studentadvisor.com’s guide to criminal justice degrees

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WHAT TO EXPECT IN A CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

SCHOOL ACCREDITATIONEARN A DEGREE THAT COUNTS!

POPULAR CAREER PATHSWHERE TO GO AFTER GRADUATION CRIMINAL JUSTICE GUIDE

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G ood News! Employment within the field of criminal justice is expected to grow by 22 percent over the next decade, (according to the Bureau of Labor Statisics so it’s not

surprising that more colleges and universities are offering criminal justice degree programs than ever before. If you are considering pursuing a career in criminal justice, this could be the perfect opportunity for you to get started!

Whether you are fresh out of high school and looking to advance your education, or are an adult learner ready to embark on a new career path, a criminal justice degree could be what you need to reach your personal career goals. Most schools offer criminal justice degrees at the associate, bachelor, and master’s degree levels. Certificate and diploma programs are also available for certain criminal justice related professions. The program that suits you best will depend on your educational needs as well as your current lifestyle.

We understand that with so many different options, you are probably feeling a bit overwhelmed as you try to make the decision about which school is right for you. This guide is designed to point you in the right direction by providing you with information about career-specific training and educational programs that can help you find success in the field of criminal justice. Feel free to use this information in whichever way helps you best, and email us if you

have any further questions.

INTERESTED IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE EDUCATION?

Enjoy!

Carly RodgersStudent Advisor [email protected]

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CARLY RODGERS

CRIMINAL JUSTICE GUIDE • STUDENTADVISOR.COM • 3

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4 • STUDENTADVISOR.COM • CRIMINAL JUSTICE GUIDE


CHAPTER 1: ABOUT CRIMINAL JUSTICE

• Introduction to Criminal Justice Degrees

• Types of Criminal Justice Degree Programs

• Top 10 Reasons to Earn a Criminal Justice Degree

• What to Expect in a Criminal Justice Degree Program

• Other Options: Online Learning

• School Accreditation - Earn a Degree that Counts

CHAPTER 2: CAREERS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE

• Do You Have What it Takes?

• Popular Career Paths for Criminal Justice Majors

• Top-Paying Careers in Criminal Justice

• 10 Tips for Securing a Criminal Justice Job

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CONTENTS



A criminal justice degree will provide you with a well-rounded education that can lead to a career in many different fields of work. Whether

you are interested in becoming a police officer or a forensic scientist, earning your degree in criminal justice could be the first step to a successful new career. The courses you will take will introduce you to all aspects of the criminal justice system. This would include the study of:

• POLICE SCIENCE AND LAW ENFORCEMENT PRACTICES

• CRIMINAL LAW

• RULES OF EVIDENCE

• INVESTIGATION AND FORENSICS

• CORRECTIONS

• SOCIAL AND PSYCHOLOGICAL FACTORS RELATING TO CRIME

Introduction toCriminal Justice

Degrees

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INTRODUCTION


TIP Certificate programs can also give you the specific training you need for a certain job position. Frequently, people who have already earned college degrees will go back to school to earn certificates in particular subject areas to add new layers of expertise to their resumes.

CJ PROGRAMS

Types of Criminal Justice Degree Programs

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CERTIFICATES & DIPLOMASA good idea for anyone who is interested in taking select courses to gain a broad understanding of the criminal justice system. Certificate and diploma programs vary in length, but usually require at least a

year of study. In many cases, credits earned can be transferred towards other degree programs.

ASSOCIATE’S DEGREEA great option for anyone who wants to increase their skill set and become more marketable to employers. Associate’s degrees generally require two years of study and will teach you the fundamentals of criminal justice. If you later decide you want to take your education further, the credits you earn in the associate’s degree program can often be applied towards a bachelor’s degree.

BACHELOR’S DEGREE Best place to start if you know that you want to work in criminal justice. Many private and federal law enforcement

agencies require job applicants to have a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. If

this is the direction you want to take with your career, a bachelor’s degree is your most

productive option. Bachelor’s programs generally require 4-years of study.

