Criminal Justice Degree Programs

A good criminal justice degree program at a reputable college will prepare you for a range of careers. Some popular types of criminal justice degrees are:

• corrections degrees
• crime scene investigation degrees
• criminology degrees
• forensics degrees
• juvenile justice degrees
• law enforcement degrees
• paralegal degrees
• security degrees.

Most programs cover the basics of law, crime, public policy and social systems, emphasizing the development of logical reasoning, problem-solving abilities and communication skills.

Types of Criminal Justice Degree Programs

Some college's programs are provided through a distinct criminal justice department. Because criminal justice and criminology are multidisciplinary studies (i.e. fields of study that include a few different fields), other colleges offer criminal justice concentrations within related fields such as anthropology, sociology or political science.

If your goal is to get a master's degree, consider a double undergraduate major or a related minor that will give you additional training. Examples of related minors are:

• foreign languages
• hard sciences
• public affairs.

With a criminal justice degree, you can enter law enforcement, corrections or security administration fields. Correctional and law enforcement agencies are increasingly recognizing an associate degree as desirable or required, and federal and state agencies usually require a college degree.

Here is a list of the types of degrees you can earn:

• Associate's degree: Many community colleges offer career-oriented two-year programs in criminal justice with specializations including corrections, court reporting, forensics, law enforcement, paralegal and private security.An associate degree covers fundamental criminal justice skills, liberal arts and sciences. Some classes in these programs may also include training technical skills essential for careers in local or state law enforcement. Usually, credits earned towards an associate degree can be transferred and applied toward a bachelor's degree.

• Bachelor's degree: A four-year degree in criminal justice will make you eligible for jobs in fields such as corrections, investigation, juvenile justice, law enforcement, loss prevention, parole, private protective services, probation and public safety.A bachelor's degree provides in-depth training for entry-level positions in federal agencies, as well as courses that will make students eligible for promotions in a police department or private company. Bachelor's degrees can prepare students for master's programs in criminal justice.

• Master's degrees: Master's degrees in criminal justice are designed for experienced criminal justice professionals and those with previous criminal justice education. The degree can enhance their professional skills and knowledge, qualifying the student for career advancement.

Colleges and universities are offering online programs in criminal justice that are just as good as traditional programs in physical classrooms. The Internet is becoming a popular way to earn a degree since busy lifestyles and commute time can conflict with class schedules. Check for Web sites that offer comprehensive lists of these distance-learning schools. Also look into other types of instructional delivery systems programs offer, such as:

• interactive video broadcasts to distance sites
• telecourses
• training/technical assistance for students.

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Tips on Choosing a Criminal Justice Program

When evaluating programs offered by colleges and universities, follow the National Association of Legal Assistants' guidelines that apply to any education related to the legal field.

The criminal justice community and general public should hold the school's program in high regard. A good school should also provide:

• academic counseling
• career information and counseling
• financial aid
• orientation
• placement assistance (placement rate and graduate job satisfaction information should be readily available)
• tutoring.

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Other ideal amenities for a good education include a research library for instruction and up-to-date computer laboratories for instruction and student use.

The National Association of Legal Assistants' guidelines also suggest that practical job skills should be taught as part of good legal theory/application courses. As a result, when choosing a criminal justice program, look for one affiliated with honor societies and community centers that will provide you with outlets for volunteer work in the criminal justice community.

Most importantly, the school's faculty should have appropriate academic credentials. Check for accreditation by one of the regional accreditation organizations recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Cost of Criminal Justice Programs

Community college degrees or specialized certificates will probably cost less than four-year programs at state and private colleges and universities. Certificate tuition can be about $16,000 per year, while a four-year private college degree will most likely cost more than $20,000 per year. Note that tuition costs at colleges and universities are continually rising.

Financial aid can help cut out-of-pocket costs. Information on school-specific financial aid and scholarships is usually on school Web sites and available through admissions and financial aid departments.

If you are already working, your employer might help with tuition costs.

Top-Ranking Programs

According to U.S. News and World Report, the three colleges with the most reputable and/or successful programs in criminal justice are:

• Drury University, Springfield, MO.
• Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY.
• University of Louisville, Louisville, KY.

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Each college offers different specialties in the criminal justice field.