Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice | Accredited & Self-Paced

The Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Designed Around Your Life

Finding an online associate degree in criminal justice that fits around a full-time job, a family, and everything else life demands isn't easy. Most programs still expect you to show up — to a live session, a campus, a set schedule. California Coast University was built differently. CCU's Associate of Science in Criminal Justice is a fully accredited online associate degree you earn entirely on your own terms — no scheduled class times, no campus requirements, and no waiting for a semester to begin.

About CCU's Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice

CCU's online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice gives students a thorough grounding in the theories, principles, and practices that define the criminal justice field. You'll explore the history and evolution of the justice system, examine research and best practices across its key areas, and develop an applied understanding of how law enforcement, courts, corrections, forensic science, and national security work together — all through a flexible, fully online format built for working adults.

The online associate degree program consists of 20 total courses and 60 semester units across three areas of study:

What Sets This Online Associate Degree Apart

There are plenty of online associate degree programs in criminal justice. What makes CCU's program different is that it was purpose-built for students who can't afford to structure their lives around a school schedule.

Admissions Requirements for the Online Associate Degree

Enrolling in CCU's online criminal justice associate degree program is designed to be as accessible as the program itself. To be admitted, 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 for CCU's Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice

Tuition is $170 per unit for the online associate degree program. With 60 total units, your investment is clear and predictable from the day 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 through their employer — check with your HR department.

Why CCU: 50+ Years of Experience Delivering Online Education to Working Adults

California Coast University has been doing this longer than almost anyone. Founded in 1973, CCU was one of the earliest pioneers of distance-based higher education in the United States — building flexible, accredited programs for working professionals, military personnel, parents, and individuals whose circumstances made traditional campus education impractical. That was over 50 years ago, and that mission has never wavered.

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). CCU's criminal justice faculty are professionals with demonstrated expertise and hands-on experience in their respective fields, ensuring coursework is grounded in practical, applied knowledge — not just theory. 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 Online Students 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 Comes Next After Your Online Associate Degree?

An online associate degree in criminal justice from CCU is a meaningful credential that demonstrates foundational knowledge of the justice system — and a natural launching pad for continued education. CCU offers a full pathway of online criminal justice programs for students who want to keep advancing, including a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, all available entirely online. The associate's and bachelor's are separate programs — complete the associate's first, then enroll separately. CCU graduates re-enrolling in any program receive a 10% tuition discount (for students enrolling after 1/1/2026).

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice at CCU

What are the requirements to enroll in the online associate degree program?
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 finish the online associate degree 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.

How does the self-paced online format work in practice?
No live classes, no required login times, no assignment deadlines tied to a calendar. You work through coursework independently — studying, completing assignments, and requesting 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 online associate degree at any time?
Yes. CCU uses open enrollment — no semester start dates 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 online associate degree 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 use credits from previous college courses toward my online associate degree?
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.

Is financial aid available for the online associate degree program?
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 through their employer — check with your HR department.

Can I continue to a bachelor's degree after completing the online associate degree?
Yes. CCU offers an online 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 receive a 10% tuition discount on re-enrollment (for students enrolling after 1/1/2026).

Is CCU's online associate degree in criminal justice 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.)

Start Your Online Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Today

You've already been balancing work, life, and everything in between. Now it's time to add a credential that reflects the knowledge and commitment you've built. CCU's online associate degree in criminal justice gives you an accredited, affordable, fully online path forward — with no fixed schedule, no campus, and no waiting for the right semester to start.

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).