Online Criminal Justice Associate’s Degree | California Coast University

Skip the Classroom. Earn Your Online Criminal Justice Associate's Degree at CCU.

Traditional college doesn't work for everyone. If you're holding down a job, raising a family, or living somewhere that makes commuting to campus unrealistic, an online criminal justice associate's degree from California Coast University gives you a real path forward. CCU's Associate of Science in Criminal Justice is delivered entirely online — no commuting, no scheduled class sessions, no campus check-ins. Just an accredited degree program you can work through on your own time, from wherever you are.

What You'll Study

CCU's Associate of Science in Criminal Justice covers the core theories, practices, and principles that define the field — from the history and evolution of the justice system to the intersections of law enforcement, courts, corrections, and forensic science. The program is made up of 20 total courses and 60 semester units, structured across three categories:

What Makes This Online Program Different

Admission Requirements

Applying is straightforward. To qualify, applicants must:

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

No standardized test 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 & Payment Plans

Tuition is $170 per unit — 60 units total. 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, firefighters, U.S. government employees, CCU graduates, and corporate partner employees (for students enrolling after 1/1/2026). Many students also receive employer tuition reimbursement — check with your HR department.

Why CCU: 50+ Years of Distance Education

Founded in 1973 with one mission — make quality higher education accessible to people who couldn't access it through traditional means — CCU has served working adults, military personnel, parents, and professionals for over five decades.

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, whose background spans both academia and the private sector.

Hear From CCU Criminal Justice Alumni

"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

"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

"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

Where Can This Degree Take You?

Your associate's degree is a meaningful credential and a practical launchpad. Common career paths include roles in law enforcement, corrections, security, court administration, juvenile justice, and federal and state agencies.

Students ready to go further can continue into CCU's online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Complete the associate's first, then enroll separately — and as a CCU graduate, you'll receive a 10% tuition discount (for students enrolling after 1/1/2026).

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I need to enroll?
Be at least 18 years old and hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent. No tests or recommendation letters required. Non-native English speakers must provide TOEFL scores.

How long will it take?
The minimum completion time is 9 months; the maximum is 5 years. You must complete at least one course every 6 months to stay in good academic standing.

What does self-paced study look like day to day?
No live classes, no scheduled login times. You work through coursework independently — reading, assignments, and exams at your own pace. 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 or current CCU student).

Is there a specific time to start?
No. Open enrollment means you can apply and begin any time of year. (VA students and tuition assistance recipients must use term calendar.)

How much does it cost?
$170/unit × 60 units. Plan A: $500 down + $150/month. Plan B: $300 down + $175/month. Plan C: pay in full. No interest, no credit check.

Can I transfer previous college credits?
Yes — up to 30 semester units from accredited U.S. institutions, with a grade of C or higher.

Is financial aid available?
CCU does not participate in federal financial aid but accepts VA Benefits, MyCAA benefits for eligible military spouses, and company-paid tuition vouchers. Employer reimbursement is also common — check with your HR department.

Is CCU accredited?
Yes. CCU is accredited by DEAC, recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and CHEA.

Learn more about our Criminal Justice Associate Degree

2026 Academic Calendar

CCU uses rolling 16-week terms beginning approximately every 3–4 weeks, allowing flexible year-round enrollment.

Your Online Criminal Justice Degree Is Waiting

CCU's online criminal justice associate's degree removes the barriers that have kept so many working adults from finishing what they started — no fixed schedule, no campus, no waiting for a new semester. Just an accredited, affordable program built for the way you actually live.

VA students and students using tuition assistance must use 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).