Criminal Justice Degree

A career in criminal justice and law enforcement can be yours when you attend and graduate from an online or distance learning criminal justice college education program. You can become a police officer, work for the FBI, and work in homeland security or for the secret service. You can own a private security company, do private investigation, or be a security guard. The field of law enforcement is varied.

Associates, bachelors and masters degree programs are available at many online college programs. An online college website can provide you with information you need to start your career, such as curriculum, costs, financial aid options, and schools.

The curriculum may include classes in principles, planning and procedures, safety, tactical communication, international and domestic terrorism, security measures, emergency planning, intelligence gathering and analysis, and vulnerability assessment. Theory of crime, dispute resolution, role of drugs and crime, child abuse and neglect, are also included in some online criminal justice programs. Basic emergency medical skills may also be part of the law enforcement and criminal justice online curriculum.

The average salary for a police officer in 2003 was $45,000. For the DEA, Secret Service, US Marshall salaries vary from 25 to 50 thousand dollars. The average salary in the FBI is $39,000 to $48,000. With advancement the annual salary can increase to $106,000. Security guards generally make $21 to 28,000.

Statistics indicate that higher wages go hand-in-hand with advanced education levels. So whether you just want to start a career in criminal justice or law enforcement , or already working as a criminal justice professional, starting an academic career or advancing an academic career means more financial security, more job opportunity and more job satisfaction.

An online degree in criminal justice can be earned on your own time. As long as you have access to a computer you can complete assignments anytime. You will have access to your instructor, your classmates, library resources, and technical services via blogs, e-mail, and other online systems.

If you're interested in crime and public policy, then a college major in criminal justice or criminology could be right up your alley.

Perhaps you've already envisioned yourself at the scene of an unsolved crime, uncovering the one piece of evidence that puts the puzzle in place. (Did you ever notice how quickly that occurs on TV?) Of course, that could happen, but it's wise to consider that crime scene investigation and forensics are just two of the many, many paths available to you when you earn your degree in criminal justice.

Benefits of a Criminal Justice Degree

Did you know that criminal justice is a popular major for pre-law students? Law schools like to admit students from diverse educational backgrounds, and criminal justice students are often well prepared to appreciate the importance of the legal system. So, if you aim to practice criminal law, a college degree in criminal justice is a logical first step.

In fact, a good criminal justice program at a reputable college will prepare you for any number of careers. For that reason, most criminal justice programs emphasize the development of logical reasoning, problem-solving ability, and solid communication skills, all of which translate into any number of professional environments. Programs also cover the basics of law, crime, public policy, and social systems.

Focusing Your Criminal Justice Degree

Your school or program may offer concentrations that will allow you to delve deeper into the area of criminal justice that really catches your interest. Such options might include corrections, juvenile justice, security, law enforcement-and yes, crime scene investigation and forensics!

Be aware that some colleges have a criminal justice program administered through a distinct criminal justice department, while others offer criminal justice concentrations within related fields, such as anthropology, sociology, or political science. By nature, criminal justice and criminology are multidisciplinary. If you're planning to apply to grad school, you might also consider a double major or a complementary minor. Whether it's a foreign language, a hard science, or a minor in public affairs, such additional training will help to enhance your application.

Consider an Associates Degree

If you are not interested in completing a four-year criminal justice program, career-oriented two-year programs in criminal justice are offered by many community colleges, with specializations including forensics and security. Whatever schools make it to your list, be sure to research the accreditation status of each. Recognized accrediting agencies can be found at the U.S. Department of Education Web site.

The desire for excitement and intrigue leads many a student to study criminal justice. As you will learn, the rewards of entering a field where you can truly help others and make a difference are plentiful as well.

Criminal justice is a popular discipline, and for that reason, the Internet is flooded with information about online programs. Sound like the path for you? If so, it's time to roll up your sleeves and do some research. There are many online criminal justice programs that will equip you with the skills you need, but you need to find one that's both accredited and tailored to your interests.

Benefits of Studying Online

The obvious benefit of studying online, regardless of the discipline, is convenience. If you are already in the workforce, or balancing the obligations of work, school, and family, an online program often gives you the flexibility to study on your own time and at your own pace. Indeed, you can attend many of the country's most prestigious universities as an online student, which makes it possible to move forward in your career while you work!

