Is an Online Criminal Justice Program for You?
Welcome to CriminalJusticeProgram.net, where you’ll find all you need to know about enrolling in an online criminal justice program and what you can do with an online criminal justice degree.
The criminal justice field deals with all aspects of crime, including the apprehension, prosecution, defense, incarceration, and rehabilitation of those accused of crimes. While there are plenty of specialized online criminal justice degree programs available, a general online criminal justice degree can also open the door to many careers in related fields.
Moreover, an online criminal justice program allows you to further your education on your own time and at your own pace, and even while you’re currently working a full-time job. Indeed, online criminal justice programs are becoming increasingly popular choices for distance learning, and recently, the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences certified Penn State’s online criminal justice program, paving the way for official recognition of even more online criminal justice programs.
And with increased concern about both public and private security, the need for qualified employees in the criminal justice field continues to grow as well.
Read on to learn more about how to find the right online criminal justice program for you.
Degrees Available in Online Criminal Justice Programs
Online criminal justice programs offer degrees at every educational level:
- Certificate in Criminal Justice
- Associate Degree in Criminal Justice
- Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice
- Master Degree in Criminal Justice
- Doctorate in Criminal Justice
- Juris Doctor (Law Degree)
Available online criminal justice degrees include concentrations in the following areas:
- Computer Crime
- Corrections
- Court Reporting
- Crime Scene Investigation
- Criminal Justice
- Criminal Justice Administration
- Cyber Crime
- Emergency Management
- Forensic Psychology
- Homeland Security
- Justice Studies
- Juvenile Justice
- Law Enforcement
- Legal Studies
- Legal Transcription
- Paralegal Studies
- Policing
- Public Safety
- Security Management
Certificate and degree requirements vary as do admission requirements, but generally you should have at least a high school diploma or its equivalent such as a GED diploma, to enter an online criminal justice program.
Some personal characteristics useful for those pursuing online degrees in criminal justice include an even temperament, fair sense of justice, personal ethics, tolerance of different cultures and ideas, strong communication and presentation skills, the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, and a desire to help others.
Many entry-level criminal justice jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree, but some will accept a certificate or associate degree, so do check requirements for the career you wish to pursue before enrolling an online criminal justice program.
Some online criminal justice programs focus on the theoretical while others are more practical in nature and may even include internships or other on-the-job training. Before choosing your online program, you should have some idea as to your eventual career aspirations in order to select the program that will give you the most direct line into your intended profession.
Criminal Justice Careers
Within the broad field of criminal justice, there are a wide variety of disciplines and professions including:
Corrections
- Those in the field of corrections work with convicted offenders during their incarceration, release, and rehabilitation.
- Careers in corrections include correctional officers, parole officers, and probation officers.
Forensics
- Those in the field of forensics help in the investigation of crimes through the use of scientific analysis of evidence.
- Careers in forensics crime scene investigators, crime scene technicians, forensic nurses, and forensic scientists.
Law and the Court System
- Those who work in the law and with the court system help to ensure the swift, just administration of justice.
- Careers in the law and the court system include baliffs, court clerks, court reporters, lawyers, and paralegals.
Law Enforcement
- Those who work in law enforcement are entrusted with maintaining law and order through the prevention, investigation, and control of crime.
- Careers in law enforcement include armored car guards, ATF agents, bounty hunters, CIA agents, DEA agents, detectives, FBI agents, game wardens, Homeland Security officers, immigration officers, police officers, private investigators, security guards, sheriffs, and SWAT officers.
Projected Career Growth for Criminal Justice Degree Holders
The combination of Baby Boomers retiring and the increased focus on safety and security post-9/11 has translated into more job opportunities in the criminal justice field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts that many types of jobs in the criminal justice field are expected to grow at a rate faster than the average for all occupations through 2016. Specific projected growth figures from the BLS include:
- Gaming surveillance officers: 34%
- Paralegals and legal assistants: 22%
- Private investigators: 18%
- Correctional officers: 16%
- Police officers and detectives: 11%
If you’re ready for a criminal justice career, now’s the perfect time to start looking for an online criminal justice program right here at CriminalJusticeProgram.net.
