Criminal Justice Degree
There are numerous options, including online college degree programs, to help prepare students for a career in this field, which offers a variety of careers. Some degrees, such as paralegal studies, can be completed in two years at a community college. However, those who aspire to become a lawyer or judge need to earn a four-year degree as well as a law degree, which takes an additional three years.
The world of criminal justice is familiar because of popular television dramas depicting police, detectives, prosecutors, lawyers and judges. Less well-known career paths include juvenile justice, rehabilitation and social services workers; drug and family counselors; parole officers; and court system employees.
Criminal justice degrees can prepare students for any of the above careers and dozens more. If students dream of working for a federal agency, such as the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) or the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), they need to graduate with high marks from a respected criminal justice school, majoring in international criminal justice, forensic psychology or another related subject.
A student seeking to major in criminal justice tends to be young and physically active, have a clean record and possess the desire to improve society. While the training in and use of firearms appeals to some students, many others are drawn to this field out of curiosity about human behavior. They want to learn what makes people commit crimes and how to prevent such behavior.
Some of the latest criminal justice programs focus on internet and computer systems security. Learning how to preventing fraud, identity theft and other crimes in cyberspace is becoming more essential in today’s world and requires extensive training in technology as well as financial or legal expertise.
Criminal Justice Degree Levels
It is becoming increasingly important for those wishing to pursue a career in criminal justice to obtain a college degree before applying for a job. There was a time when the only prerequisite for many criminal justice careers was a high school diploma. Now, employers want assurances that prospective employees have a solid educational foundation before they will offer employment and invest in specialized training. Those with advanced degrees typically have greater promotional opportunities as well.
Most criminal justice degree programs are offered at varying levels of intensity:
- Associate’s degree in criminal justice: This is typically a two-year program that offers students a background in the fundamentals of criminal justice, as well as an introduction to the court and correctional systems. It will also provide a background in crime control policies and techniques. An associate’s degree meets the requirements of many police and criminal justice positions, as well as jobs in security (e.g., private security or airport security); and positions in court administration, such as court bailiff.
- Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice: This degree opens the door to many employment opportunities. Most jobs in law enforcement, court administration, homeland security, forensics, and federal law enforcement accept an accredited bachelor’s criminal justice degree as satisfying entrance requirements.
- Master’s degree in criminal justice: This degree trains a criminal justice student to become an expert in a specialized field. This heightened training leads to advancements in current positions, as well as opportunities in teaching, social casework, and officer of the court positions.
- Doctoral degree in criminal justice: Individuals who seek university-level academic careers, such as a professor for criminal justice programs, typically pursue a doctoral degree in criminal justice.
Advanced education is a good investment for those wishing to pursue a career in criminal justice. Most of the individuals (90 percent) that graduated from a criminal justice degree program, and are under the age of 65, are employed in a field related to their degree.