Of course, online learning is not for everyone. If you are the type of student who requires lots of face time with your professors, you may be at a disadvantage. It's also important to remember that while an online program may be convenient, it still takes a lot of work. Online or on campus, being a criminal justice student is a commitment.

You should also take into account your comfort level with technology. Initially, making your way around the interface of an online learning program may be a challenge, though one that is more than surmountable with a bit of patience.

Accreditation: A Critical Detail

If you've done your research and are ready to move ahead in pursuing an online criminal justice degree, be sure to look into the accreditation status of each school on your list. There are many, many criminal justice and criminology programs that advertise online, but not all of them are accredited. Think of this as your first criminal justice-related investigation: recognized accrediting agencies for institutions of higher education can be researched on the U.S. Department of Education Web site.

Two-Year VS. Four-Year Programs

Most importantly, you should think about your career goals and choose your criminal justice program accordingly, whether online or on campus. An associate degree will be in order should you wish to become certified as a security guard or forensic technician; those who aspire to practice criminal law will need a graduate degree. Paralegals can often complete certificate programs as a prerequisite to getting hired, while future probation officers will benefit from having a master's in criminal justice.

While exploring potential programs, be sure to research the particular emphases and strengths of each one, especially if you intend to earn a graduate degree. Armed with the appropriate degree, you will have completed the first step in starting a rewarding criminal justice career.

You've determined that a career in Criminal Justice is for you. But how to begin? We're here to help. Below you'll find the Who, Why, What, Where and How of earning your college degree.

Who

You, of course, that's who. What do you want out of your criminal justice degree? Do you have a degree path in mind? Take some time to consider things. What do you do well when it comes to school? Are you a social butterfly or a bookworm? Do you enjoy the classroom, or do you prefer hanging out online? What is important to you? What gave you trouble in school-writing papers, taking notes, or showing up to class prepared?

All of these are important factors to consider before moving forward. A good exercise is to sit down and write down answers to the questions above. College is challenging, and knowing your strengths and weaknesses before you go in is key. Take the time to really dig deep and understand yourself before taking the next step.

Why

This is important: WHY do you want to get a degree? Are you fulfilling a life-long dream of being a police officer or a forensic technician, or are you simply following the expectations of your parents or friends? Are you hoping for a job security and advancement, and a criminal justice degree is the next step down that path? Whatever your reason, if you are doing it for yourself and the dreams you hold for your life, you are more likely to succeed.

What

If you've already chosen to pursue a degree in Criminal Justice, you probably already have some idea of what you want to do. Whether you've decided to work as a paralegal, a security guard, or a private detective, it's still a good idea to take a good look at your personal goals before choosing your next step.

How much of an investment are you willing to make for your career? Will you pursue just an associates degree, or do you want a four-year degree? What about graduate school-are there advanced degrees available in your field of choice?

When considering which degree to choose, it's important to consider your long-term goals. Sure, an associates degree will allow you to work as a paralegal, but is that what you see yourself doing in ten years? How about twenty? If you are planning a return to school now, it might be a good idea to earn the degree that best suits your long-term goals, rather than just propelling yourself into the workforce.

Where

This question is just as important but much more practical. Do you want to stay close to home, or are you eager to explore other places? Does your criminal justice major have a preferred college or university, or can you attend anywhere? Do you want a place where you can live on campus, or would you rather live off-site?

The first step, of course, is to find out the best college that offers the degree you want. Then you can check out the best local options as well as visit other locations. What college offers the courses you want at the times you want them? When visiting a college, be sure to check out the surrounding neighborhoods and the services they offer. After all, if you are going to spend a lot of time in that area, you will need more than just what the college offers-after all, you'll also need to eat and shop!

Secondly, you should spend some time researching how the college assists its graduates. Does it have a strong career center? How about their job placement office? Once you've graduated you'll need some assistance taking that next step. Check out how your college will help you.

Once you have all this information, you will know which college is the best place for you.

How

Ah, how may seem like the biggest question. How will I get in? How will I get money for college? How will I manage to work while going to school?

