I plan on going to a community college to study criminal justice and I was wondering, does having an associate's degree lessen your chance of getting a job rather than having a bachelor's? I was thinking about just getting a two year degree, unless having a four year degree would be more looked upon in this career feild. In that case I planned on transfering to a university. However going through the police academy and everything else, I wasn't sure if it would matter too much. A lot of officers I have worked with say that having an associate's hasn't really held them back.

Opinions? 

I have viewed many agency's requirements and depending on the state or area that you are applying or looking to apply most are not requiring college degrees. This day and age it is good to at least obtain an associates because in order to be looked at for future promotion or advancement some agency's are encouraing or pushing employees to get at least 60 college credit hours.

Think of it this way, if you have something more than the person you are in competition with for the one position and they have no previous LEO experience that may push you ahead for selection over your competition due to your education level. Depending on your goals, you may have to look at furthering your education with an undergrad or graduate degree. If you specialize within a certain aspect of LE you may have to achieve certifications.

I had already received my undergraduate degree when I was hired as an LEO, once I got on track for doing what I wanted to do in my career I pursued my graduate degree in order to pursue middle management goals withn my field...

Quite honestly the more education one has,the better.With my agency we had varied pay scales,the higher the degree the better recompense.Also the more points a person will be awarded in the entrance exam and promotional exams.I earned my first bachelors in my last year on the job,the second seven years after retirement,ergo neither did me any good.Do these degrees make me any better,smarter or wiser than anyone else?Absolutely "NOT".My father who also has two degrees once told me" it simply allows you to be an idiot and get away with it."My girl friend,at the time,who had a Masters advised,"It just means you're trainable".Bump my friend 38TR.nothing teaches you like experiencing life itself.Bump to my friend uncledennis,as well.In many of the major police agencies you will not be considered for promotion above the rank of Capt. without a Masters in Publuic Administration.

You are still young.All the above options are yours to do with as you will.Much good fortune to you in your endeavors....Dave

 I have my AA with 89 hours towards a BA in criminology.  Eventually I will complete it but that may be after I finish my AS in Cyber Security Tech.  I sware I'll be in school all my life lol.

Big bump Sarge.

I've got an Associates degree. There are times where it has helped and other times where it has been a bit of a hinderence. Its helped me with report writing, taught me how to write a legal brief from a court decision and a brief overview of the job. However, it has been a bit of a hinderence in that the smaller departments I've enjoyed working with (and have been applying to) tend to shy away from interviewing and hiring me on a belief that I am over qualified to work with them. This has led me to apply with the medium and large sized departments. I'd say decide on what size department you want to work in and how high into the command structure you want to go before deciding on a Bachelor's or a Master's degree. Go for the Associates degree though, it does help. If you haven't gotten hired on with an agency after graduating, then go for the Bachelor's while waiting for a job oppotunity. 

I have a BA in psyc, believe it or not LOL. Listen to Sarge, go ahead and get the degree, usually life gets in the way and you don't get a chance to go back to school for SEVERAL years !!!