Program Overview

Build the knowledge and hands-on experience to start a career in criminal justice. At New England Institute of Technology, you鈥檒l study the causes of crime, how the system operates, and the skills needed to help keep communities safe.

From your first term, you鈥檒l explore core areas like policing, courts, and corrections, then move into specialized topics including investigations, criminal behavior, and the law. You鈥檒l graduate ready to step into the field or continue your education.

Program Highlights:聽

  • Complete your degree in as little as 18 months
  • Study real-world topics like investigations, forensics, and criminal law
  • Build practical skills in report writing, analysis, and decision-making
  • Hands-on learning through immersive coursework, including a mock crime investigation and trial that simulates real-world scenarios from evidence collection to courtroom testimony.
  • Internship Opportunities

Career Outcomes:
Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles in

  • Law enforcement
  • Corrections and court services
  • Private security and investigations
  • Federal and homeland security agencies

You鈥檒l also be ready to continue into NEIT鈥檚 Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program.

New Lower Tuition

Starting July 1, 2026 tuition for the AS, Criminal Justice program has been reduced to $18,540鈥攎aking your path to a career in public safety more affordable than ever!

 to secure your spot! Fall Classes begin on October 5, 2026.

    New Learning Spaces Opening on the East Greenwich Campus – Fall 2026!聽


    Train in environments designed to mirror real criminal justice settings. You鈥檒l gain hands-on experience in investigations, evidence collection, and courtroom procedures鈥攕o you鈥檙e ready to step into the field with confidence.

    Learn more!

      Advance Your Career 鈥� Apply to the Criminal Justice Associate Degree Program

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      FAQ

      • Can You Start a Private Investigation Business in Rhode Island With an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice?

        Yes 鈥� you can start your private investigation business in Rhode Island with an associate degree in criminal justice, subject to meeting the licensing requirements. Graduates can also seek employment in other states with the desired licensure and experience.

      • Is Financial Aid Available?

        Financial aid at the New England Institute of Technology includes non-repayable grants, scholarships, work-study programs, and traditional student loans. We also offer a robust tuition payment plan that can help make the cost of your degree more manageable.

        Explore financial aid options.

      • Is an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice Worth It?

        An associate degree in criminal justice provides a variety of career opportunities immediately upon graduation. Other benefits of enrolling in criminal justice programs include higher pay, more room for advancement, refined skills, and competitive advantages.

        After obtaining an associate degree in criminal justice, you can also continue to a bachelor’s degree and apply for advanced roles in criminal justice fields.

         

      • How Long Does It Take to Get an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice?

        After completing your high-school diploma/ GED, you can get your degree in criminal justice as early as 18 months at NEIT.聽

      • What Jobs Can You Get with an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice?

        You can get entry-level jobs in the criminal justice fields with an associate’s degree as police officers, detectives, state troopers, correctional officers, criminal justice counselors, public safety professionals, federal law enforcement officers, private security officers, corporate security officers, crime scene investigators, etc.

        You can also work in a nonprofit institution or start your own private investigation. Associate’s degree holders can also seek employment as local law enforcement professionals, active-duty military members, human service assistants, and police administration associates. Police and detectives must also graduate from their respective police academies or the agency’s training academy.

      • How Many Credits Do You Need for an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice?

        You must complete a comprising lectures, laboratory, and quarter credit hours.

        The curriculum in a criminal justice program typically includes law enforcement, corrections, mock trials, criminal procedure, interviewing and investigation techniques, contemporary criminal justice issues, police operations/simulated firearms skills, drugs, gangs, organized crimes, etc.

        Schools also mandate that you take liberal arts and math courses to improve your communication, interpersonal, management, leadership, and professional skills.

        If you have already completed these courses in your previous degree, you can also transfer credits subject to the school’s guidelines.

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      Program Mission, Goals, and Outcomes

      Program Mission

      The mission of the Criminal Justice (CJ) Program is to provide a dynamic and intensive educational experience for those who intend to pursue professional careers in the field of Criminal Justice.

      Through a combination of theory and lab experiences, as well as an optional externship, the criminal justice associate’s degree program will provide an extensive legal foundation in conjunction with the practical application of necessary skills and effective written and oral communications.

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      investigate and analyze evidence

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      The student’s ability to investigate and analyze evidence will improve, along with the hands-on experience encountered in the various courses incorporated in the curriculum.

      Program Goals

      1. The CJ associate’s degree program will provide appropriate learning opportunities to acquire the theoretical knowledge, applicable practical skills, and the mindset required to function as entry-level criminal justice professionals.
      2. The CJ associate’s degree program will instill skill, pride, and professionalism in students to carry to a criminal justice organization.
      3. The CJ associate’s degree program will provide a thorough knowledge of the components of the Criminal Justice System and how they interact with each other.

      Program Outcomes

      Graduates of this criminal justice associate degree program will be able to:

      1. Describe how the political and socioeconomic influences influence the American system of criminal justice.
      2. Differentiate between various components of the criminal justice system, the purposes and objectives, and their roles in our society.
      3. Describe the basic concepts behind laws, the actions of law enforcement agencies, court proceedings, and the policies of correctional agencies.
      4. Describe the basic principles of criminal law, criminal investigation, and criminal procedure.
      5. Explain the constitutional rights of individuals under criminal proceedings.
      6. Investigate the causes of social problems and analyze the public’s response to the management of such issues.
      7. Utilize effective communication, critical thinking, and decision-making as they apply to criminal justice professionals in everyday practice.
      8. Collect and analyze data from a crime scene.
      9. Develop, arrange and present a professional portfolio containing relevant data and information necessary for effective law enforcement.

      Criminal Justice Courses

       

      糖心原创vlog is proud to offer a modern, practical, immersive curriculum for our unique degree programs.聽Our career-focused education brings learning to life.

       

      The first term in our criminal justice associate degree program provides a foundational introduction to criminal justice, corrections, and the court system. Subjects such as forensics, criminal law, report writing, drugs, and the law help provide an in-depth understanding of the fundamentals.

      Starting from the fourth term of their criminal justice degree, a student will gain extensive knowledge of:

        1. Criminal procedure
        2. Interviewing and investigation techniques
        3. Contemporary criminal justice issues
        4. Police operations/simulated firearms skills
        5. Sentencing 鈥� probation, and parole
        6. Portfolio prep and management

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      forensic science
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      The sixth term involves gangs and organized crimes, moot court and mock trial, and advanced electives such as digital forensics and drone/UAV technology.

      Additionally, all associate’s degree graduates must obtain 32 credits from the liberal arts and math/applied science core through general education courses.

      Subjects such as communication, math, social sciences, and humanities form a part of the general education core. These courses help you cultivate the abilities and interpersonal skills necessary for working as an able professional in your field.