Associate Degrees in Criminal Justice in Nevada

These cities tend to attract a certain amount of disorderly conduct and even crime, increasing the demand for police officers, emergency responders, and those who can keep suspects safely in custody.

In response to changing criminal justice culture throughout the country, Nevada has proposed a fairly sizable reform bill. This bill would reduce the state’s focus on nonviolent drug offenses and restrict the use of minimum sentencing standards in atypical cases (Review Journal, 2016).

If you’re ready to get involved in this field, a criminal justice associate degree is an option to consider. Find out if it’s the right choice for you by contacting the schools listed below.

Criminal Justice Associate Programs in Nevada

With so many degree options in Nevada, you may wonder why an associate degree can be a good choice. For new students, this degree offers a quick introduction to the world of criminal justice while developing critical thinking skills and general knowledge.

It takes you about halfway to a Bachelor’s degree, providing flexible future options in education and work.

Typical degree completion requirements and tuition rates for earning your AA or AAS in criminal justice in NV can be found below:

• Timeframe: 2 to 3 years
• Credits: 60 to 70 credits
• Average tuition cost per year: $2,805 (College Board, 2016)

While looking into colleges and technical schools in Nevada, don’t forget to consider programs other than criminal justice. Many programs are based in criminal justice but offer more specific instruction in one area of study. Popular options include corrections, law enforcement, probation, investigations, juvenile justice, and community policing.

Course requirements are generally very rigorous, but there may be space in your schedule for elective courses. If an internship is not require in your degree program, you may still want to apply for one. Internships may lead to job openings, career-long professional contacts, and experience that puts you ahead of other job applicants.

Course and internship offerings vary between programs; typical law enforcement courses are listed below:

• Administration of Justice
• Criminal Procedures
• Criminal Law
• Community Relations
• Police in America
• Principles of Police Patrol Techniques
• Introduction to Physical Evidence
• Criminology

Once you have been accepted to your program of choice, jump right into applying for financial aid. For those earning a criminal justice associate degree, Nevada associations provide a range of scholarship options. The Oakland Police Officers’ Association is a good resource for students who plan on becoming police officers after graduation.

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

After you have an associate degree in applied science, you may start applying for Nevada jobs. Depending on the type of education you have and how much practical experience you’ve earned, you may explore options in the community, in the police department, in the courtroom, or in a correctional facility.

Police patrol officers in Nevada bring in an average income of $74,060 per year (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022). Job openings in this specialty are expected to increase 15% through 2030 (CareerOneStop, 2022). Bailiffs in Nevada earn, on average, $64,640 per year (BLS, 2022). CareerOneStop predicts an 11% boost in job openings through 2030 (2022).

If you go into the field of animal control, you may work for counties and cities across Nevada. The average salary for a Nevada animal control worker is $55,610 per year (BLS, 2022).

Associate degree in criminal justice jobs may build on your existing education and help you work up as you gain experience. If you eventually decide to earn your Bachelor’s degree, some agencies and employers may offer tuition assistance or reimbursement if you plan on staying with them after graduation.

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

Getting into the field of criminal justice may put you in a position to keep Nevada streets safe. If you are ready to answer the call, explore our list of Nevada schools below and request information from programs near you.