Earn an Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice

With Blue Ridge CTC’s associate degree in Criminal Justice, students prepare for diverse positions across the criminal justice system within our community. The program also assists with increased salary and ranking opportunities as a Corrections Officer, Law Enforcement Officer, and in Healthcare Security, Industrial Security, Juvenile Detention, Home Confinement, or with military careers.

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Enroll in a Criminal Justice Degree Designed for You

Our industry-driven associate degree in Criminal Justice helps students build essential tools and create a unique lens with which to analyze and respond to the problems often addressed by agencies in the criminal justice system. The degree provides a strong foundation for early employment, career advancement, and higher education within the criminal justice field.

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Are You a New Student?

Build a solid foundation for a promising career with our Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice. Blue Ridge CTC offers a blend of real-world knowledge and additional workforce skills employers look for in qualified applicants.

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Transferring Schools?

You are not alone, as almost a third of students transfer schools! Check our transfer evaluation tool to save money and time while transferring to our Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice.

846,700

New jobs

Projected for police and detectives in the criminal justice field by 2030!

7%

Job Growth

For various job vacancies within the criminal justice field by 2030!

$66,020

Average Salary

For police personnels, detectives, correctional officers, and other law enforcement job roles.

54 %

of BRCTC Alumni

Continue their education after earning a certificate or Associate degree.

    • BLS predicts 846,700 new jobs for police and detectives in the legal and law enforcement industry by 2030.
    • According to BLS, $66,020 is the average annual salary drawn by police personnels, detectives, and other law enforcement professionals.
    • BLS predicts a 7% growth in new job vacancies within the criminal justice sector by 2030.
    • As per Blue Ridge CTC Annual Graduate Report, 54% of graduates continued their education after earning a certificate or degree.

Why Pursue an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice?

The flexible, industry-driven two-year Criminal Justice A.A.S. Degree helps students analyze and respond to the problems addressed by agencies in the criminal justice system to support their entry and growth in the field. The degree also helps students to:

    • Articulate the ethical implications of decision-making at a professional level.
    • Construct a capstone project in the form of a professional portfolio tailored to aid in obtaining employment upon graduation in their preferred area of interest.
    • Examine the emotional and social competencies essential for criminal justice professionals to effectively do their jobs.
    • Explain the stages, process, and goals of crisis intervention.
    • Analyze digital evidence including mobile devices.
    • Plan for future studies for continued learning in the criminal justice and legal system. 

Begin a Promising Career With a Criminal Justice Associate of Applied Science Degree

Interested in learning about criminal behavior and how the justice system works? Our associate degree in Criminal Justice provides content-specific knowledge and hands-on practical training to develop real-time skills and competence for the criminal justice workforce.

Students learn a holistic skillset, with courses like Social Problems, Social Psychology of Substance Use, Crisis Intervention, Leadership, Community Corrections, Criminal Investigations and Criminal Profiling. The credits earned throughout this degree can be transferred towards a bachelor’s or a subsequent university program.

Earn the associate degree in Criminal Justice from our School of Professional Studies and University Transfer!

2-year

Degree Program

Formats

On-campus, Hybrid, Online

60

Credit Hours

Ready to Enroll?

Apply Now

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What Will You Learn - Curriculum Overview

With an associate degree in Criminal Justice, students learn the foundations of the American Criminal Justice System and the concepts of abnormal psychology and crisis intervention.

Our Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice helps students learn concepts such as introduction to psychology, management, leadership, interrogation, criminal investigation, the juvenile justice system, human rights, and many more. The curriculum helps students:

    • Understand various concepts of laws, constitutional requirements, and legal processes. 
    • Communicate effectively and develop an ability to make ethical decisions professionally.
    • Develop critical self-awareness to identify personal biases while interacting with diverse groups.
    • Develop basic knowledge about information technology specific to criminal justice research and practice.

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Build Your Future With Blue Ridge CTC

Blue Ridge CTC offers an industry-focused approach to learning, leading to a path-breaking career and continuing education opportunities.

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    4000+

    Students Per Semester

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    60+

    Degree and Certificate Programs

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    14:1

    Student-Faculty Ratio

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    Fully

    Accredited

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What You Experience at Blue Ridge CTC?

Blue Ridge CTC acts as a catalyst to career goals, gives students exposure to real-time career prospects, and provides a learning environment supporting personal and professional growth.

World-class Pedagogy That Shapes Future Leaders!

