Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice
100% Online Degree Program
Build a Strong Foundation for a Career in Criminal Justice
Communities depend on dedicated professionals who are committed to fairness, accountability and public safety. Behind every court decision, every investigation and every rehabilitation effort are individuals trained to uphold justice with integrity and compassion. With Hilbert College Global’s online Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice, you’ll develop the knowledge and critical thinking skills needed to begin making a meaningful impact in your community.
Our AA in Criminal Justice blends foundational theory with practical insight into law enforcement, courts and corrections. Throughout the program, you’ll strengthen your communication, research and analytical abilities while learning from faculty who bring real-world experience into the online classroom.
Flexible, fully online coursework allows you to pursue your degree while balancing work and personal responsibilities.
Is an Online AA in Criminal Justice Degree Right for You?
Take the Hilbert College Global Online AA in Criminal Justice Degree Readiness Quiz
This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.
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See Where an AA in Criminal Justice Can Take You
The online AA in Criminal Justice is designed to provide a strong academic foundation in the justice system while preparing you for continued education or entry-level professional roles. Throughout your studies, you will develop essential skills in writing, research and communication while building a working knowledge of:
- The structure and function of the U.S. criminal justice system
- Criminal law and legal procedures
- Criminological theory and crime analysis
- Ethical decision-making in justice professions
- Policing practices and community relations
- Corrections systems and rehabilitation strategies
- Juvenile justice processes
- Research methods and statistical interpretation
Carve Your Criminal Justice Career Path
The online AA in Criminal Justice prepares you for a variety of entry-level careers in justice, public service and community safety. With your newly developed skills, you can pursue careers like*:
Correctional Officer
Median Annual Salary: $49,610
Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officer
Median Annual Salary: $72,280
Court Clerk
Median Annual Salary: $46,660
Security Guard
Median Annual Salary: $37,070
*Salary data reflects national median pay as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Required Courses in Major (4 Courses, 12 Credits) ¶
- CJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 credits)
- CJ 202 Introduction to Law & Justice (3 credits)
- CJ 204 Crime and Society (3 credits)
- MA 200 Topics in Statistics (3 credits)
Choose One in Major (1 Course, 3 Credits) ¶
- CJ 106 Social Problems in Criminal Justice (3 credits)
- SO 101 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
Major Electives (2 Courses, 6 Credits) ¶
- CJ/IDA Elective (3 credits)
- CJ/IDA Elective (3 credits)
Blueprint Requirements (6 Courses, 18 Credits) ¶
- BLU 101 Foundations Seminar (3 credits)
- BLU 151 Public Speaking (3 credits)
- BLU 201 Service Learning and Civic Engagement (3 credits)
- EN 101 College Writing (3 credits)
- EN 102 Writing in the Humanities (3 credits)
- RS Religious Studies Elective (3 credits)
General Education Modules (5 Courses, 15 Credits) ¶
- American History/Western Civilization Approved Elective (3 credits)
- Art Approved Elective (3 credits)
- Foreign Culture and Language Approved Elective (3 credits)
- Humanities Approved Elective (3 credits)
- Natural Science Approved Elective (3 credits)
General Electives (2 Courses, 6 Credits) ¶
- All College Elective Any Course (3 credits)
- All College Elective Any Course (3 credits)
You’ll work with professors to conduct research through Hilbert’s Institute for Law and Justice, a nationally renowned resource for a wide range of law and justice-related issues.
Laura M. Dannebohm, JD, MA
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Chair, Criminal Justice Department, Pre-Law Advisor
716-926-8821
ldannebohm@hilbert.edu
John P. Culhane Jr., JD
Associate Professor of Criminal Justice
716-649-7900, ext. 316
jculhane@hilbert.edu
The Cost of an Online AA in Criminal Justice
$560 per credit
95% of students receive some form of financial aid
60 credits
At Hilbert College Global, we’re committed to making your education affordable and accessible. For a full-time associate degree student on a two-year track, the cost of tuition will be $16,800 per year. You will also be responsible for the following fees:
Course Resource Fee: $351 per course
Registration Fee: $50 per semester
Orientation Fee: $220 (one-time charge)
Graduation Fee: $300 (one-time charge, assessed in the last semester)
Our transfer-friendly policies and financial aid may significantly reduce the cost of your degree.
Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
Experienced Faculty
As a student in the AA in Criminal Justice program, you'll learn from a diverse pool of faculty members who leverage their firsthand experiences in criminal justice, law enforcement and legal systems to enrich your education.
High ROI
Hilbert was ranked in the top 25% in the nation for return on investment by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce.
Inclusive Community
Our cultural foundation in inclusivity and support creates a welcoming learning community that guides students to become servant leaders.
Career Preparation
You’ll have the opportunity to build a management skills portfolio during your studies. That way, you’ll have a stellar portfolio to attract employers with after graduation.
Flexibility
All courses are asynchronous and last eight weeks, with six convenient start dates throughout the year.
Attentive Faculty
Thanks to a 12:1 student-to-instructor ratio, you’ll develop strong relationships with our industry-leading faculty members, who are committed to your success.
Frequently Asked Questions
The next class start date is approaching. Don’t wait to apply!
Get Your Criminal Justice Degree While You Work
Flexible scheduling, affordable tuition and accelerated degree programs allow you to balance your personal and professional life while earning your associate degree.
APPLY NOW
Start Your Journey at Hilbert—Apply Today
Applying to Hilbert College Global is fast, simple and completely free. We’re committed to serving transfer students by accepting AP, IB, CLEP and Dantes (DSST) credit. We’ll also waive general education requirements for students who have earned at least 60 credit hours through prior education.
To complete your application, take the following steps.
- Create an account and set a password.
- Provide the required materials in the application portal:
- Completed application
- Official transcripts from high school and any other collegiate institutions where you’ve attended
- Send transcripts to onlineadmissions@hilbert.edu or by mail to: Online Admissions, Hilbert College Global, 5200 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, New York, 14075
- Once we receive your completed application and transcripts, your assigned admissions counselor will connect with you personally to guide you through the remainder of the enrollment process. Have questions or concerns? We’re here to help. Contact us at (716) 926-8804 or by email at onlineadmissions@hilbert.edu.
About Hilbert College
Hilbert College is an independent institution of higher learning that embraces its Franciscan heritage and values. Students from diverse backgrounds learn through liberal arts and professional programs to become informed citizens committed to serving and strengthening their communities.
