Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice in Arizona
In Arizona, criminal justice professionals are responsible for many areas of state and national security. Due to the border that Arizona shares with Mexico, border security is a priority in many Southern cities and communities. However, local law enforcement agencies are still expected to respond promptly to crimes, take proper steps to prevent crimes, and protect victims rights.
With the many areas of focus in criminal justice, there may be many career options for those who are interested in earning a criminal justice associate degree.
In particular, policing needs may shift significantly in Arizona in coming years. State legislators have proposed a plan to significantly cut the prison population, a plan that policing professionals are fully supporting (AZ Daily Sun, 2016). Criminal justice professionals may need to become versed in mental health options, effective interventions, and diversion strategies.
If you are ready to explore career options in the diverse field of criminal justice, why not get started now?
Reach out to criminal justice associate degree Arizona programs and start comparing your options.
Criminal Justice Associate Programs in Arizona
An associate degree in criminal justice may offer general education, career-specific training in criminal justice, and hands-on experience.
In addition to the theory and classroom courses you are required to take, you may also gain experience in an internship or practicum course. This is an excellent opportunity to take advantage of if it comes up. You may learn how fast-paced world of criminal justice works, what you need to do to succeed, and which career options most appeal to you.
Part of choosing a degree is selecting an area of study. While you may be interested in pursuing a criminal justice degree, you can also choose from a variety of related options. Some available choices in Arizona include administration of justice, intelligence operations studies, law, public safety, and crime scene investigation.
Get an overview of the financial and time commitment of getting an associate degree in criminal justice below:
- Timeframe: 5 semesters
- Average Cost: $2481 per year (College Board, 2016)
- Credits: 60-72 credits
Of course, there are variations between programs and between institutions. It is important to compare your AA criminal justice options to find one that works well with your schedule and your chosen career path.
As you look into different areas of study, compare curricular requirements to find a program with courses that interest you.
If you decide to earn a degree in administration of justice, you may take classes like:
- Criminal Law
- Criminal Procedures
- Corrections as a Process
- Ethics and the Administration of Justice
- Rules of Evidence
- Juvenile Justice Procedures
- Criminology
A number of schools and community organizations fund scholarships for criminal justice students. After you are accepted to an Arizona program, you may want to exhaust your federal grant options before looking into loans, scholarships, and community grants. The Arizona Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners awards scholarships of $1000.
What Can I Do With a Criminal Justice Degree in Arizona?
The work you do with an associate in criminal justice AZ degree depends on the type of practical experience and coursework you have behind you. In the months leading up to graduation, you may want to compare openings at local criminal justice agencies to find jobs that fit you. You may consider becoming a fire investigator, a field in which job openings are expected to jump 9% through 2022 (CareereOneStop, 2016). The average salary for an Arizona fire inspector is $
Police patrol officers often respond to emergency calls and handle traffic incidents. A 7% boost in job openings may continue through 2026 (CareerOneStop, 2016). The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports an average salary of $
Police detectives take on similar duties, but they may also investigate cases and focus on solving them. They claim an average salary of $74,840 per year (BLS, 2016). Job openings may jump 2% by 2026 (CareerOneStop, 2016).
There’s no doubt that a career in criminal justice can positively influence your community, your career, and your personal growth. No matter which setting you want to work in, an associate degree may provide you the training and knowledge that you need.
Take the next step in your education by contacting associate in criminal justice programs today.
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