An Overview of Criminal Justice Degrees In The USA

Are you one of those who aspire to have a career in the field of law enforcement? Well, here are some interesting facts about how you can prepare for a rewarding career in local, state, federal or private law enforcement firms. It is true that the one field where there will be a constant demand for qualified personnel is the field of law enforcement. It is the kind of career that requires a great deal of mental strength, dedication and commitment, so opt for it only if you are sure you can handle the work pressure and the environment.

 

Pursuing Criminal Justice Degrees - Options Available

If you have a desire to become a police officer or wish to become a private eye you can consider pursuing criminal justice degrees that are being offered at various levels such as certificate programs, Associate's degrees, Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Students can opt to specialize in various fields enabling them to be well prepared for a job of their preference.  Certificate programs can be an ideal start for those who wish to pursue an associate's or a bachelor's degree. Those who are at cross roads and are considering a job change may also use such certificate programs to begin their foray into the world of criminal justice. Students can opt to have a regular on campus college education or may enroll for an online program at a school or university of their choice. Capella University, Kaplan University, University of Cincinnati and University of Phoenix are some of the top educational institutions offering criminal justice degrees. Students can take up programs in criminal justice, legal studies and criminology. Students can specialize in corrections, investigations or forensic psychology. They can also take up programs in crime scene investigation and fraud examination.

If you are more specific and wish to become a member of the state or local law enforcement board you might want to consider a 2 year Associate's degree. Associate's degrees are offered by institutions such as Colorado Technical University, Keiser College and Florida Metropolitan University. With an associate's degree you can find employment in correctional institutions and private security services too after earning an associate's degree.

Bachelor's degrees can help those who are already working in the field as well as those who seek entry-level jobs get better jobs. Students are trained to assume responsible role in the field of law enforcement. Students are offered bachelor's degrees in criminal justice at the following institutions Portland State University, Keiser College, American InterContinental University Online, and Mountain State University.

Master's degrees can also be taken up that will not only broaden your knowledge about the causes of crimes but also gives you better insight in to the criminal justice systems while helping you fully understand the law. This will also make it easier for them to seek employment in federal and top notch private law enforcement firms. University of Cincinnati, Kaplan University, Everest University, Tiffin University and the University of Phoenix are some of the prestigious institutions that offer master's degree programs in the field of criminal justice. Some students use take up these programs before taking up a program in a law school.

If you wish to pursue research or are keen to become a teacher you might consider pursuing a Ph.D. program. One of the institutions offering Ph.D. programs in criminal justice is Walden University. 

Criminal Justice is a field with great scope for career growth as the need is exceeding supply. It is expected that by the year 2014 there will be an increase, as much as 24%, in the demand for properly qualified law enforcement personnel. If you have an aptitude for it just log online and look up information about criminal justice degrees offered by both traditional as well as online educational institutions. If money is of constraint you can also look up information about the kind of financial aid available.

Career outlook for those who wish to get criminal justice degrees is good. Salary depends on the person's educational qualification, nature of occupation, location etc. It is stated that as of May 2006 police officers averaged about $47,000 while senior police or sheriff supervisors made about $69,000 annually. Highway patrol personnel averaged between $45,000-50,000 while police chiefs made about $79,000-99,000 annually. Paralegals averaged between $27,000-54,000 and private investigators made about $45,000-70,000. Correctional officers earned an average of $24,000-34,000 annually. Probation officers earned an average of about $40,000. It is to be noted that earnings vary from one individual to another based on their educational qualification, experience, nature of their job and location. If you wish to seek employment in local or state law enforcement boards, the average salary that can be expected is around $46,000-$47,000 where as those in Federal and private law enforcement agencies made an average $60,000-70,000.

If you are interested in becoming a CIA agent or desire to seek employment with the secret service, wish to become an FBI or INS agent you may make an excellent start by pursuing criminal justice degrees. You are offered a variety of options helping you specialize in specific niches that offer a lot of scope for further career advancements. Most often students gain a lot of experience by taking up internship programs that will get them acquainted first hand with their work environment. The students who take up criminal justice degree are set to face a career that is not only very demanding and stressful but one that can be emotionally rewarding as they realize that they are playing a major role in keeping society safe and protected. The best part about choosing to get criminal justice degrees is that you have many job options in a variety of fields. You could work as a county clerk, be a member of the juvenile justice system, work for homeland security, aid in the protection of private property and individuals, investigate and bring criminals to justice.