MASTER’S DEGREEDesigned for individuals who have already earned a bachelor’s degree and want to take their criminal justice career to the next level. Master’s degree programs can last anywhere from one to three years, and will qualify you for upper level and supervisory job positions in the criminal justice field.






TOP TEN REASONS

Reasons to Earn Your Criminal Justice DegreeSource: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2009-2010 Edition

Criminal justice is currently one of the fastest growing career sectors in the United States. Employment of law enforcement officers is expected to grow up to 22 percent each year for the next decade!

It has been estimated that by 2016 there will be about 724,000 job openings for police officers. By earning your criminal justice degree, you will be able to take full advantage of these exciting career opportunities.

There is keen competition for criminal justice jobs, so having a college degree could be what it takes for you to find jobs in this field.

If you earn a college degree you will see more opportunities for promotion.

Earning a college degree will give you the most career options. Even if you decide that criminal justice is not the best career path for you, having a college degree will qualify you to find work in other fields.

Having a college degree can significantly increase your earnings. According to a 2006 U.S. Census Bureau report, adults age 25 and older holding a bachelor’s degree and working fulltime earned an average of 62% more than those with a high school diploma alone.

College is a great place to network and make connections with other professionals in the industry. These connections can often lead you to exciting new career opportunities.

Most schools offer career placement and counseling, which can be very useful when you are looking for jobs after graduation.

Earning a college degree is a valuable investment in your future.

Criminal justice programs are interesting as well as challenging, and will prepare you for a career that involves helping people and promoting safety and justice within your community.



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What to Expect in a Criminal Justice Degree Program

I t’s important to have a good idea of what you are getting into before you enroll in any college degree program. Although the curriculum of

criminal justice degree programs will vary from school to school, most programs will require that you take courses such as the ones listed in this sample criminal justice degree curriculum.

COURSES YOU CAN EXPECT TO SEE IN A BACHELOR’S DEGREE PROGRAM

• Introduction to the Criminal Justice System• Criminology• Fundamentals of Criminal Law• Correctional Systems and Practices• Policing• Methods of Research• Crime, Justice and Social Diversity• Problem Analysis• Courts and Criminal Procedure

If you are majoring in forensics or crime scene investigation, you may also be required to take courses such as:

• Forensic Science• Criminal Investigation• Biochemistry• Chemistry• Microbiology• Genetics

You will also need to complete the general education requirements for your school. These courses will most likely include:

• English• Communications• Sociology• Psychology• Statistics

As you can see, your criminal justice education will not only provide you with career specific training, but it will also give you a solid general education.

WHAT TO EXPECT

What to Expect in a Criminal Justice Degree Program




W e’re all busy. Some of us are so busy, that even the thought of enrolling in a course that requires you to be somewhere at a specific time is stressful. Sound familiar?

Online degree programs are an excellent choice if you have commitments to family, a full-time job, and other responsibilities that would make it hard for you to attend campus courses. They can also be particularly helpful if you don’t have access to transportation. Best of all, if you take your courses online, you can work at your own pace and in the convenience of your own home.

ADVANTAGES OF ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAMS

• Classes are usually offered throughout the year- start whenever is best for you

• Study anytime, anywhere

• Work at your own pace

• Avoid commuting

• Develop project and time management skills

• Save on tuition and childcare costs

• Advance your career and earn higher salaries

Getting your Degree through Online Learning

FACT Online criminal justice degree programs are considered to be among the top 10 most useful online degree programs available today. It is not surprising that they are in high demand!



ONLINE LEARNING

Getting your Degree through Online Learning


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SCHOOL ACCREDITATION

L et’s be honest. Going to college requires you to make a huge commitment both personally and financially. All of the time and money you spend

on your education needs to be worth it, right?That’s why school accreditation is so important

when it comes to deciding where you will go to school. You want to be sure that the degree you have invested in turns out to worth all of your effort. And, at the risk of sounding blunt…

• Employers will judge the quality of your education by your school’s accreditation.

