Best Online Bachelors in Criminal Justice Degrees Requirements | University HQ | (800) 793-5011

Overview of a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice & Law

The world needs people who can fight crime and ensure that justice is served. It also needs people who care about others and who are willing to help those people who have made mistakes turn their lives around. There are many professions where one can do one or the other, but with a criminal justice degree, a person is trained to do both.

Criminal justice sounds like “lock up the bad guys”, but there is much more to it than that. Those who work in the criminal justice system also have a sense of duty to help those who have made mistake rectify the situation and improve their own lives to ensure they don’t end up on the wrong side of the law again. Criminal justice majors work with both the “law” and the “order” side of the justice system in a variety of ways.

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice prepares students to work in a variety of positions in law enforcement and beyond. Criminal justice majors are not pigeonholed into work as law enforcement officials or correction officers, they can work in a variety of fields and in many circumstances. A person with a criminal justice degree can help prevent crime and illegal activities just as easily as they can investigate after the criminal act has happened.

All degrees have their pros and cons. As a potential student you have to take everything into consideration and determine if going back to school and studying criminal justice is the right path for you. Here are some things for you to consider.

PROS

• A bachelor’s degree will make you more marketable when it’s time to search for jobs. People with degrees are often hired over those without degrees. If you can combine a degree with experience, even better.

• Higher salary. Not only are those with degrees often picked over those without a formal education, but they can also command a higher salary.

• More room for advancement. With a degree, advancement opportunities into management, administrative positions or higher ranks become available.

CONS

• The Expense. College tuition is not cheap. Whether you take out student loans or not, college is a serious financial commitment.

• Time Considerations. Although most programs are designed to last four years, if you are saving up to take classes so you won’t have student loans, this could extend the amount of time you need to complete your degree.

• It’s a balancing act. If you have a job, a family, or other obligations, finding the time to attend classes, do required reading, complete assignments and take exams could be challenging.

Certificate vs. Bachelor's

What Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degrees are Available?

There are two types of bachelor degrees a person studying criminal justice and law might attain: A Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science.

• A Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree is focused on social services and sciences. Students will study criminology, but also social science classes such as psychology, sociology, and communications. Those considering counseling or social work could attain a BA in Criminal Justice.

• A Bachelor of Science (BS) degree is more scientifically based. Students will take forensics and other science classes along with the law enforcement and criminology courses. Investigators and analysts would benefit from a BS in Criminal Justice.

Whether you attain a BA or BS may also be dictated by the type of college you attend. Liberal Arts colleges tend to award more BA degrees, while traditional colleges and universities often focus on BS degrees.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements can vary from one school to the next, but most schools will require the following:

• High school diploma or GED completion

• An acceptable score for either the ACT or SAT - The required exam and acceptable score are set by each school. If you have specific schools in mind, go over their admission requirements carefully

• Transcripts from high school/GED or any college courses you’ve taken

• Application

How long does it take to earn a Criminal Justice & Law Bachelor's?

A bacahelor’s degree is designed to take four years to complete. The first two years are usually general requirement courses that every college student takes, such as freshman English, biology, a foreign language and physical education classes. The last two years are when you take the bulk of your major courses and complete any internships that might be required. Some students can finish in less than four years by either going to summer school and getting credit for work and life experience. On the other hand, some students need more time to finish because of work or family obligations.

Bachelor Degree

Many local and state law enforcement agencies require a bachelor’s degree in order to become a police officer, and all the major federal law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, DEA, and ICE require a bachelor’s degree for employment consideration.

Sample Coursework for a Bachelor’s Degree:

• Theory and Practices of Law Enforcement

• Judicial Process

• Judicial Process

• Internships

Criminal Justice Bachelors Degree Concentrations: Homeland Security, Computer Security, Forensics, Cybersecurity, Crime Scene Investigation, Forensic Psychology, Juvenile Justice, Law Enforcement, Domestic and International Security, Criminal Justice Administration, Emergency Management, Crime and Criminal Behavior, and Crime Mapping and Data Analysis.

Earning Potential and Career Salaries for Criminal Justice Major Graduates

• Cyber Security Degrees - Any entity online is vulnerable to cyber hacking. Cyber security experts work in information technology and are in great demand throughout virtually every industry and government agency. The demand is expected to grow by 18% through 2024, according to the BLS. The greatest number of job openings is for those with a bachelor’s degree in this field. Graduates can earn between $100,000 and $210,000 annually.

