Criminal Justice Certificate Programs

With heightened security measures in the U.S in recent years, there is an increasing need for trained criminal justice professionals.

 

Criminal justice certificate programs are a great way to launch your career in the criminal justice field or to hone your skills with specialized training if you are already working in the field.

 

Criminal justice certificate programs usually take only one year to complete and are generally geared toward individuals who have already completed a traditional two- or four- year college degree program. In many cases, students can apply the certificate program credits toward a future degree.

A traditional two- or four-year criminal justice degree from a college or university is often necessary for those interested in working in federal, state and local law enforcement agencies or in the federal and state correctional systems.

 

A certification can be earned in addition to a bachelor or associate degree to provide a student with more in-depth knowledge in a particular area or to enhance his or her marketability in the field.

Most certificate programs provide students with highly specialized skills and knowledge in a particular area of criminal justice. Examples of some of the specialized areas in which certificates are available include:

Credits earned in certificate programs can often be transferred and applied to a bachelor’s degree.

Some of the career opportunities open to individuals with bachelor's degrees and certification in criminal jutsice include:

Certification and training in a particular area of criminal justice can increase your job opportunities by providing you with highly specialized skills often unavailable in standard degree programs.

With the plethora of online programs available today, it's easier than ever to advance your criminal justice career. Online certificate programs allow working professionals to complete training at their own pace without having to sacrifice their income.

 

When choosing an online certification program, make sure that the school you choose is accredited by a council or agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

 

In addition to ensuring that you get the best quality of education possible, choosing an accredited school may also affect your employment opportunities in the future. Some employers may not recognize degrees received from foreign institutions or unaccredited schools within the U.S. A list of recognized accrediting agencies can be found at the U.S. Department of Education Web site.

Many online criminal justice degree programs offer the same high caliber education as traditional campus programs at a fraction of the cost.

Online tuition can range from $575 per course to about $5,000 for a full certificate program. Financial aid and scholarships are often available to help cover the cost of tuition. If you're currently working, your employer may also help to subsidize the cost of your education.

 

 

All Star Directories Inc. (2002-2008). Criminal Justice Degrees and Careers. Retrieved March 16, 2008, from the AllCriminalJusticeSchools.com Web site.
 
CriminalJusticeUSA.com (2004). Criminal Justice Careers. Retrieved March 16, 2008, from the CriminalJusticeUSA.com Web site.
 
Education Portal (2003-2008). Top Schools for Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, and Corrections Programs. Retrieved March 16, 2008, from the Education-Portal.com Web site.
 
Sivak, Cathy (2005). An introduction to law-related fields. Retrieved March 16, 2008, from the LawSchools.com Web site.
 
elearners.com (2008). Criminal Justice Program Online. Retrieved on March 19, 2008 from the eLearners.com Web site.