Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice in Idaho

Research and leadership in Idaho criminal justice go a long way to improving this field substantially. Idaho experts indicate that harsh punishments for minor crimes can have lifelong consequences (Magic Valley, 2016). This leads to increases in recidivism rates and difficulty in transitioning back into society.

The work you do with a criminal justice associate degree can keep people safe, uphold the standards of this industry, and pave the way for you to further your education at a later date.

Get more information on this type of degree by getting in contact with Idaho criminal justice schools.

Criminal Justice Associate Programs in Idaho

One of the first decisions you have to make as an aspiring criminal justice student is whether you want to earn your degree in a traditional format or an online format.

Traditional programs have their advantages; you can interact with professors and peers face-to-face, enabling easy communication and collaboration. However, online degree programs also have their advantages. Those who choose to earn an online criminal justice Associate degree can complete papers and projects on their own schedule, rather than having to adjust their schedule to fit a conventional program. Consider both options to find one that’s right for you.

Another factor to keep in mind as you look for the right school is your field of study. You can get a broad, general education with a criminal justice associate degree, but if you want to work in a specific setting or with a specific population, another degree may be a better option for you.

Options available at Idaho schools include law enforcement, paralegal studies, legal assistant, and administration of justice. Curricular requirements vary between programs, so take your time comparing schools and their courses.

If you pursue a law enforcement degree, you may take courses like:

• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Administration of Justice
• Criminal Procedures
• Criminal Law
• Police in America
• Wildlife Management
• Use and Abuse of Drugs
• State and Local Government

Generally, an associate degree can be completed fairly quickly if you attend courses full-time. As you compare schools in your area, examine their credit requirements.

Idaho’s average criminal justice degree requirements are listed below:

• Timeframe: 4 to 5 semesters
• Credits: 60 to 66 credits
• Average tuition cost per year: $3,872 (College Board, 2016)

Financial aid varies quite a bit from school to school, so you may want to begin the application process as soon as you select an institution. With the FAFSA, you can find out if you qualify for federal grants and loans.

Many schools have dedicated financial aid funds for criminal justice students as well. Use our list of criminal justice scholarships to find grants open to associate degree students. Quite a few local organizations have private scholarship funds, so you may get the chance to apply for scholarships through groups like the Idaho Falls Fraternal Order of Police.

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

Your degree choice heavily influences your post-graduation job options, so carefully select a degree that has courses and learning outcomes that are in line with your intended career path.

If you become a fire inspector, you may work on arson cases and inspect buildings damaged by fire. Job openings for Idaho fire inspectors are predicted to remain steady through 2030 (CareerOneStop, 2022). The average salary for a fire inspector in Idaho is $99,930 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022).

Those who go through the police academy may start as police patrol officers. Demand for patrol officers in Idaho is expected to remain relatively steady through 2030, with a slight decrease (CareerOneStop, 2022). In Idaho, patrol officers bring in an average income of $59,640 annually (BLS, 2022).

Police detectives may take on more complicated cases that require investigation. The average salary in this position is $74,710 per year (BLS, 2022).

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

Find out how you can get started on your criminal justice AAS by contacting Idaho criminal justice schools listed below.