Criminal Justice

Associate in Science (A.S.)

The Criminal Justice Associate in Science (A.S.) degree at Valencia College is a two-year program that prepares you to go directly into a specialized career in the criminal justice field.

To a great extent, the safety, order and freedom of our democratic society depends on our criminal justice professionals. The complexity of today’s diverse communities demands more than ever that criminal justice professionals are broadly educated and highly trained. Valencia’s Criminal Justice program is designed to provide the best possible education for students preparing for challenging careers in law enforcement, corrections, private/industry security and other criminal justice fields. It offers a broad background in the history and philosophy of criminal justice; the management and operation of modern criminal justice agencies; the social, psychological, and cultural aspects of society; and the laws impacting criminal justice functions.

Specializations Available:

Homeland Security

IMPORTANT

Regardless of any degree work completed, in order to be a sworn law enforcement or corrections officer in the state of Florida, you must successfully complete a state-certified training academy program such as the Law Enforcement or Correctional Officer programs offered by Valencia’s School of Public Safety, and pass the state certification exam.

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PROGRAM DETAILS

Program Overview and Degree Requirements

Review course descriptions, important dates and deadlines and other programs details in the official college catalog.

VIEW REQUIRED COURSES

Related Certificates

Valencia’s certificate programs can put you on the fast-track to reaching your career goals. They are designed to equip you with a specialized skill set for immediate employment or career advancement. Most can be completed in one year or less.

Homeland Security Specialist (9 credits)
Homeland Security Law Enforcement Specialist (15 credits)
Criminal Justice Technology Specialist (24 credits)
Hospitality Security Specialist (9 credits)

Alternative Ways To Earn Credit

Did you know that you may already be eligible to receive college credit toward this program? Check out these opportunities:

- Industry Certifications - Receive college credit for approved Industry Certifications
- Tech Center Programs - Receive college credit for completing an approved Osceola Technical Center program

Program Length

60 credits
Full-time – 2 to 3 years
Part-time – 3 to 4 years

You want to step up. We have a path to a bachelor's.

Prepare for a supervisory or management role in your field with a Bachelor of Applied Science degree in Business and Organizational Leadership. After completing your A.S. degree, build on your skills and expand your career opportunities by continuing your education at Valencia College and earning a bachelor’s degree. We encourage you to meet with a career program advisor to create your personalized education plan.

CAREER OUTLOOK

Learn How To

Investigate complaints and respond to traffic emergencies
Detect crimes, arrest violators and issue citations
Oversee individuals in jails and prisons
Use computers to search for information on suspected criminals

Job Outlook

Career opportunities continue to be excellent for those wishing to enter the criminal justice profession. with a wide variety of opportunities available in police departments, sheriff’s offices, prisons, courts, probation and parole agencies, and private industries. A more security-conscious society as well as population growth will contribute to the increasing demand for police services.

Potential Careers

Corrections Officer
Crime Analyst
Criminal Justice Administrator
Detective or Investigator
Emergency Communication Specialist
Law Enforcement Officer
Loss Prevention Specialist
Police Officer
Security Officer

AVERAGE SALARY RANGE

$32,000 - $40,000

Placement Rate

The average placement rate for Valencia College A.S. degree and certificate programs ranges between 90 - 95% according to the latest FETPIP data.

Career Center

Job search strategies, employment readiness tips and more at four on-campus locations.

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Request Information

Future Students - If you would like more information about this degree program, please complete the form below.

Current Students - Please log on to Atlas and contact your assigned Career Program Advisor.

For general enrollment questions, assistance is available at the virtual Answer Center, or contact Enrollment Services.

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Future Students

If you are a prospective student who is interested in this degree and wants to know more about it, please complete this form to contact a faculty member.
Currently Enrolled Valencia Students

All of Valencia’s A.S. degree programs have an assigned Career Program Advisor who can assist you in determining the best education plan for your goals and can help ensure that you get into the right courses. If you are a currently enrolled Valencia student, have questions regarding this program, and don’t know who your assigned advisor is, please log on to Atlas to contact your assigned Career Program Advisor.
Instructions
Click on the "Student Tab." Go to “Student Resources” on the left side. Click on “Academic Support.” Select "AS Degree Help & Career Program Advisors." Click on “Contact Us” in the navigation bar.
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International Students
If you are an International Student and would like information about applying to Valencia College, visit our International Student website, or request information here:

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Need Help?

For general enrollment questions, assistance is available through our virtual Answer Center or by contacting Enrollment Services.

Virtual Answer Center

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enrollment@valenciacollege.edu

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