Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice in Alaska

Criminal justice professionals are the driving force behind positive change, application of laws, and community support. With an associate degree in criminal justice, you may be able to take on positions in a variety of work settings, including those that involve interacting with people in your community every day.

This is a particularly good time to pursue an associate degree. Criminal justice reform is a significant priority in Alaska, with the Alaska Senate passing a comprehensive bill that addresses bail reform, changes in criminal sentencing, and adjustments to pretrial supervision laws (ADN, 2016).

If you are ready to contribute to a safer Alaska by patrolling the streets, investigating crimes, and guarding prisoners, an associate degree is the next step for you.

Get started now by contacting criminal justice programs in Alaska below.

Criminal Justice Associate Programs in Alaska

As an aspiring Alaska student, you may be able to consider a number of associate in criminal justice AK programs. There are numerous options to consider. On top of a general criminal justice degree, which is popular for those who want to be able to work in a number of career paths, there are more specialized associate degree options.

Programs available in Alaska include paralegal studies and law enforcement. Each school sets specific curricular requirements for each training program. Comparing curricula can help you narrow down your list of schools and select a program that is in line with your learning needs.

For example, if you go into law enforcement, you may take classes like:

• Policing in the Community
• Introduction to Addictions
• Policing in the Community
• Criminal Investigation and Interviewing
• Criminal Procedures
• Criminal Law
• Ethics in Criminal Justice

One of the main benefits of an associate degree is its relatively short time frame. These programs are considerably shorter than their bachelor’s degree counterparts, giving you the chance to get a solid start on your education and the chance to apply for entry-level jobs in criminal justice.

An overview of educational requirements for an associate degree in criminal justice is listed below:

• Timeframe: 2 – 2.5 years
• Cost: $180 – $300 per credit
• Credits: 60 to 66 credits

At some programs, an internship is required for graduation. Schools that do not require an internship generally still recommend it, since an internship is the ideal opportunity to apply your criminal justice knowledge and make connections in the industry. In your early criminal justice courses, it’s important to figure out what type of setting you’d like to work in, since this allows you to pursue internship opportunities that are beneficial to your career.

Another option to consider in Alaska is an online criminal justice associate degree. This type of program is well-suited to working professionals who may not be able to work their schedules around traditional class times. In addition, earning a degree online may give you access to a greater variety of specialty areas and programs.

If finances are a significant priority in your school choice, you may want to start applying for scholarships early. Scholarship closing dates vary between organizations, and checking often can help you avoid missing a valuable opportunity. Explore scholarships for associate degree students here.

What Can I Do With a Criminal Justice Degree in Alaska?

A variety of career paths are open to associate degree graduates, so you may have a chance to choose from a variety of open positions when you begin your job search.

Overall, the job outlook in Alaska is stable. Between 2016 and 2026, CareerOneStop anticipates a likely increase in job openings for fire inspectors by 2032. Job openings for police patrol officers and police detectives are expected to grow by 2% during this time period.

Salaries in Alaska are often quite a bit higher than they are in the continental United States. Currently, police patrol officers report an average income of $85,710 annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Police detectives bring in an average of $128,410 per year (BLS, 2022).

Since many of these job paths are fairly specialized, you may need additional training before you begin working. As you near the end of your degree, look into local job openings and think about which ones best suit your career interests. Consider networking with professionals in your career path to learn about necessary skills, training opportunities, and job openings that may not have been publicized.

You may open the door to a fruitful and rewarding career in criminal justice with the right education.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary and employment figures for Alaska contained here reflect national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed November 2023.

Get more information on earning a criminal justice associate degree in Alaska by reaching out to the programs listed below.