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Education, Human Services & Law Options
Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice Department supports students in three degrees: the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice, the Associate of Applied Science in Emergency Management and the Associate of Arts.
The AAS in Criminal Justice teaches the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in public safety careers from law enforcement to corrections officer to victim advocate. Students who want to earn a Bachelors can continue their studies in one of our Bachelor's of Applied Science partner schools or even earn an AA-DTA at the same time. The AAS in Emergency Management equips the next generation of emergency management and policy leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to improve outcomes in disasters of all types.
The AA-DTA is a general transfer degree for students who wish to earn a Bachelors in the humanities or social sciences.
Criminal Justice Degree Options
Criminal Justice Associate in Applied Science AAS
- Program Length: Two years for full-time students. (Full-time is 12 credits or more)
- Costs per year: $4,740 tuition and fees
- Program Map: Associate in Applied Science Criminal Justice
- Catalog: Associate in Applied Science Criminal Justice
Career
In Washington, median advertised salaries for criminal justice professionals are strong compared to national averages. Median salaries range from $45,000 for security guards and $69,150 for probation officers to $99,510 for law enforcement officers. Regional job growth is higher than the national average (U.S. Dept. of Labor, 2025).
Sample careers include: Police Officer, Detective or Criminal Investigator, Court Clerk, Security Officer, Probation and Correctional Officers, Forensic Science Technicians, Public Safety Telecommunications (911 Dispatch).
Emergency Management Associate in Applied Science AAS
- Program Length: Two years for full-time students. (Full-time is 12 credits or more)
- Costs per year: $4,740 tuition and fees
- Program Map: Associate in Applied Science Emergency Management
- Catalog: Associate in Applied Science Emergency Management
Career
The Federal Department of Labor identifies emergency management as a high-demand field, one that requires a large number of trained professionals across a number of industry sectors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a small increase in emergency management directors in coming years in the next year, however the demand for emergency management specialists, emergency management coordinators, and business continuity professionals continues to grow at all levels of government and in private industry.
Criminal Justice Associate in Arts DTA AA-DTA
- Program Length: Two years for full-time students. (Full-time is 12 credits or more)
- Costs per year: $4,740 tuition and fees
- Program Map: Associate in Arts DTA Criminal Justice
- Catalog: Associate in Arts DTA Criminal Justice
Career
A degree in Criminal Justice provides critical insight into questions of justice and maintaining public safety as well as preparing students for careers in the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, corrections officers, criminal investigators, security guards, bailiffs, and more. With additional education, Criminal Justice students can seek employment developing policy, conducting research, or working with victims. Criminal Justice practitioners work in public, private, and nonprofit organizations.
After Highline College
The AAS-CJ, AAS-EM and AA-DTA all have transfer options. Talk to an advisor today!
Top Transfer-To Institutions
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University of Washington – Tacoma
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Central Washington University
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Washington State University
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