Criminal justice
Prepare for a career in law enforcement, corrections, or public safety with practical training and flexible learning at Stark State.
Program at a glance
DEGREE TYPE
Associate of Arts
PROGRAM FORMAT
Online
LENGTH (FULL TIME)
4 semesters
CAREER COMMUNITY
Program overview
Turn your interest in criminal justice and public safety into real career opportunities
With courses taught by professionals in the criminal justice field, you’ll be well-prepared to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or criminology. 100 percent of the coursework can be completed online.
Although this program is designed for transfer purposes, students who complete an associate of arts in criminal justice could gain employment in positions such as community corrections employee, private security officer, juvenile corrections officer and courtroom personnel. Students who continue on to complete a bachelor’s degree may obtain employment with federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI and the U.S. Marshals Service or state agencies such as the Ohio Parole Authority.
Program details
- Kent State University
- University of Mount Union
- Herzing University
- correctional institutions
- juvenile correctional institutions
- private security
- court systems
- correctional officer
- bailiff
- court administrator
- Criminal Justice Student Association
Careers and outcomes
FAQs
The main purpose of this degree is for transfer to a 4-year institution. It serves as a stepping stone to a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice or Criminology.
As noted above, the purpose of this degree is for transfer to a 4-year institution. A Bachelor’s degree is required for work with federal law enforcement, as a parole officer in the state of Ohio, and for most probation officer jobs. If you are seeking employment as a law enforcement officer, you should major in Police Science. If you are interested in working in a correctional facility, you should major in Human and Social Services-Community Corrections.
Many 4-year institutions offered Bachelor’s degrees in Criminal Justice or Criminology. Nearby options for the Bachelor’s degree include Kent State-Stark, the University of Akron, Walsh University, Malone University, the University of Mount Union, Herzing University, Tiffin University, Ohio University, and Ashland University. Stark State College has articulation agreements with some of these institutions that offer these degrees, meaning that your credits from Stark State will readily transfer to the university. In addition, after obtaining a Bachelor’s degree, some of our students have continued on to law school or graduate school.
You may be enrolled as a full-time or part-time student. Part-time enrollment will increase the time needed to complete the course requirements. In addition, your placement scores may indicate additional developmental course work needed. As a full-time student, you should be able to complete the degree in two years.
You may be enrolled as a full-time or part-time student. Part-time enrollment will increase the time needed to complete the course requirements. In addition, your placement scores may indicate additional developmental course work needed. As a full-time student, you should be able to complete the degree in two years.
Financial aid and scholarships are available. Please contact the Financial Aid office for eligibility.
Related programs
Looking for more career options? Check out these other programs.
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Angela Smith Alder
Professor/Coordinator Justice Studies
330-494-6170 ext. 5282
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