How do you become a criminal justice graduate? For you to become one, you need to get into school. Now there are two types of degrees you can choose. The shortest will be the associate degree, which lasts for two years. It gives you the basic certificate, which you can use to land a job. However, if you want to improve your chances of getting a more lucrative offer, you have to enroll for two more years, so you can obtain a bachelor’s degree. Better salaries are expected to those who pursue the master’s and doctorate degree of criminal justice.