Luckily, in this day and age there are as many diverse options for earning your degree as there are students. You can go to school part-time and keep that good job. You can go to school online, part-time, full-time, or for just some of your courses.

Financial aid is readily available to anyone who needs it, making a college degree a reality for everyone. The admissions counselors at the college you choose can help you navigate the paperwork required and provide guidance on both financial aid and your course load.

To earn that college degree, all it takes is you making the commitment and taking that first step. Good luck, and good learning!

A new career for you in criminal justice can be earned through one of the many online criminal justice degree programs. Working, raising a family, or geographical location doesn’t mean that you cannot obtain a degree even if you can’t attend a traditional college. Students who earn an associates or bachelors degree in criminal justice online obtain the same level of education as those who attend a local college or university.

The need for criminal justice professional is increasing every year: there will be a need for 23-35% more corrections officers, police, private investigators and security guards in the next few years. A degree in criminal justice is the gateway to many different types of employment, such as corrections officer, police officer, secret service agent, crime scene investigator, private investigator, military police, FBI agent, DEA agent, security guard, CIA agent, and sheriff or US marshal.

You can start on your way to a new lucrative and highly respected career in criminal justice with just a little investigation. Check an Internet online college degree site for the multitude of choices you have to earn a degree, whether associates, bachelors or a masters degree in criminal justice. You can get instant information about programs, requirements, classes, financial aid and applications by filling in a few blanks on the site. You will also have access to school counselors who can help you with any further questions. I think it is worth investigating, don't you?

The famous television program, CSI (Crime Scene Investigation) has brought us into an in-depth view on how a crime can be investigated and solved by CSI Agents with their state-of-the-art technology. Solving a crime was a matter of whodunit, and with what size of shoe, and whether anyone left behind traces of evidence that the blue ALS light could pick up. This famous television shows have many people think about working in criminal justice field. But it is not the only career field for a criminal justice degree holder, a degree in criminal justice opens up many career opportunities.

Government recently has invested heavily in homeland security; many law enforcement departments now have increased the academic requirements for law enforcement officer, security personnel or other position that requires knowledge in criminal justice, most of them require at least an associate degree for the position or career promotion. This means that in the field of criminal justice, qualified and skilled professionals are always in demand.

A criminal justice degree can put you on a career path in Law Enforcement, Investigations, Courts, Security, Corrections, Law, Forensic Science, Public Safety and other kinds of job that involve security and protection. Hence, if protecting people and property is what you want to do, a degree in criminal justice can give you the skills you need to enter to such a challenging field.

Before the available of online degree programs, you may have excuses to on hold the realization of you dream job in criminal justice field and stay at your current position, but now you can pursue a Criminal Justice Degree online without the need to put on hold your current life style and go back to school for the degree. With the available of online criminal degree, you can now take a recognized criminal justice degree from a well-known university or college online, even if that college or university is across town, across the nation or across the world.

Among the famous online universities which offer online criminal degree programs are AIU Online, University of Phoenix, Kaplan University and Westwood College Online. Earning an online degree in criminal justice from these online universities can provide students with a solid foundation in some of the most interesting aspects of the industry, including criminology, the causes of crime, typologies and victims.

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that by 2010 there will be more than a 29 percent increase in the demand for FBI agents, police officers, private detectives, U.S. customs agents and many others. Hence, Criminal Justice Degree offers path to brighter future and the online criminal justice program help you to shorten the path to reach your goal.

When you start researching potential criminal justice programs, whether undergraduate or graduate, you may be surprised by the sheer number of options from which you have to choose. In part, this can be attributed to the recent fanfare surrounding the field. Between popular TV shows and a national emphasis on homeland security, numerous individuals have been inspired to pursue a criminal justice or criminology career.

Things to Consider When Choosing Your School

So how do you find the one that's right for you? That depends. To start, you should think about what you intend to do with your criminal justice degree. The best path for a future police detective differs from that of a future forensic scientist. If you aren't yet sure of your intended career, that's OK. However, it can definitely help to guide your choice if you do have a goal.

Next up, it's time to flex your investigative skills and develop a well-rounded list of suspects-that is, schools. If you intend to study criminal justice at the college level, the first order of business is to determine whether you are interested in a program with an academic focus or one that offers a more career-focused curriculum. Of course, many programs offer a good balance of the two, but again, your particular goals will help you to determine which schools are a good fit for you.

