Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice in Mississippi

Recent efforts in Mississippi make this the ideal time to explore career options. Legislative efforts focus on reducing mass incarceration throughout the state, as these practices have led to extremely high prison populations and overworked staff (NY Times, 2016).

Some of the programs being tested include alternatives to jail, such as rehabilitation centers and probation. Professionals also want to improve reentry services for prisoners who need to transition into life in society. Proposed laws would prohibit jail sentences for certain unpaid fees and fines.

Education is a major step in your journey to a criminal justice job. Use our list of schools below to contact programs that catch your eye.

Criminal Justice Associate Programs in Mississippi

One of the first decisions you have to make as an aspiring student is how you would like to earn your criminal justice degree. Many students opt for an in-person degree program, but an online associate degree in criminal justice may be a more convenient option for you. If you are self-driven and enjoying having more freedom with your school work, you may find that an online degree fits your needs.

As you investigate programs that fit your schedule, make sure that you choose a school that is relevant to your career interests. You can look into each program’s learning goals. These goals should clearly outline what is expected of you as a student and what you should know by the time you graduate.

Mississippi criminal justice programs commonly include goals regarding a knowledge of Mississippi law, strong ethical standards, the ability to communicate and collaborate, and an understanding of criminal justice terminology.

Curricular requirements should reflect the learning goals of a program. There tends to be a lot of variability in curriculum outlines, particularly between programs in different areas. Mississippi schools have programs in legal assisting, court reporting technology, conservation law enforcement, and correctional services, all of which have very different learning outcomes.

For example, if you choose a degree on court reporting technology, you may take the following courses:

• Stenotype Machine Shorthand
• Speed Building
• Realtime Reporting Procedures
• Realtime Reporting English and Grammar
• Realtime Reporting Shorthand
• Judicial Reporting Technology
• Judicial Dictionary Development

Once you have selected a school and you have been accepted to a criminal justice program, you may start applying for scholarships. Look into local organizations like the Mississippi Association of Chiefs of Police.

Mississippi average costs and degree timeline are listed here:

• Timeframe: 4 to 5 semesters
• Credits: 60 to 66 credits
• Average tuition cost per year: $2,585 (College Board, 2016)

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

When you are ready to begin working, you may find that Mississippi is an excellent place to start your career in this area. Job growth statistics are brighter here than in many other states. Demand for transportation security screeners is expected to increase 4% in Mississippi through 2030 (CareerOneStop, 2022). During the same timeframe, job openings for police patrol officers may increase 9% and jobs for bailiffs are expected to jump 7% (2022).

Mississippi salaries are comparable to what is reported in other Southern states. Transportation security screeners report an average income of $43,550 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Police patrol officers bring in a mean salary of $38,430 annually (BLS, 2022). An average income of $35,600 per year is reported for Mississippi bailiffs (BLS, 2022).

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

Are you ready to learn more about earning an associate degree in criminal justice? You can get started right away. Explore the list of Mississippi programs below and contact schools for more information.