Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice in Maine

With the right training and education, you may contribute to the achievements of this field.

Maine legislators and administrators are always looking for new ways to improve criminal justice outcomes and make efficient use of state money. Current efforts focus on juvenile justice reform (Central Maine, 2016). This program aims to help juveniles avoid a life of crime by changing procedures in the legal and correctional system.

A ME criminal justice associate degree could be the key to unlocking your future in this growing industry. Get in touch with admissions advisors by reaching out to Maine schools below.

Criminal Justice Associate Programs in Maine

Associate degree programs are about half the length of Bachelor’s degree programs, so they are rarely offered at four-year colleges and universities. They are often available at technical schools and community colleges. Program offerings differ throughout Maine, so you may want to compare options before selecting a school.

Another option to keep in mind is an online criminal justice associate degree. These programs require the same amount of credits and the same courses as conventional schools, but they offer greater flexibility to students with jobs and families. Online programs are especially convenient for students who do not live near any in-person institutions.

Within the large field of criminal justice, there are over one dozen subfields and areas of study. If you choose to study one of these topics as an associate degree student, you may be well-prepared for challenging jobs. Options available at Maine schools include paralegal studies, justice studies, and fire science.

Fire science focuses on how fires start, spread, and eventually extinguish. With this degree, you may be ready for jobs that involve investigation of arson.

Courses that may be required for fire science students include:

• Fire Service Building Construction
• Fire Service Hydraulics
• Hazardous Materials
• Fire Service Leadership
• Fire Ground Operations
• Fire Administration

To graduate with a criminal justice associate degree, you need to meet the specific learning goals and outcomes of your program. These expectations vary slightly from school to school.

Maine averages for getting an AA or AS in Criminal Justice are listed below:

• Timeframe: 4 to 6 semesters
• Credits: 63 to 72 credits
• Average tuition cost per year: $3,491 (College Board, 2016)

When you select a school, you can work with a financial aid advisor to apply for state and federal financial aid. There are also many scholarships that are specifically open to criminal justice students, many of which can be found on our scholarships page.

Through local organizations, you may apply for scholarships like the Kevin Riordan Presidential Scholarship.

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

As the criminal justice industry fluctuates and adapts in Maine, demand for certain professions may grow. Building professional connections and getting as much practical experience as possible are two key components of exploring your opportunities after graduation.

Bailiffs, who work in Maine courtrooms, currently claim an average salary of $64,210 annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Demand for bailiffs is expected to remain stable through at least 2030 (CareerOneStop, 2022).

Transportation security screeners report an average income of $50,630 per year in Maine (BLS, 2022). Job openings for transportation security screeners should remain steady  through 2030 (CareerOneStop, 2022).

Police patrol officers employed by Maine counties and cities earn a mean salary of $56,960 annually (BLS, 2022). On average, CareerOneStop expects approximately 160 new job openings per year through 2030 (2022).

Maine is a state known for its safe, picturesque communities and tourist communities. The work of criminal justice professionals keeps Maine safe. Learn more about becoming a criminal justice graduate today.

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

Request information on earning an associate degree in criminal justice from Maine schools.