• Going to an accredited school will increase your opportunities for employment.

SO WHAT IS ACCREDITATION ANYWAY?To be accredited, a school must be recognized and approved by the U.S. Department of Education.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY SCHOOL IS ACCREDITED?This part is really easy! To see if your school is accredited, you can go to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Search Page.

• Enter the name of the school you are interested in. Hit search.

• You may be shown several schools that match your search criteria. Click on the name of the school that you are interested in.

• You will then be shown that school’s accreditation information. Click on the name of the accrediting agency that is listed for more information on the legitimacy of that specific agency.

If your school is accredited, your degree is legit

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C riminal justice jobs can be very rewarding. If helping people, promoting justice, and keeping your community safe are at the top of

your list of priorities, working criminal justice will be a very satisfying career choice. Lt. Gary R. Wallace retired from the Hudson (NY) Police Department after 38 years and remains a deputy sherriff.

“In the criminal justice profession, you see the cross-section of life,” he said. “At times you’re a priest, and other times you’re a psychiatrist. You could deliver a baby in the morning and be arresting felon in the afternoon.” At the same time, criminal justice professionals face high amounts of stress and often have many responsibilities. If you are thinking about preparing for a career in criminal justice, you need to make sure you are up for the challenge.

This checklist will help you understand the personal characteristics that are necessary to be a successful criminal justice professional. Check off all of the characteristics that apply to you.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE CAREER PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

Strong moral character

Attentive to detail

Strong leadership skills

Excellent people skills

Skillful communicator

Physically fit

Quick thinking

Ability to handle stress

Self confident

Self motivated

Good decision maker

Interest in public affairsSocially conscious

Trustworthy

Ability to be discreet

Problem solving skills

Considerate of gender, race and other factors

Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

If the above list describes you, a criminal justice career path could be your calling. To get a better feel for what jobs in this field require, it is recommended that you get additional hands-on experience by volunteering and/or interning at local law enforcement agencies.

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF INTERNSHIPSParticipating in an internship will also allow you to make valuable connections with criminal justice professionals, improve and diversify your resume, and get a better idea of what you want in a career. Even if you are not 100% sure that a career in criminal justice is right for you, by participating in an internship you will be one step closer to figuring it all out.

In fact, most criminal justice degree programs will encourage you to fill internship positions while you work towards your degree. In some cases, hours worked interning can be transferred to hours of credit towards a degree.

Your school or university may have an internship program of its own, or may be able to provide you with the contact information of other schools, agencies,

Careers in Criminal Justice

Before we go on any further, it’s time for some serious personal evaluation Do you have what it takes?... By Carly Rodgers



CAREERS IN CJ

and companies that are looking for interns. It would also be beneficial to check local bulletin boards and job listings. You could even offer to volunteer at a company or agency that you are interested in just to get your foot in the door.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING YOUR CRIMINAL JUSTICE INTERNSHIP

• What’s your schedule? Check to be sure it will work into your schedule, especially if you are working for free. Also, make sure it will not interfere with your studies.

• Will you be paid? Most internships are unpaid, but you may be able to find some positions that offer a stipend or hourly wage.

• Will you earn credit towards your degree? Some internship programs will help you earn school credit while you work. You will need to have the internship approved by your school and will often need to fill out paperwork to ensure you get your credits.

• When do you want to start? Be aware of application deadlines! Internships can be competitive, so if you know of an opportunity you are interested in be sure to jump on it as soon as it becomes available.

Internships are the best way to get the work experience you need to find a job once you graduate. Nothing will beat the experience you will get from working with real criminal justice professionals in a real work environment.

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LIEUTENANT GARY R. WALLACEHUDSON, NY

“ I always tell the rookies that the uniform you wear commands respect, but the person wearing it has to earn it.” - LT. GARY R. WALLACE

HUDSON (NY) POLICE DEPARTMENT-RET.




