Associate v. Bachelor

If you find a program that offers you the choice between an Associate or Bachelor degree in Criminal Justice, you may wonder what the best option for you might be.

An associate degree can be thought of as a shortened education, or as an addition to an undergraduate bachelor’s degree. An associate degree is usually a two-year track and tends to be suited for police officers looking to emphasize technical skills or to serve as basic college for recruits training towards a bachelor’s degree.

Bachelor’s degrees are a great track for students just leaving high school, or individuals willing to dedicate at least four years worth of time to schooling. Police officers with a bachelor’s degree can generally increase their chances of earning a better salary as well as future promotions.

You may also have the option of obtaining a certificate in criminal justice. These are primarily for crime scene technicians and other more specialized fields.

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