® - find out how financial aid can reduce the cost of your criminal justice degree.
Transfer qualifying credits
Cut your online bachelor's degree completion time and reduce tuition costs by bringing up to 30 hours of qualifying college credits with you. More information about transfer credits.