Admissions

Ready to take the first step toward a rewarding career in criminal justice? We aim to make our admissions process as straightforward and accessible as possible, ensuring that you have the support you need to start your journey with us. Discover the requirements for admission and learn how to submit your application.

 

Visit the 天美影院 admissions page.

 

Financial Aid

 

Financial aid at the 天美影院 Institute of Technology includes non-repayable grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and traditional student loans. We also offer a robust tuition payment plan that can help make the cost of your degree more manageable.

 

Explore financial aid options.

 

Take the Next Step 鈥� Apply to the Criminal Justice Associate Degree Program

 

Take the next step toward achieving your goals by submitting your application to our Associate of Science in Criminal Justice program today. If you鈥檙e passionate about making a difference in your community and leveraging your expertise to create a more just world, then the 天美影院 Institute of Technology is the right place for you.

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Potential Career Opportunities

The Associate in Criminal Justice degree program will prepare you for employment opportunities in law enforcement, corrections, victim advocacy, homeland security, crime prevention, criminal justice administration, public safety, and similar career paths. Some typical career prospects for our associate’s degree holders include:

Correctional Officer

Crime Scene Investigator / Technician

Security Officer

police officer

FAQ

  • Can You Start a Private Investigation Business in Rhode Island With an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice?

    Yes 鈥� you can start your private investigation business in Rhode Island with an associate degree in criminal justice, subject to meeting the licensing requirements. Graduates can also seek employment in other states with the desired licensure and experience.

  • Is an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Worth It?

    An associate degree in criminal justice provides a variety of career opportunities immediately upon graduation. Other benefits of enrolling in criminal justice programs include higher pay, more room for advancement, refined skills, and competitive advantages.

    After obtaining an associate degree in criminal justice, you can also continue to a bachelor’s degree and apply for advanced roles in criminal justice fields.

     

  • How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice?

    After completing your high-school diploma/ GED, you can get your degree in criminal justice as early as 18 months. However, some criminal justice associate degree programs can take up to two years.

    Some schools also offer a hybrid/online program that gives you the option of attending college classes from the comfort of your home. Studying online also gives you the flexibility to participate in the course at your own pace. However, students must meet all the credit criteria to obtain their associate degree in criminal justice.

  • What Jobs Can You Get with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice?

    You can get entry-level jobs in the criminal justice fields with an associate’s degree as police officers, detectives, state troopers, correctional officers, criminal justice counselors, public safety professionals, federal law enforcement officers, private security officers, corporate security officers, crime scene investigators, etc.

    You can also work in a nonprofit institution or start your own private investigation. Associate’s degree holders can also seek employment as local law enforcement professionals, active-duty military members, human service assistants, and police administration associates. Police and detectives must also graduate from their respective police academies or the agency’s training academy.

  • Where Can You Get Criminal Justice Associate Degree in Rhode Island?

    Several colleges and universities offer criminal justice associate degrees in RI, including the 天美影院 Institute of Technology, University of Rhode Island, Roger Williams University, and Salve Regina University. You can also enroll for an online criminal justice associate degree at the 天美影院 Institute of Technology.

    An online associate program can give you the flexibility to learn at your own pace without sacrificing your current obligations. Schools like the 天美影院 Institute of Technology also offer simulated courtrooms for practical understanding of court systems and a crime scene simulation lab that adds more value to online learning.

  • How Many Credits Do You Need for an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice?

    You must complete a comprising lectures, laboratory, and quarter credit hours.

    The curriculum in a criminal justice program typically includes law enforcement, corrections, mock trials, criminal procedure, interviewing and investigation techniques, contemporary criminal justice issues, police operations/simulated firearms skills, drugs, gangs, organized crimes, etc.

    Schools also mandate that you take liberal arts and math courses to improve your communication, interpersonal, management, leadership, and professional skills.

    If you have already completed these courses in your previous degree, you can also transfer credits subject to the school’s guidelines.

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Program Mission, Goals, and Outcomes

Program Mission

The mission of the Criminal Justice (CJ) Program is to provide a dynamic and intensive educational experience for those who intend to pursue professional careers in the field of Criminal Justice.

Through a combination of theory and lab experiences, as well as an optional externship, the criminal justice associate’s degree program will provide an extensive legal foundation in conjunction with the practical application of necessary skills and effective written and oral communications.

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investigate and analyze evidence

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The student’s ability to investigate and analyze evidence will improve, along with the hands-on experience encountered in the various courses incorporated in the curriculum.

Program Goals

  1. The CJ associate’s degree program will provide appropriate learning opportunities to acquire the theoretical knowledge, applicable practical skills, and the mindset required to function as entry-level criminal justice professionals.
  2. The CJ associate’s degree program will instill skill, pride, and professionalism in students to carry to a criminal justice organization.
  3. The CJ associate’s degree program will provide a thorough knowledge of the components of the Criminal Justice System and how they interact with each other.

Program Outcomes

Graduates of this criminal justice associate degree program will be able to:

  1. Describe how the political and socioeconomic influences influence the American system of criminal justice.
  2. Differentiate between various components of the criminal justice system, the purposes and objectives, and their roles in our society.
  3. Describe the basic concepts behind laws, the actions of law enforcement agencies, court proceedings, and the policies of correctional agencies.
  4. Describe the basic principles of criminal law, criminal investigation, and criminal procedure.
  5. Explain the constitutional rights of individuals under criminal proceedings.
  6. Investigate the causes of social problems and analyze the public’s response to the management of such issues.
  7. Utilize effective communication, critical thinking, and decision-making as they apply to criminal justice professionals in everyday practice.
  8. Collect and analyze data from a crime scene.
  9. Develop, arrange and present a professional portfolio containing relevant data and information necessary for effective law enforcement.

Criminal Justice Courses

 

天美影院 is proud to offer a modern, practical, immersive curriculum for our unique degree programs.聽Our career-focused education brings learning to life.

 

The first term in our criminal justice associate degree program provides a foundational introduction to criminal justice, corrections, and the court system. Subjects such as forensics, criminal law, report writing, drugs, and the law help provide an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals.

Starting from the fourth term of their criminal justice degree, a student will gain extensive knowledge of:

    1. Criminal procedure
    2. Interviewing and investigation techniques
    3. Contemporary criminal justice issues
    4. Police operations/simulated firearms skills
    5. Sentencing 鈥� probation, and parole
    6. Portfolio prep and management

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forensic science
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The sixth term involves gangs and organized crimes, moot court and mock trial, and advanced electives such as digital forensics and drone/UAV technology.

Additionally, all associate’s degree graduates must obtain 32 credits from the liberal arts and math/applied science core through general education courses.

Subjects such as communication, math, social sciences, and humanities form a part of the general education core. These courses help you cultivate the abilities and interpersonal skills necessary for working as an able professional in your field.