• Emergency Management Degrees – Emergency managers plan or direct the response to crises, as well as develop plans and procedures for dealing with natural and manmade disasters. Emergency managers are employed by government agencies on the local, state, and federal level, as well as by hospitals, universities, and utilities. In 2017, the median annual pay for an emergency management director was $72,760.

• Fire Science Degrees – Fire science encompasses all aspects of fire. Those planning firefighting careers should pursue this degree, which involves not just firefighting, but prevention, investigation, management, and fire behavior. The 2017 median annual pay for firefighters was $49,080.

• Forensic Science Degrees – Forensic scientists search for truth in legal proceedings. They use their expertise not only in criminal investigations, but also in civil matters. They collect and analyze evidence during their investigations. Some forensic scientists work strictly in the laboratory, analyzing evidence received from police investigators and the like. The 2017 annual median salary for a forensic science technician was $57,850.

• Homeland Security Degrees – Terrorism is now an unfortunate part of life, and those with degrees in homeland security are employed by various government agencies in counter terrorism, intelligence analysis, and law enforcement roles. There is also a demand in the private sector for those in this field. The average median salary as of 2017, is $57,015

• Law Degrees - Becoming a lawyer means earning a Juris Doctor (JD), which is a three-year degree that is completed on a part-time basis in six years. While some lawyers may run a general practice, most attorneys focus on specific fields, such as criminal, corporate, civil litigation, employment, immigration, bankruptcy, finance and securities, intellectual property, mergers and acquisition, environmental, matrimonial, and a host of other types of law. Lawyers may work in law firms, corporations, non-profits, and governments at every level. Lawyers must pass state bar examinations to practice in that state. Annual salary depends on the type of practice, with corporate lawyers making more than those practicing other types of law.

• Paralegal Degrees – Paralegals perform a variety of tasks, including legal research, interviewing clients, legal document drafting, running a law office and other jobs based on the kind of law their employer practices. In some areas, such as real estate, paralegals may perform certain legal services. While the average paralegal earns $37,334 as of 2018, those working in larger cities or in specific legal fields may earn much more.

Criminal Justice & Law Salaries by Occupation

• Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) agent – Some CIA agents are indeed spies, although their work is not as glamorous as it appears in movies and on TV. Most CIA agents collect and analyze foreign intelligence to assist national security experts in making decisions. Only the cream of the crop are hired as CIA agents, and the background reports required for such jobs is exhaustive. The average median salary for a CIA agent as of 2018 is $88,000, but yes, these government salaries are somewhat shrouded in secrecy, just like the employees.

• Corrections officer – Corrections officers work in jails and prisons, and are responsible for the care, custody, and control of inmates. They may also transport inmates going to other correctional institutions or to court appearances. Other duties include inspecting facilities for contraband and screening visitors and incoming mail. Corrections officers with more training may aid in the rehabilitation of inmates. The 2017 annual median salary is $43,510.

• Crime scene investigator – This job entails a law enforcement officer charged with collecting, documenting, and preserving evidence at crime scenes. Such evidence may include DNA, fingerprints, weapons, and blood. They must ensure the crime scene is not contaminated and that unauthorized persons do not have access to it. CSIs are often called into court to testify. The 2017 median annual salary is $83,320.

• Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agent – The basic role of any DEA agent is keeping the U.S. free from illicit drugs and this job requires supreme dedication. Often, the DEA agent is placed in dangerous situations involving narcotics traffickers. Physical fitness is a critical part of the job, as the agent never knows what will happen on the job. DEA agents work in conjunction with other agencies, including ICE and the FBI. The 2018 annual median salary for a DEA agent is $57,015.

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent – FBI agents may work in specialized areas, such as laboratory services, or perform more general duties such as executing search warrants, making arrests, or testifying in court. The bottom line is the investigation of illegal activities, including terrorism, cybercrime, organized crime, white collar crime, violent crime, public corruption, and civil rights violations, and there are no “typical” days for such employees. The 2018 median annual salary for an FBI agent is $75,628.

• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agent – These agents enforce the country’s immigration laws. The job may include inspecting various types of facilities to ensure all workers are legal and removing illegal aliens from all sorts of situations. They are also involved in combatting child pornography, human trafficking, repatriation of cultural treasures from the U.S. to legal owners outside of the country, and terrorism prevention. The annual median salary for an ICE agent is $57,015

• Police officer – Although police officers perform many duties, they are all working to keep the residents of the community in which they serve safe and maintain public order. They may patrol streets looking for traffic infractions or possible criminal activity, or investigate crimes ranging from burglary to murder. They apprehend those committing crimes or suspected of committing crimes. Police officers often coordinate efforts with other emergency personnel, such as firefighters and emergency medical services. The average median salary as of 2018 is $62,960, although it will vary greatly by location.