BASED ON PAYSCALE.COM

Popular Career Paths for Criminal Justice Majors



POPULAR CAREER PATHS

S o what can do you with a criminal justice degree? There are actually many different career paths that you can take after graduation. The table on the left shows the 10 most popular careers for students who have earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal

justice. Although job opportunities may be different for those who have earned associates’ or masters’ degrees, these statistics should give you a good idea of possible career paths for criminal justice majors.

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Popular Career Paths for Criminal Justice Majors




E ven if you are incredibly passionate about criminal justice and know that this is the field for you, you are still probably wondering how much money you will be able to earn in this profession. Let’s take a look.

First, it is very important to note that salaries in the field of criminal justice will vary with the level of your education, your experience, your geographic location, and the type of work that you do. Criminal justice salaries can range from $24,000 for entry level positions to $170,000 for senior and executive positions. Jobs that require less education will pay less, and jobs that require high degrees of education will offer large salaries and great benefits packages. If you want to earn a large salary, it is in your best interest to earn a college degree.

Based on current average salary statistics, the top-paying criminal justice careers include:

1. DETECTIVE – $89,354

2. CRIMINAL INVESTIGATOR – $86,012

3. FBI AGENT – $79,648

4. POLICE OFFICER – $74,464

5. SECRET SERVICE AGENT – $68,288

6. POLICE DETECTIVE – $64,518

7. PRIVATE INVESTIGATOR – $62,400

8. SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR – $59,850

9. INSURANCE AND FRAUD INVESTIGATOR – $56,449

10. LEGAL SECRETARY – $54,000

Top-Paying Careers in Criminal Justice

SOURCE: THE BUREAU OF LABOR STATISTICS, U.S.DEPARTMENT OF LABOR, OCCUPATIONAL OUTLOOK HANDBOOK, 2009-2010 EDITION

TOP-PAYING CAREERS



Top-Paying Careers in Criminal Justice

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1. EARN YOUR DEGREE. By earning a degree in criminal justice, you will be able to secure a job that could turn into a lifelong career. There is always a need for criminal justice professionals, and by earning your criminal justice degree you will be ready for many different types of job positions.

2. PICK THE FIELD that’s right for you. Look into criminal justice related areas such as loss prevention, security, forensics, homeland security, and corrections for the best opportunities.

3. FIND AN INTERNSHIP. The experience you will get as an intern will not only look great on your resume, it can also help you decide if a career in criminal justice is right for you.

4. KEEP CURRENT ON EMPLOYMENT TRENDS and job descriptions. Know what types of jobs you are qualified for, and where there is a need for your skill set. This will save you time in your application process.

5. UTILIZE THE CAREER RESOURCES available at your school. CJ faculty, career services, and computer bulletin board systems are good sources for employment opportunities.

6. JOIN PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS. Not only will this put you in contact with professionals in the field, you will also find that their newsletters can be a great source for job listings.

7. WORK YOUR CONNECTIONS. Many people find jobs through personal connections. Contact criminal justice faculty, alumni, fellow students, and professionals to see if they have any advice or suggestions on where to find work.

8. GET TO KNOW YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES. Stop in at federal, state, county and municipal offices every now and then to check job postings or to ask what is available or anticipated.

10 Tips for Securing a Criminal Justice Job



10 TIPS

9. PREPARE FOR FITNESS TESTING. If you are looking for a job in law enforcement or corrections you will need to pass a fitness test. Start preparing for this test now so that you will be ready when opportunity knocks.

10. MAKE SURE THAT YOUR CRIMINAL HISTORY IS CLEAR of felonies and serious misdemeanors. It will be very difficult to find work upholding the law if you have a history of breaking it!

WHAT’S THE MORAL OF THIS STORY? If you are passionate about criminal justice and want to make a difference in your community, earn your criminal justice degree and be on your way to a successful new career. Work hard, use your resources, and stay current on issues pertaining to this field. Now is the perfect time to get started!

BEST OF LUCK!

10 Tips for Securing a Criminal Justice Job

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