Associate's in Criminal Justice Online | California Coast University

Earn Your Associate of Science in Criminal Justice — 100% Online, On Your Schedule

You've got a job. A family. A life. You shouldn't have to put any of it on hold to earn your degree. At California Coast University (CCU), you can earn your Associate of Science in Criminal Justice completely online, at your own pace, with no set class times, no group projects, and no exam dates. Start whenever you're ready — there are no semester deadlines standing in your way.

What Is the Associate of Science in Criminal Justice at CCU?

The Associate of Science in Criminal Justice at California Coast University provides a foundational understanding of the theories, principles, and practices that shape the criminal justice field. Through this program, you'll examine history, research, best practices, and the forces driving change across the justice system — from policing and courts to corrections and forensic science.

The program consists of 20 total courses and 60 semester units, broken into three areas of study:

Built for Real Life: How CCU's Online Program Works

CCU was built from the ground up for working adults and busy professionals. Here's what makes the program different:

Admissions Requirements

Getting started at CCU is straightforward. To be admitted to the Associate of Science in Criminal Justice program, applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have successfully obtained a high school diploma, GED, or its equivalent from a U.S. educational institution

No SAT scores, no entrance exams, no letters of recommendation required. Non-native English speakers without a degree from an English-instruction institution must demonstrate proficiency via TOEFL.

Tuition and Payment Plans

CCU is committed to keeping education affordable. Tuition for the Associate of Science in Criminal Justice is $170 per unit. With 60 total units in the program, your total investment is transparent and predictable from the moment you enroll.

CCU offers three interest-free payment plans:

Your tuition rate is locked in at enrollment for the life of your program. A 10% discount is available for active-duty military, veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters, U.S. government employees, CCU graduates, and corporate partner employees (for students enrolling after 1/1/2026). Many students also receive tuition reimbursement from their employers — check with your HR department.

About California Coast University

Few institutions can claim what CCU can: more than 50 years of dedicated distance education, built from the ground up for students who don't fit the traditional campus mold. Founded in 1973, California Coast University was one of the earliest pioneers of flexible, distance-based learning in the country — long before online education became mainstream.

CCU is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC) — listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency — and recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). The School of Criminal Justice is led by Dr. Mohamad Khatibloo, who brings a highly diverse background spanning both academia and the private sector.

What CCU Graduates Say

"CCU is an excellent option for people who have busy careers. Getting my degree was important to me and CCU helped me obtain that."
— B. Odell, Alumni, Criminal Justice, California Coast University

"I'm very happy that this could work with a full-time work schedule. I will be recommending to anyone who is looking for flexibility."
— K. Kast, Alumni, Criminal Justice, California Coast University

"This college degree holds value both personally and professionally. It fostered critical thinking, discipline, and a deeper understanding of the world, while also serving as a credential that can open doors, enhance my career prospects, and signals a commitment to my long-term goals."
— M. Perez, Alumni, Criminal Justice, California Coast University

What Can You Do With an Associate's in Criminal Justice?

An Associate of Science in Criminal Justice provides a foundational credential that can open doors to entry-level roles across the justice system and related fields, while also serving as a stepping stone toward further education. CCU offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice for students who want to continue advancing after completing their associate's degree.

Common career paths include roles in law enforcement, corrections, security, court administration, juvenile justice, and federal and state agencies.

Frequently Asked Questions: Associate's in Criminal Justice at CCU

What are the admission requirements?
Applicants must be at least 18 years of age and hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent from a U.S. educational institution. No SAT scores, entrance exams, or letters of recommendation required. Non-native English speakers must provide TOEFL scores.

How long does it take to complete the Associate's in Criminal Justice?
The program is self-paced. The minimum completion time is 9 months; the maximum is 5 years. Students must complete at least one course every 6 months to remain in good academic standing.

What does self-paced study actually look like day to day?
No live classes, no scheduled login times, no calendar deadlines. You work through coursework independently — reading, completing assignments, and taking exams when you're ready. Each course requires a minimum of two weeks before the final exam can be requested. Final exams for core and general education courses must be administered by an approved proctor (not an immediate family member, someone residing with you, or a current/former CCU student).

Can I start the program at any time of year?
Yes. CCU offers open enrollment — no semester deadlines or application windows. Apply and begin at any point during the year. (VA students and tuition assistance recipients must use term calendar.)

How much does the Associate's in Criminal Justice cost?
Tuition is $170/unit × 60 units. Plan A: $500 down + $150/month. Plan B: $300 down + $175/month. Plan C: pay the full balance at enrollment. No interest charged, no credit check required.

Can I transfer credits I've already earned?
Yes. CCU accepts up to 30 applicable semester units from U.S. Department of Education-recognized accredited institutions, provided courses were completed with a grade of C (2.0 GPA) or higher and are applicable to CCU's degree plan.

Does CCU offer financial aid?
CCU does not participate in federal financial aid. However, the university accepts VA Benefits, MyCAA benefits for eligible military spouses, and company-paid tuition vouchers. Many students also receive tuition reimbursement from their employers — check with your HR department.

Can I continue to a bachelor's degree after completing my associate's?
Yes. CCU offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. The associate's and bachelor's are separate programs — complete the associate's first, then enroll separately. CCU graduates enrolling in any program receive a 10% tuition discount (for students enrolling after 1/1/2026).

Is CCU accredited?
Yes. California Coast University is accredited by DEAC, listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and recognized by CHEA.

What is the academic calendar for California Coast University?
CCU uses rolling 16-week terms beginning approximately every 3–4 weeks, allowing for flexible, year-round enrollment. (VA students and tuition assistance recipients must use term calendar.)

Your Path Forward Starts Today

If you've been waiting for the right time to earn your degree — this is it. CCU's Associate of Science in Criminal Justice was built for people exactly like you: busy, motivated, and ready to finish what they started.

No semesters to wait for. No campus to drive to. Just an accredited, affordable online degree program that works around your life.

VA students and students using tuition assistance must use the term calendar.

Questions? Call Admissions at 1-888-228-8648 or Students at 1-714-547-9625

California Coast University is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). DEAC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).