• Private detective – A private detective, or private investigator, is hired by individuals or groups to perform private detective work. Attorneys often hire private detectives to work on either criminal or civil cases. Most private investigators specialize in some particular line of work, which may range between insurance investigation, matrimonial cases, and counter-surveillance. Corporate investigators focus on fraud prevention and detection and similar corporate crime matters. In 2017, the average median salary was $50,700.

• Probation officer – Probation officers occupy a position between law enforcement and social work. They must ensure offenders comply with the terms of their probation, but they may also supply input to prosecutors and judges even before trial. In some states, probation officers carry firearms and have the ability to make arrests. The probation officer conducts in-depth interviews with offenders, focusing on their families, employment, education, health, and if they have substance abuse issues. In 2017, the median pay was $51,410 per year.

• Secret Service agent – The U.S. Secret Service Agency exists to protect the president, vice-president, their families, and the president-elect and vice-president-elect and their families. Former presidents and their spouses receive Secret Service protection, as do children of former presidents until the age of 16. Visiting heads of state and government and their spouses also receive protection, as do official U.S. representatives performing certain missions abroad. The median Secret Service agent salary was $48,297 in 2018, but those working on active investigations in the field receive large bonuses and location pay also varies a great deal.

• State trooper – These law enforcement personnel primarily patrol the major roadways of their respective states. They also serve as the de facto police department in rural areas that cannot maintain a police department of their own and protect the governor and other high-ranking state officials. They also conduct investigations involving major crimes such as drug and gun trafficking, as well as organized crime investigations. As of 2018, the median annual salary is $51,553, although it varies greatly by location.

• U.S. Marshal – The U.S. marshals are the federal court’s enforcement arm. They are members of the country’s oldest law enforcement agency, in existence since Washington’s presidency. Their job involves capturing fugitives, prisoner transport, serving federal arrest warrants, and oversight of the Witness Protection Program. It is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in the nation. As of 2018, the average median salary is $62,787.

• U.S. Postal inspector – The U.S. Postal Service’s law enforcement division is the US Postal Inspection Service. Postal inspectors are sworn law enforcement officers who carry firearms and can make arrests. Inspectors generally investigate the many forms of mail fraud, mail theft, postal facility burglaries, and other crimes, as well as investigating any crimes depriving the U.S. Postal Service of revenue. As of 2018, the average median salary is $112,000.

You can locate criminal justice levels differing from associate's to doctorate-level educations, but they all assist you become a contributor to the justice system along with prepare you for the highest possible paying criminal justice careers. Hoodlum justice is a form of social science that researches the patterns of criminal actions and reviews the very best methods for regulating, avoiding, and punishing criminal activity.

You'll learn more concerning the basic beliefs behind the criminal justice system, values of dealing with bad guys, in addition to concepts concerning penalty vs. rehabilitation. With a degree in criminal justice, you'll have a wide array of abilities that allow you to completely comprehend how our justice system runs and also just exactly how it can be boosted.

Subsequently, courts employ sheriffs, who are liable for enforcing court guidelines while making certain the security and also protection of all people in the location. The leading 10% of all sheriffs can anticipate to make over $74,060, although task need will actually decrease, as culture is expected to relocate far from prolonged jail times in addition to campaigns to restrict repeat offenses may decrease need for constables.

If you select to enter the career of a private investigator, you will certainly remain in an extremely requiring yet gratifying positioning that is well appreciated in the community as well as likewise has excellent annual pay. The job needs sophisticated investigatory skills that are usually created over years of police job, in addition to collecting truths on instances varying from robbery to murder will definitely be part of your every-day job.

They will apply regulations and maintain order in correctional facilities, manage tasks, evaluate locations, search prisoners, and also execute numerous various other jobs that help maintain the center risk-free. With changes in the justice system that will concentrate on rehab in addition to lowering jail populations, it's believed that the need for correctional cops will definitely decline by 7% by 2026.

What happens if you make a decision to discover work past the criminal justice field? If this happens, for any kind of kind of factor, you'll call for to supply your skills as a criminal justice significant to companies that have nothing to do with policy enforcement, criminal offense avoidance, and also legal systems. The good news is, the capabilities you got as a student of criminal justice will certainly provide you a great deal of possibilities to land top quality job, nonetheless all of it starts by connecting the advantages of your capabilities.

