What courses do you have to have to get an associates degree in criminal justice?

It depends on the college. Typically, about 75% will be courses in general studies such as English, math, literature, science, history, the arts, business, accounting, economics, physical education, speech, social studies, psychology, etc. The remainder (electives) will be criminal justice. The non-state sponsored schools like the "technical institutes" advertising on TV may require far fewer of the general studies but their degrees are not as widely accepted as they lead one to believe.

Here is a typical school's requirements:

Subject - Hours ------------------ English - 6 Literature - 3 Speech - 3 History - 6 Social/Behavioral Science - 3 Fine Arts - 3 Math - 3 Computer - 3 Science - 8 Kinesiology - 2 Electives - 16 --------------------- Total Hours - 62

Here are some typical Criminal Justice courses from which to choose 5 from:

Introduction to Criminal Justice Court Systems & Practices Crime in America Fundamentals of Criminal Law Juvenile Justice System Community Resources in Corrections Correctional Systems and Practices Criminal Investigation Legal Aspects of Law Enforcement Police Systems and Practices

Things change if continuing on toward a Bachelor's Degree. About 50% of the courses will be criminal justice, about 25% will be in the area of the chosen minor, and the remaining 25% will be "collateral" courses, those which the college believes relate to the major area of study (i.e. criminal justice). For criminal justice, collateral courses may include Sociology, Advanced Writing, Communications, Business, Political Science, etc.