Two-Years or Four-Years?

Two-year programs in criminal justice or criminology are typically focused on career-based education, whether you want to be a paralegal, forensic technician, or security agent. If you are in pursuit of career training, be sure to find those programs that will prepare you for work in your discipline of choice.

As you look at colleges, consider the availability of criminal justice-related internships. Some schools offer students the chance to work for a criminal justice agency for credit. Other programs allow you to observe or work in prisons, drug treatment facilities, courts, or other sites that provide a bird's eye view into the real-world applications of the criminal justice system. This type of opportunity will prove invaluable whether you plan to go straight into the workforce or apply to grad school after earning your four-year degree.

When you move on to the graduate level, your criminal justice education is all about preparing yourself for the line of work in which you intend to focus your criminal justice career. Thus, you'll want to look carefully at both the philosophy of your target programs as well as the particular research interests of the faculty. As a graduate research assistant, you could find yourself taking part in their work!

Financial Considerations

As you assess your criminal justice program options, be sure to also take financial considerations into account. Tuition costs, the availability of financial aid, and the depth of your personal financial resources are all important things to consider. Be realistic, but don't limit yourself. With a bit of tenacity, sources of financial support for your criminal justice education can often be found, whether in the form of scholarships or student loans.

As a discipline, criminal justice offers both intrigue and excitement. Spend some time honing in on the right criminal justice program, and the rewards will be plenty.

In a field as diverse as criminal justice, there is a wide array of possible career paths, each with its own pros and cons. Here's the good news: the need for professionals with a background in criminal justice is predicted to show continued growth for the foreseeable future. That's according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the government agency that tracks such things.

It is certainly possible to command a hefty salary when you work in criminal justice. (Criminal lawyers come to mind.) However, do not let your salary potential be your only consideration as you plan your criminal justice career. Many criminology jobs offer intense rewards, such as helping others and maintaining public safety. While some may offer more eye-popping starting paychecks than others, all are worthy of consideration.

Private Sector Positions

In the private sector, earnings can be quite high, even for a fresh-faced grad with a criminal justice degree and some internship experience. Of course, public-sector gigs often come with attractive benefits. Here's what to expect if you go the private route.

• Private detective. Starting salaries for private detectives hover around the $20,000 mark. (When you work for yourself, the payoff comes once you build a clientele.) According to BLS, median earnings are in the area of $32,110.

• Paralegal. In a recent report from Robert Half International, the starting salaries for case clerks or junior paralegals ranged from $22,000 to $47,500; salary expectations are generally tied to the size of the firm.

• Private Security Agent. Based on information from ASIS, a large organization for security professionals, your starting salary as a security agent depends on your industry. Here are just a few:

• Banking and financial security: $35,000 to $65,000

• Commercial real estate: $40,000 to $50,000

• Intellectual property: $20,000 to $40,000

• Criminal Lawyer: The Bureau of Labor Statistics cites median earnings for a starting lawyer, after nine months, as falling between $40,000 and $80,000. Those who work in a private practice earn the most.

Public-sector positions

Public-sector criminal justice jobs often offer a lower starting salary than those in the private sector, but again, salary is just one indicator of how well compensated you will be for your work. Well-designed benefit programs and the rewards of working in the public interest make public-sector criminal justice jobs a great choice for the right candidate. Here's the scoop from the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Probation or Correction Officer Probation officers typically start out around $25,000. Those who work in urban areas tend to earn more.

• Police Officer or State Trooper As a police officer, your earnings as an entry-level worker depend on whether you are working in a local, state, or federal agency. At the lowest end of the scale, you might earn in the range of $30,000. You can often earn considerably more as a federal officer.

• Social Worker or Caseworker Your earnings as a social worker depend heavily on your area of expertise. Median salaries range from $33,920 to $40,080, with starting professionals typically earning less.

• Government Security Agent Government security agents earn anywhere from $55,000 to $75,000, according to ASIS.

Of course, these options are just a few of your many career choices, and as you can see, starting salaries for newly trained grads with a background in criminal justice span the pay scale. Go with your heart and choose a field that you love. The money will come, but happiness is invaluable.