Criminal Justice Degree Programs

choosing a program police officer
A degree in criminal justice prepares you for a wide range of careers within the fields of law enforcement, corrections and security administration.
 
Some of the job opportunities open to criminal justice program graduates include:
  • corrections
  • crime scene investigation
  • criminology
  • forensics
  • juvenile justice
  • law enforcement
  • private protective services
  • probation
  • public safety
  • security.
Although it is possible to obtain entry-level positions in the field of criminal justice without a traditional university education, most professionals in the field possess either an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice.
 
A two-year degree program (resulting in an associate's degree) is often the minimum requirement necessary for those interested in working in federal, state and local law enforcement agencies or in the federal and state correctional systems.

Degrees: Choosing a Criminal Justice Program

If you're thinking about a career in criminal justice, there ample programs to choose from, both on university or college campuses and online. The first step in identifying a program that fits your needs is deciding whether there is a specialized area of criminal justice in which you're interested.
 
If you're drawn to forensics or national security, for instance, this will narrow down the number of schools to which you will need to apply. If you aren't yet certain about a specific area of interest, understanding the different types of degree programs available will help you define what you want and select a suitable program.

Types of Criminal Justice Degree Programs

While some schools offer full degree programs in criminal justice or criminology studies, others may only offer criminal justice concentrations within related fields such as anthropology, sociology or political science.
 
If you're seeking a full degree program in criminal justice or criminology, here is a list of the different options for study:
  • Associate's degree: Associate's degrees in criminal justice are offered through community colleges and generally take only two years to complete. The courses tend to be career-oriented and often include training in technical skills necessary for careers in local or state law enforcement. Usually, credits earned in an associate degree program can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree.

  • Bachelor’s degree: A four-year degree in criminal justice is the most common degree for students seeking work in federal agencies or those who wish to be eligible for higher-level positions in police departments. Bachelor's degrees also prepare students for master's programs in criminal justice.
  • Master's degrees: A master's degree is the highest level of education available in the field of criminal justice. Master's programs are designed for experienced criminal justice professionals or those who already possess a bachelor's degree in the field. A master's degree program can provide highly specialized training, enhance professional skills and knowledge and prepare students for career advancement.
Degree programs in criminal justice are also available online. Online programs are often a fraction of the cost of attending a traditional campus-based program and can offer flexibility to working students.
 
When evaluating criminal justice degree programs, whether online or on a college campus, make sure to look for schools that are accredited by a council or agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
 
A list of recognized accrediting agencies can be found at the U.S. Department of Education Web site.
 
Resources
 
CareerOverview.com (2004). Criminal Justice Degree Programs. Retrieved March 16, 2008 from the CareerOverview.com Web site.
 
CriminalJusticeMajors.com (2008). College degrees in Criminal Justice. Retrieved March 16, 2008, from the CriminalJusticeMajors.com Web site.
 
LifeTips (2008). Three Top Schools in Criminal Justice. Retrieved March 16, 2008, from the LifeTips Web site.
 
Schwoebel, Ryan (n.d.). Important Accreditation Issues to Consider in Getting a College Degree. Retrieved March 16, 2008, from the RealPolice.net Web site.
 
Sivak, Cathy (2005). An Introduction to Law-related Fields. Retrieved March 16, 2008, from the LawSchools.com Web site.
 
U.S. College Search (2008). Criminal Justice Colleges and Universities. Retrieved March 16, 2008, from the USCollegeSearch.org Web site.