Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice in Kansas

However, the work isn’t done yet. In fact, there are still many areas where Kansas could improve or strengthen its criminal justice system. After two years of decreasing murder rates in Kansas City, 2016 saw a huge spike in the homicide rate of Kansas City (Kansas City Star, 2016).

In fact, Kansas City is the ninth worst city in the entire country for homicides, a statistic that shocks those who see Kansas as a friendly Midwestern state.

If you are considering an associate degree, criminal justice could be the field of study for you. It may put you in a position to work in corrections, policing, security, or evidence collection.

You can find out more about local education options by reaching out to criminal justice associate degree Kansas schools.

Criminal Justice Associate Programs in Kansas

Whenever you compare schools, it’s crucial to look at what each school offers and how much those options are going to cost you. To be considered an associate degree program, a program must include at least 60 credits of coursework. However, many Kansas schools require more credits to meet the training expectations of each program.

State standards and averages for criminal justice degrees are listed below:

• Timeframe: 2 to 3 years
• Credits: 63 to 69 credits
• Average tuition cost per year: $2,793 (College Board, 2016)

While the factors listed above are important in a school decision, your quality of education is perhaps the most important factor in school choice. Not only should you get plenty of experience and theory training, you should learn skills that are useful in your chosen career path.

That may mean switching from a general criminal justice program to a more specialized option. Depending on the area of Kansas you live in, you may be able to choose from programs like law enforcement, administration of justice, corrections, forensic science, and police science.

Curriculum guides are a great tool for school comparison.

Kansas law enforcement programs may include the courses listed below or courses similar to them:

• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Introduction to Law Enforcement
• Criminal Procedures
• Criminal Investigations
• Criminal Law
• Ethics in Criminal Justice

You may want to consider practical experience options as you narrow down your list of schools. Some schools do not require an internship, but that doesn’t mean it is unnecessary. In fact, an internship is a great way to get experience, start building connections with potential employers, and clearly define your career goals.

In most areas, there are local organizations and associations that offer scholarships to promising criminal justice students. The Kansas Sheriffs Association is a good resource for those who want to work in law enforcement or policing. You can find more opportunities with our list of scholarships.

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

One of the benefits of an associate in criminal justice is the freedom it gives you to change career paths and find the one that best suits your skills and personality. If you would like to work in a courtroom setting, consider becoming a bailiff. Currently, the average salary for a Kansas bailiff is $57,160 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022).

Transportation security screeners may work at train stations, busing facilities, or airports. They claim an average salary of $43,420 annually (BLS, 2022). CareerOneStop anticipates steady job openings through 2030 (2022). Police patrol officers may experience an 8% boost in job openings through 2030 (CareerOneStop, 2022). Their average income is $51,990 per year (BLS, 2022).

It’s important to weigh the benefits of different types of criminal justice jobs before you graduate. However, the nature of this job means that professionals are needed around the clock. Being available for nights, weekends, and holidays can give you a significant advantage in the job search.

Clearly, a criminal justice associate degree can offer the flexibility that many professionals want.

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

Learn more about job paths, degree options, and financial aid programs by contacting Kansas schools today.