Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice in Minnesota

Minnesota prosecutors and legislators regularly implement new laws and statutes to adjust to new criminal justice research. After a recent change in sex trafficking laws, the amount of sex trafficking prosecutions has increased substantially (Star Tribune, 2016). This is expected to protect children and young adults who are being exploited. With postsecondary education and training, you may contribute to efforts that improve society and the quality of life of citizens.

Are you ready to find out what is waiting for you in the world of criminal justice? Reach out to MN criminal justice associate degree programs to get more information.

Criminal Justice Associate Programs in Minnesota

There are many reasons that Minnesota students may choose associate degree programs. If you want to complete your degree in the most affordable way possible, you may be drawn to the idea of an associate degree.

Listed below, find average degree completion requirements and expenses for Minnesota:

• Timeframe: Up to 3 years
• Credits: 60 to 68 credits
• Average tuition cost per year: $5,435 (College Board, 2018-2019)

Even if you plan on furthering your education at a later date, getting an associate degree now may save some money and help you get started in your chosen field. Applying for scholarships and grants can help you get in touch with important criminal justice professionals in your community while trying to earn money for your education. The Minnesota Law Enforcement Explorer Association is one of several criminal justice associations in the state that awards scholarships each year.

Whether you want to earn your degree online or in person, you may find that there are several options beyond the standard criminal justice associate degree. These options vary between schools.

In Minnesota, you may find programs in security administration, paralegal studies, judicial reporting, natural resources law enforcement, and criminalistics.

With such diverse degree options, course requirements are generally quite different from program to program.

If you pursue a degree in judicial reporting, your curriculum may include courses like:

• Realtime Reporting
• Transcription and English
• Word Enrichment
• Business Law
• Reporting Orientation
• Foundations of Law

Practical experience is one common trait across criminal justice programs. Some schools require all students to complete an internship, while others make it optional. However, practical experience is valuable in any type of criminal justice degree. Plan on applying for an internship in your second year of school.

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

An associate degree in criminal justice may provide a way for you to get your foot in the door in many specialized career paths. If you choose a degree that focuses on one aspect of criminal justice, you may qualify for a greater variety of jobs in your area of study.

Animal control workers aim to protect domestic animals from abuse and neglect. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, animal control workers in Minnesota earn an average of $50,650 per year (2022). Job openings are expected to increase through 2030 (CareerOneStop, 2022).

Police patrol officers protect every rural, suburban, and metropolitan community in Minnesota. The current average salary for a patrol officer is $76,420 annually (BLS, 2022). CareerOneStop anticipates a 6% increase in job openings through 2030 (2022).

If you are interested in using your degree in a court setting, you may want to become a bailiff. Minnesota bailiffs earn an average of $48,280 per year (BLS, 2022). Job openings are expected to remain stable through 2030 (CareerOneStop, 2022).

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

With a criminal justice degree, you could change your career, your community, and the field of criminal justice as a whole. Make your move now by reaching out to Minnesota criminal justice schools.