More Information About Criminal Justice
- Criminal justice professionals work to uphold justice and law within communities
- A few of the professional opportunities in this field include police officers, prison guards, parole officers, and detectives.
- Though there are opportunities to be trained on the job, most professionals in this field have at least a bachelors degree.
What do professionals in the field of criminal justice do?
Criminal justice professionals work to withhold justice within the community they live. As far as a specific job, there are many within this field. However, criminal justice workers work in the police force, in courts, or in jails and prisons. This field is not to be confused with the field of criminology, which is a more scientific investigation of crime. In criminal justice, professionals approach crime and injustice through a detailed, programmatic approach, to make sure the law is used rightly for criminals.
What career opportunities are opened in the field of criminal justice?Those working in the criminal justice field have the opportunity to choose a number of different specialized fields. With the population growing and many different cultures living together, crime rates are not likely to go down and good employment opportunities are expected. Positions in this field include police officers and detectives who help to provide safe communities, parole officers who oversee rehabilitation of convicts just getting out of prison, correctional treatment specialists who work in jails and prisons, social workers who help in court hearings and rehabilitation, and state and federal level law enforcement professionals.
What degrees are needed to work in criminal justice?Usually a bachelors degree in social work, criminal justice, or a related field is required to work in the criminal justice field. However, to become part of a city police force, depending on the area and an individuals experience, there are accelerated officer training programs that allow someone to bypass college and go straight into law enforcement. In these cases, however, there is less chance for advancement. There are also associate's degrees available, which give an overview of what it's like to work in the field of criminal justice. For those desiring to become the head of a criminal justice department, having a bachelor's or, even better, a master's degree is best.
Are there online criminal justice programs available?Online schools offer basic associate's degrees, as well as bachelor's and master's degrees in criminal justice. Requirements for these programs vary by school. School career counselors are the best source for more specific information on the best schools from which to choose.
How much money does a career in criminal justice offer?The levels of work available in the field of criminal justice vary widely and so do their respective salaries. A law enforcement officer (or a police officer) makes between $37,600 and $53,300, with an average yearly salary of $45,300, depending on location. A police sergeant makes an average of $57,700 a year, with a range between $50,700 and $64,500. Police chiefs make between $81,500 and $91,600. Social workers in the criminal justice field make anywhere between $37,800 and $44,900 a year. These are not all the positions available in the field, but these give a good range for average salaries.
What are the leading schools offering programs in Criminal Justice ?- University of Phoenix - Criminal Justice Founded in 1976, University of Phoenix is the largest accredited university in the United States offering degrees in criminal justice -- Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and a Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security. These programs include courses in criminal law, organized crime, criminology, juvenile justice, and management. Students are able to gain both professional experiences in their work field, as well as the credentials that will move them up the pay scale, on average $15,000 more than their counterparts without a degree. ( More Info )
- Liberty University Online With more than 40 online degrees offered, Liberty University is a convenient, flexible, and affordable way to earn an accredited degree from a solid, Christian perspective. ( More Info )
- Bryant and Stratton College Online Bryant & Stratton College Online offers Associate Degree training in less than two years in Accounting, Business, or Criminal Justice fields. Courses are provided via online distance learning to accommodate busy working adults and demanding schedules. ( More Info )
- Walden University Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity. ( More Info )
- California Coast University Online Established in 1973, California Coast University has enabled working adults without the time or access to a physical school with the opportunity to complete degree training programs that can open new career doors. Flexible distance-learning classes ensure that students will earn an undergraduate or graduate degree in Business Administration, Management, Psychology, and Health Care Administration in as much or as little time as they have available. ( More Info )
- Capella University (Graduate) Capella University offers online graduate degree learning in Education, Human Services, Psychology, Business, and Technology. Students earn master and doctorate degrees while preparing for professional entry-level and advanced career opportunities - all without entering a classroom. ( More Info )
- Florida Tech University Online Florida Tech University Online offers students a state-of-the-art learning system that allows students to work their studies into their busy work and family lives. Associate's, bachelor, and master's degrees can be earned online in a wide range of fields including Business Administration, Criminal Justice and Computer Information Systems. ( More Info )
- Iowa Central College Formed in 1966, Iowa Central College is a community college offering Associate Degree training in Business, Information Technology, and Criminal Justice fields via campus course study and online education. The main campus is located in Fort Dodge, Iowa with flexible course schedules and additional programs via online learning resources. ( More Info )
- Boston University - Graduate Programs Boston University was founded in 1839 and is now the fourth largest independent university in the United States. It is a hub of academic and scientific activity. With more than 3,400 faculty members and more than 30,000 students, it is one of the nation's leading research-based universities. ( More Info )
- University of the Rockies University of the Rockies provides high-quality, accessible learning opportunities globally for diverse groups of individuals seeking preparation for life goals, professional practice, service, and distinguished leadership. ( More Info )
- Tiffin University Online Tiffin University was established in 1888 and offers a nationally accredited Business Administration and a top-notch Justice Administration program. The programs are designed to help working adults achieve career goals though the acquisition of enhanced technology, communication and leadership skills. ( More Info )
- LA College Online Since 1981, LA College has been providing a quality education that is career-focused. During the first years, the school focused on courses that prepared students for data processing and computer skills. In 2006, however, the American Way Education, LLC acquired the facility and added several courses and online degree programs for students worldwide. ( More Info )
- Saint Leo University Saint Leo University is one of the largest regionally accredited online university to offer associate, bachelor, and master programs in the U.S. Saint Leo University offers degree programs in the fields of Accounting, Business, Healthcare Management, Criminal Justice and Computer Information Systems. ( More Info )
- Anthem College Online Anthem College Online® offers career-oriented Bachelors and Associate Degree programs in the fields of Business, Healthcare, and Criminal Justice. ( More Info )