Effective faculty is the backbone of any school. Our faculty are committed teachers and scholars who:

Deliver real-world learning to shape a students’ job market competency.

Impart teaching that promotes creativity and sets the base for further 4-year programs.

Extend a smart learning model that raises job prospects.

Integrate best-in-class learning formats and resources to drive focused learning.

Student Support Services and Spaces for Balanced Learning!

We provide comprehensive Student Support Services to promote student success.

Student Services provides a variety of support, including tutoring, accessibility accommodations, and more!

We provide high-tech classes, supporting labs, and study areas to promote a balanced education.

We recognize talent and celebrate their performance with awards and acknowledgments.

We have supportive staff to help with personal, professional, and academic challenges.

Placement Assistance to Nurture Careers!

We support students from admission through the career search! Career Services assists students:

Find the right kind of job with a career inventory assessment.

Get assistance on resume writing and referral to participating employer partners.

With interview preparation to boost their morale and get prepared with the right narration to win job negotiations.

Get a holistic learning environment, where they are nurtured to become the next set of professionals entering the workforce.

Promoting Equity to Develop an Intercultural College Environment!

As a community of students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders, we strive for diversity, equity, and inclusion on our campuses, both inside and outside of the classroom.

Campus diversity encourages open dialogue on campus.

Equity removes barriers and ensures equal opportunities are afforded to all.

Our campus offers an inclusive, welcoming environment where all are valued, celebrated, and included.

The campus community promotes diversity and inclusion through a variety of speakers and events.

Hands-on Training and Internship Opportunities

We are committed to providing students with real-time training and internship opportunities to enter the workforce directly after graduating.

We provide industry expert instruction to strengthen job-specific skills needed for real-world challenges.

We assist students with internship opportunities to find their way to a successful career.

We provide industry-certified expert supervision and guidance to raise students’ job prospects in the Government and Private sectors.

Our campus is well equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, machinery, hardware, and software required to provide the technical skills needed for real jobs.

Our Learner’s Voice!

Learn more about alumni who successfully reached their goals by earning an education at Blue Ridge CTC!

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Worried About Paying for College? Many Options Exist for Financial Aid

Blue Ridge CTC provides need-based financial aid to qualified applicants, ensuring all students have equal access to quality education.

Whether you are a student worrying about tuition fees or are a parent assisting a child paying for college, we have a wide variety of financial resources available.

    • State and Federal Grant Programs 
    • Student Work-Study Opportunities 
    • Student Loans 
    • Special Grant Funding Opportunities
    • Blue Ridge CTC Foundation Scholarship opportunities

Get Financial Aid

Have Questions? Talk With an Admissions Counselor Today!

Admissions Counselors and Academic Advisors at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College help students navigate career paths throughout their academic career.

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Expand Your Choices

Explore other program options that may meet your skills, talents, and personal qualities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about Blue Ridge CTC’s Associate degree in Criminal Justice? We can help!

Admission requirements to the Criminal Justice program include a high school diploma or equivalent and a complete application packet. Students who have earned credits at other Colleges or Universities must also provide official copies of those transcripts. There is also a $25 application fee that can be paid at any time once an application is submitted.
To find a suitable Criminal Justice AAS Degree program in West Virginia, students must consider the time to complete, cost of tuition, and quality of the instruction provided. Students who need additional insight into career options after completing Criminal Justice associate degree program should complete a free career inventory assessment before exploring course options that align with personal and professional interests.
A Criminal Justice associate degree is a good option for students who want to build a strong foundation for entry-level legal professions or advance in existing roles. Students who plan to transfer to a four-year college can save time and money by earning an associate degree in Criminal Justice by taking advantage of transfer agreements currently in place with Blue Ridge CTC.
For Criminal Justice A.A.S. program, students do not require ACT or SAT scores to qualify. Students may need ACT or SAT scores, or free placement testing to qualify for courses such as English, Math, or Chemistry. Placement testing can be scheduled at any time during the application process.

Disclaimer

Note: All salary projections are based on the current position and educational needs. BRCTC cannot guarantee that job titles or the projections given will be the salaries students or graduates will ultimately receive. Two year completion is approximate and based on full-time enrollment. Student testimonials, income statements, and examples on the College website are the results of real students. These testimonials are not intended to guarantee that anyone will achieve the same or similar results. Each individual’s success depends on his or her desire, commitment, dedication, and motivation to pursue academic and workforce opportunities. Testimonials are not intended to create a contract between a student and the College.

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