Earning an Associate degree in Criminal Justice opens up a range of rewarding professional opportunities that allow you to find your ideal match in the field. This versatile qualification prepares you for positions in law enforcement, victim advocacy, corrections, court administration, or private security.

One significant advantage of this degree is its adaptability; you can begin in one position and transition to another as your interests develop or new opportunities emerge. Many students use this credential as a foundation, gaining practical experience while determining whether to specialize further or pursue advanced education.

With positive job growth projected across multiple sectors and opportunities available in communities of all sizes, an Associate in Criminal Justice provides career options that few other two-year degrees can offer.

Program Information

In our Associate level Criminal Justice program, you'll engage in both theoretical learning and practical skill development. Classes combine informative lectures from experienced professionals, discussions on current justice issues, and hands-on training simulating real-world scenarios.

Your coursework will cover criminal law, ethics, investigation techniques, and the court system through interactive case studies. The program features immersive learning opportunities like mock crime scenes, interview practice, facility visits, and presentations from working professionals. These experiences connect theory with practice while developing your critical thinking skills.

Small class sizes allow you to build valuable relationships with instructors—often criminal justice veterans and peers who share your passion for public safety and justice.

A degree in Criminal Justice opens doors to diverse career opportunities within the legal system, public safety, and security sectors. Professionals in this field work to uphold laws, protect communities, and ensure justice is served through various specialized roles.

Career Options in Criminal Justice:

  • Law Enforcement
    • Police Officer
    • Sheriff's Deputy
    • State Trooper
    • Federal Agent (FBI, DEA, ATF)
    • Border Patrol Agent
  • Corrections
    • Correctional Officer
    • Probation Officer
    • Parole Officer
    • Youth Correctional Counselor
    • Detention Center Manager
  • Court System
    • Court Clerk
    • Bailiff
    • Legal Assistant/Paralegal
    • Victim Advocate
    • Court Reporter
  • Investigation
    • Private Investigator
    • Fraud Investigator
    • Insurance Investigator
  • Security
    • Security Officer
    • Loss Prevention Specialist
    • Transportation Security Officer
    • Corporate Security Manager
    • Security Consultant
  • Community Services
    • Juvenile Justice Specialist
    • Community Corrections Officer
    • Substance Abuse Counselor
    • Crisis Intervention Specialist
    • Rehabilitation Coordinator

Each of these paths offers unique opportunities to serve communities while utilizing different aspects of criminal justice education and training.

A career in criminal justice requires a unique combination of personal qualities, professional skills, and core values that enable individuals to serve effectively in this challenging field.

Personal Qualities

  • Strong ethical principles and emotional resilience
  • Critical thinking abilities and attention to detail
  • Adaptability, patience, and cultural awareness
  • Empathy balanced with professional boundaries

Professional Skills

  • Excellent verbal and written communication
  • Observational awareness and sound judgment
  • Conflict resolution and teamwork capabilities
  • Organizational abilities and stress management

Core Values

  • Commitment to justice, fairness, and public service
  • Respect for authority and procedural integrity
  • Dedication to ongoing learning and improvement
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality and objectivity

The most successful criminal justice professionals combine these attributes with genuine passion for contributing to community safety and the proper functioning of the justice system.

The distinguished faculty and staff in our Criminal Justice programs bring academic credentials from top-tier institutions such as Nova Southeastern University, Lynn University, Florida Atlantic University, University of Florida, and our own Broward College. Several faculty members have served in various law enforcement agencies including local police departments, sheriff's offices, and federal agencies such as the FBI and DEA. Our adjunct and full-time faculty are certified criminal justice professionals with extensive field experience, including former detectives, corrections officers, prosecutors, and crime scene analysts. They have worked for organizations such as the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Miami-Dade Police Department, Broward Sheriff's Office, and the Department of Homeland Security. Many faculty and staff members have received commendations and awards for their contributions to criminal justice and public safety.

There are two certificates built into the Associate degree.

  • The Homeland Security Specialist Technical Certificate is 9 credits.
  • The Criminal Justice Technology Specialist Technical Certificate is 24 credits.

A full list of required courses is available in the Broward College Catalog - Criminal Justice, Associate of Science | Broward College

 In addition to the general education course requirements, the Core program courses include:

CCJ1020

INTRO TO CRIMINAL JUSTICE*

CJL1062

CONSTITUTIONAL LAW*

CJE2600

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION*

CCJ1010

INTRO TO CRIMINOLOGY*

CJC2000

INTRO TO CORRECTIONS*

CJE1300

INTRO TO CJ ADM & MGMT

CJE2170

COMP WORLD POLICE AGENCIES

CJE2400

POLICE COMMUNITY RELATIONS*

CJL1100

CRIMINAL LAW*

CJJ2001

JUVENILE JUSTICE*

DSC1002

TERRORISM & DOMESTIC SECURITY**

DSC1006

INTRO TO HOMELAND SECURITY**

DSC2590

INTELLIGENCE ANALYSIS**

* Criminal Justice Technology Specialist Certificate – TC 6358

** Homeland Security Certificate – TC 6357

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Already have prior experience or training? We may be able to convert your professional certifications, previous college coursework, military training, or industry experience into college credits toward your degree.

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