Associate Degree in Criminal Justice

A.S. in Criminal Justice

CCU's Associate of Science in Criminal Justice is a two-year criminal justice training program that will provide you with an introduction to criminal justice practice in the United States. The Criminal Justice associate degree courses are taught from a Christian worldview, so you will have ongoing opportunities to discuss many significant life issues, including sin, free will, biblical view of human nature, and redemption. You will be guided through the program by faculty who have careers within the criminal justice system.

Program Focus

Criminal justice; ethics; criminal courts; corrections; criminology; and juvenile justice

The Criminal Justice associate degree will prepare you for a career in various criminal justice fields, including law enforcement, paralegal work, transportation security, private security, and computer forensics.

- 60 credit hours (18 in major core)
- Courses are taken one at a time and are typically completed in five-week blocks
- CCU's generous transfer credit policies help you accelerate your degree
- Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Admissions for Adult Undergraduate and Degree Completion Students
For adult students interested in beginning or completing their undergraduate degree, the College of Adult and Graduate Studies at Colorado Christian University offers a variety of flexible educational opportunities. These include bachelor's degree programs that open new doors for your career, associate degree programs to help you build a strong foundation, and certificate programs to give you that extra edge.
Admission Requirements
- Complete the adult undergraduate application online.
- Provide your enrollment counselor with a copy of your state-issued driver's license or a state-issued identification card. This ID must include your photo and be within the expiration date. If you are an international student, visit our international student admissions page for more information or contact your enrollment counselor with any questions.
- Submit proof of your high school graduation or completion. This must be your high school transcript with graduation date, a copy of your high school diploma, or a copy of your high school equivalent certificate (GED).
Submit Related Application Materials To:
To submit application-related materials that were not already submitted through the online application, email them to AdmissionsSupport@ccu.edu or mail to:
Colorado Christian University
Attn: Registration Services/Transcripts
8787 W. Alameda Ave.
Lakewood, CO 80226
Admission to Licensure Programs
Admission to a licensure program in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies does not guarantee licensure at the completion of the program. It is the responsibility of the student to ensure they meet all licensure requirements, which often includes a background check.
For students who may wish to seek licensure, CCU has provided professional licensure disclosures to aid students in determining specific state requirements for professional licensure. Each state makes the final determination if an individual is eligible to sit for licensure based on the rules and regulations of that state at the time a student applies for licensure.
Admission Timelines
Colorado Christian University's College of Adult and Graduate Studies offers accelerated degree completion programs for adult students. Courses are typically offered in five-week blocks. You can enter CCU at the beginning of any adult studies course. This gives you the flexibility to start at virtually any time during the year. CCU operates on a standard semester time frame. Semesters include spring, summer, and fall.
Non-degree Seeking Students
If you wish to take courses in Colorado Christian University's College of Adult and Graduate Studies without working toward a degree, you must apply for a Non-Degree Seeking program on CCU's Adult Undergraduate Admission Application. Please see the Non-Degree Seeking Students website for details
Ready to get started? Choose your next step!
- I have questions before I apply.
  If you have questions, contact an Enrollment Counselor by calling 303-963-3311. Our experienced, professional enrollment counselors are here to guide you as you consider going back to college and are equipped to serve the enrollment needs of adult students.
- I'm ready to apply.
  If you don't have any questions and are ready to move forward, complete our application for admission today!

Course Catalog

Tuition & Fees

Criminal Justice Associate Degree Program Benefits

The online criminal justice associate degree gives you the flexibility of completing assignments and coursework from any location where you have access to the Internet.
The criminal justice program is specially designed for adult students who are busy with work and family commitments.
Online courses typically run for five weeks and weekly assignments may be completed around your schedule.
Small class sizes encourage individualized learning and networking.
Transfer credit options to accelerate your degree.
Criminal justice students have direct access to professors who are also professionals in the field.
Credits can be transferred to CCU's bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

What Can You Do with an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice?

The criminal justice field offers a wide range of career opportunities at the federal, state, and local levels, as well as in the private sector. With the Criminal Justice associate degree at Colorado Christian University, the 18 hours of major coursework, as well as the general education and elective credit hours, may be transferred to CCU's Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree.

Getting your criminal justice associate degree can open the door to many exciting and fulfilling careers that can give you the chance to make a real, positive difference in the lives of other people. The broader criminal justice system is vital to public safety, meaning criminal justice professionals are in high demand. Here is a brief overview of six career choices that may be open to someone with a criminal justice associate degree.

Law Enforcement
Campus security officer
Victim advocacy counselor
Probation officer
Corrections officer
Private Security

Public Service Related Programs

Associate Degrees: Criminal Justice, A.S.
Bachelor's Degrees: Criminal Justice, B.S.
Master's Degrees: Criminal Justice, M.S.; Public Administration, MPA
Undergraduate Certificates: Criminal Justice Certificate
Graduate Certificates: Campus, Event, and Organizational Safety

State Exclusions for Online Students

Colorado Christian University is required by the U.S. Department of Education to be in compliance with state laws regarding where we can offer distance and/or online education. The College of Adult and Graduate Studies at Colorado Christian University offers courses to online students in all states with some exceptions for specific academic programs.