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A
criminal justice degree can offer many opportunities within the
criminal justice industry, and professionals are involved with
security of their respective departments. Criminal justice
careers branch out into a variety of divisions. Criminal justice
professionals work in the areas of law enforcement, homeland
security, research, psychology, and law compliance. They may be
employed at both a local and national level.
Job Description and Responsibilities of Criminal Justice Degree Holders
Criminal Justice Degree Campus Programs
Online Criminal Justice Schools
Graduates of criminal justice
programs are expected to:
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Communicate with the public
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Offer services in
surveillance
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Maintain public and national
security
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Ensure compliance of laws and
regulations
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Provide services to a variety
of industries and fields
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Work with investigative firms
and adhere to reporting guidelines
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Address issues related to
public welfare
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Be trustworthy and look for
ways to solve problems
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Be socially conscious and
interested in public affairs
Career Options After Completing a Criminal Justice Program or Criminal Justice Degree:
Students who pursue a criminal justice career can choose to work
as:
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Uniformed and state police officers
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County sheriffs or deputies
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Detectives, investigative officers,
and private investigators
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Crime scene investigators
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Federal Government employees,
including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
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U.S. marshals and deputy marshals
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U.S. Immigration and Naturalization
Service agents
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U.S. Drug Enforcement
Administration agents
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Special agents for the Bureau of
Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms
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Customs inspectors
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Probation officers
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Compliance and corrections officers
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Forensic psychology and sciences
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CIA agents
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Criminologists
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Court clerks or reporters
Criminal Justice School Courses, Degree Programs, and Certification
Prospective criminal justice
program students can obtain a degree in a variety of ways. Both an Associate’s
degree program and Bachelor’s degree are available. As an alternative to an
on-site education, a criminal justice online degree program can offer
additional training and
education options.
An Associate of Applied Science
in Criminal Justice can provide a solid foundation in law enforcement. Criminal
justice courses in this program may focus on corrections, court law, and liberal
arts. A Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice can offer a more comprehensive
educational program, incorporating specialized skills in research and analysis.
Criminal justice courses in this program may emphasize law enforcement, parole,
probation, and juvenile justice.
An Associate of Arts or
Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice is another option for a criminal
justice career. Criminal justice courses in this educational path may include
current criminal justice issues, courts and correctional institution study,
juvenile counseling, investigation theory, and law enforcement operations. These
programs can lead to criminal justice careers as probation officers, loss
prevention, and private investigation agencies at the national level. Associate
degree programs are generally two years in length.
A criminal justice program may
also focus on a specialized field. Criminal justice degree programs can range
from a Masters in Public Administration and Emergency Response Policy, to a
Masters of Public Administration in Public Safety Management. Bachelor’s and
Master’s degree programs can range from 4-6 years in length.
Criminal justice certification
is another option for students who wish to pursue a specialized course of study.
A criminal justice school may offer a Crime Scene Technician Certificate,
Certificate in Terrorism and National Security Management, or a Certificate in
Criminal Justice. Transfer of credits towards a degree is another option, and
these are one year in length.
Online
Criminal Justice Degree Programs
Criminal justice online degree programs offer students a chance to receive an
education from a distance. Instructors can make use of advanced technology and
specialized techniques to educate students. Online degree programs can be
flexible to accommodate different schedules. Associate and Bachelor’s degree in
criminal justice programs are available in a variety of fields. Common online
degree programs include:
Criminal Justice Programs Accreditation
The majority of criminal
justice schools are accredited by the regional Commission on Higher Education.
Online criminal justice degree programs are accredited by the representative
university.
Criminal Justice Degree Program Graduates Earning
Potential and Employment Prospects
An increased population in prisons and probation institutions makes
a criminal justice career a strong employment prospect. The demand for graduates
of criminal justice degree programs is steadily increasing, and criminal justice
career options are available at the state, federal, and local government levels.
The most common career paths for criminal justice degrees include law
enforcement, investigations, security, court, law, forensic science, and public
safety. Earnings vary by skill level, experience, and division. In 2004, the
average annual earnings for a criminal justice lawyer were between $61,060 and
$136,810, while a police captain earned $70,177. Federal laws regulate the
salaries of Federal employees who are involved in law enforcement. Related
occupations include:
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DEA Agents
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Paralegals
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Coast Guards
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ATF Agents
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Police Detectives
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Secret Services
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