Associate Degree in 
Criminal Justice

Associate Degree in Criminal Justice

When you earn your Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, you’ll learn the skills you need to start building a career at every level of the criminal justice system, in both the private and public sectors. 

Monroe’s Criminal Justice majors go on to rewarding careers in law enforcement: court systems at the local, state, and federal levels, as well as in our corrections systems. Our experienced, professional faculty at the School of Criminal and Social Justice will teach you not only what it means to protect. They’ll teach you what it means to serve.

As a Criminal Justice major, you’ll learn how you can make a difference in your community, and you’ll do it with the kind of hands-on, real world training that you can only get in New York City… and only at Monroe University. 

At its core, criminal justice is about keeping communities safe, but it’s also about fairness. That’s what justice is, after all: the promise that everyone receives equal treatment in the eyes of the law. With an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice from Monroe University, you can do your part to make sure society keeps its promises.

Whether you’re considering a job in law enforcement or social services, the court system or the corrections system, in a public defender’s office or in private security, majoring in criminal justice is an important first step towards a fulfilling, stable career. You’ll gain an understanding of the realities of our justice system, as well as the unique issues that arise in the field of criminal justice, including:

• Criminal justice reform
• Bail reform
• The relationship between poverty, incarceration, and recidivism
• Restorative justice

To create long-lasting, meaningful change in our communities, it takes well-educated, well-trained professionals. As a Criminal Justice major, those are the very professionals from whom you’ll learn — and the kind of professional you will become.

Applicants for the Associate Degree in Criminal Justice must fulfill the following admissions requirements: 

• Candidates must possess either a high school graduation credential or high school equivalency diploma, or a recognized college associate degree or higher as listed in the transfer admissions policy.
• Candidates must submit a completed application for admission and a personal statement or essay.

Criminal Justice candidates also participate in a pre-admission interview.

Learn more about how to apply to Monroe University.

How Much Does a Criminal Justice Degree Cost? 

At Monroe University, we believe everyone deserves an affordable, quality education. We work very hard to secure the maximum possible financial aid for every student who applies, including scholarships, grants, loans, and potential opportunities for work-study employment. Learn more about Monroe’s affordable tuition and fees, including our manageable payment plans.

Learn more about financial aid opportunities.

As you work toward earning your Criminal Justice degree, you’ll receive individualized support from Monroe’s dedicated support team. You’ll also build a support network of peers that will sustain you as you grow in your criminal justice career, via the following clubs and honor societies:

• Alpha Phi Sigma - The National Criminal Justice Honor Society, devoted to elevating the ethical and scientific standards of the criminal justice professions
• PASS - The Police Academy Scholars Program. Train for a career as a police officer while earning your degree and bonding with your peers on the same journey. 
• The Law Society - Gain valuable field experience as you prepare for a future career as a lawyer. 
• The Criminal Justice Club - Meet experts in the field and get involved with the community as you explore different criminal justice careers. 
• The Civics & Debate Team - Develop your critical and creative thinking skills as you dissect and debate the reasoning behind landmark legal decisions. 

View factsheet