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:

  • Community Services

    • Community Corrections Officer
    • Crisis Intervention Specialist
    • Juvenile Justice Specialist
    • Rehabilitation Coordinator
    • Substance Abuse Counselor

    Corrections

    • Correctional Officer
    • Detention Center Manager
    • Parole Officer
    • Probation Officer
    • Youth Correctional Counselor

    Court System

    • Bailiff
    • Court Clerk
    • Court Reporter
    • Legal Assistant/Paralegal
    • Victim Advocate

    Investigation

    • Fraud Investigator
    • Insurance Investigator
    • Private Investigator

    Law Enforcement

    • Border Patrol Agent
    • Federal Agent (FBI, DEA, ATF)
    • Police Officer
    • Sheriff's Deputy
    • State Trooper

    Security

    • Corporate Security Manager
    • Loss Prevention Specialist
    • Security Consultant
    • Security Officer
    • Transportation Security Officer

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.

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

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

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 Florida Atlantic University, Lynn University, Nova Southeastern University, University of Florida and our own Broward College. Several faculty members have served in various law enforcement agencies including federal agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration and Federal Bureau of Investigation, local police departments, and sheriff's offices. Our adjunct and full-time faculty are certified criminal justice professionals with extensive field experience, including former corrections officers, crime scene analysts, detectives, and prosecutors. They have worked for organizations such as Broward Sheriff's Office, Department of Homeland Security, Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and Miami-Dade Police Department. 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

Based on Florida Statute 1004, state universities, Florida College System institutions, and career centers can award postsecondary credit or career education clock hours for law enforcement training and experience toward a degree-seeking program, if applicable to the student's degree or certificate. These credits are guaranteed to transfer between Florida state educational institutions. Additional credits may be awarded when appropriate.

To apply for Credit For Prior Learning:

  1. Complete a degree seeking application to Broward College - Save & record your Broward College Student ID number.
  2. Review the eligibility and FAQ’s 
  3. Submit Evaluation Request to complete the Credit for Prior Learning application form. NOTE: When completing the form, select "Law Enforcement Experience" as the credit type.
  4. Submit and check your Broward College Student email for updates.
  5. Send your Global Profile sheet to criminaljustice@broward.edu.
  6. Meet with a department advisor to review your materials.
  7. Receive notification of awarded credits applicable to your degree program.

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