Degree Requirements: Saint Leo University offers students a criminal justice degree program that will intricately establish the foundation needed to pursue a career in criminal justice or prepare students for continuing education in the field. Since the university is affiliated with the Catholic religion, in addition to taking general education requirements such as English, college mathematics, and physical science, it is mandated that students take courses introducing them to the Christian faith, totaling 33 credits. To earn an Associate of Arts in Criminal Justice specifically, students must take courses that involve explaining the basic concepts of how the criminal justice system is managed and operated, including its political, social and economic environments. Courses will include an introduction to homeland defense, the laws of criminal procedures, criminal investigation, and an introduction to law and the legal system. In total, students must earn 60 to 62 credits to earn this degree, with some credits earned from an elective. This degree should take full-time students about two years to earn. Cost of tuition, including food, room and board, is typically $31,855 per year. Many students are also eligible for financial aid, which can help reduce tuition costs.

Degree Benefits: In addition to some on-the-job training, most graduates who earn this degree typically move on to work for police departments and correctional institutions. While the Federal Bureau of Prisons mandates that entry-level correctional officers possess at least a bachelor’s degree, local facilities do accept an associate degree. Career opportunities in this field are expected to increase within the next decade, creating approximately 566,500 jobs for correctional officers and jailers, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Correctional officers and jailers earned about $38,380 in May 2008, the most recent statistics available from the Bureau. Students with an associate criminal justice degree may also qualify for positions as a private security guard, protecting stores and other businesses. As criminal activities continue to increase, so will the need for security. In fact, the Bureau predicts that employment opportunities for those wanting to pursue this route will increase by 12 percent within the next decade. The Bureau predicts that more than 150,000 new jobs will be created by 2018. Salary varies on place of employment, but guards typically earn anywhere from $19 to $30 thousand per year.