Throughout the nation, there is a proceeded, increased emphasis on cops, immigration, public safety and security, along with security, which has really established a high demand. This development is proceeding into the following years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, which estimates that cops in addition to detective work will absolutely grow 4% with 2024.

Accessibility degree criminal justice jobs will usually pay less than mid-level criminal justice careers. Schools provide a range of criminal justice levels and training programs, various of them produced especially for operating experts. An education and learning as well as learning can conveniently be gotten with on the net programs, which provide specialized training and also education and learning within your reaches complete your programs online, at your very own rate, and additionally grad with the understanding you need to start your criminal justice work search or innovation your criminal justice job.

Find out about the routine course to ending up being a law enforcement police officer in addition to possible exceptions for previous experience. Study noticeable degrees that can aid you start in your police career.

A bachelor's in criminal justice is among those levels: it instructs abilities that use as well as helpful to lots of job, however after that again, few job posts actually ask for it. You may be attracted to the research study of criminal justice if you're interested by such topics as why criminal task takes place as well as exactly how it can be deterred, simply exactly how offenders can spruce up, exactly how hints are set up at a criminal activity scene, or the details of constitutional regulation as well as additionally the principle of due treatment.

A criminal justice degree, including an on-line criminal justice degree, can lead, either right or in mix with various other actions, to pleasing occupations in federal, state, or neighborhood organizations within any type of among the 3 branches of criminal justice: legislation enforcement, the court system, as well as the modifications system. You could establish your profession generally in among these branches, or you might situate your area in a function where you stumble upon all 3 branches daily.

I think having those classes and also coming to be familiarized with those subjects has helped me a bunch." One more factor Saenz makes is that people enlist know the internet criminal justice degrees for the simple factor that they're fascinating. "Individuals are inclined to take them since they're impressive. You reach do a lot of research study connected with existing occasions." And also this aids a whole lot when it involves in fact obtaining the coursework done, he consists of.

Careers with a Bachelors of Criminal Justice are available at all levels and are available in both the private and public sectors. A Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice can open up a wide variety of career opportunities that can allow you to work in law enforcement, the courts, correctional facilities, probation, or even a private criminal defense law practice. This career will provide you with a solid foundation for working towards higher degrees in various areas of criminal justice.

Many people choose to get an associate's degree in criminal justice and become certified in the field of corrections. This is ideal for a person wanting to begin in a career as a corrections officer but who wants to specialize in criminal justice.

If you are looking for a profession that focuses on the criminal justice field, there is plenty of employment available. One popular career choice is a court officer. You can become a court officer, a bailiff, a prison guard, a security officer, or even a court stenographer. Many people work in private, criminal defense law firms, but others choose to work in public criminal defense law firms.

Jail officers are also common careers with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice. Jail officers are in charge of the incarceration of offenders. They can be employed as correctional officers, corrections officers, jail administrators, and correction officers themselves. Jail officers work in federal and state prisons, juvenile correctional facilities, and federal prisons.

Another career option with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice is a position in corrections. A correctional officer works in correctional facilities such as prisons, federal prisons, and state correctional facilities.

A corrections officer, like a bailiff, can be employed by state prisons, local correctional facilities, and federal prisons. A correctional officer works in different departments of correctional facilities, such as the food services department, the jail clerk department, the department of corrections, and many other departments.

Correctional officers are trained and certified to work with inmates, but they work alongside staff officers as well. The officer must be able to deal with inmates and their families and can work independently as well.

Another popular career path is in public defender jobs. The responsibilities of a public defender include reviewing clients' court filings to ensure they meet the legal requirements. They also represent their clients before the court and prepare their defense cases to ensure their rights are met.

A public defense lawyer may work pro Bono, which means that they receive no compensation for their services. However, some jurisdictions require that all public defenders be licensed.

Law enforcement professionals who are pursuing careers with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice may decide to become a police officer. Some law enforcement jobs require a two-year degree in criminal justice. Police officers investigate crimes and arrest suspects, gather evidence, and gather testimony to present to a court.

In most law enforcement jobs, an individual must pass a background check. Some police officer jobs require a police officer's license, while other police officer jobs do not.

Many police officer jobs pay a competitive salary, but there are many police officer jobs that do not require a degree. For example, an officer who works a night shift in a community police station.

Criminal justice careers have many career options. There are several online schools that provide criminal justice degrees. to help you find the right one for you.

Once you get your Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, you can choose to take an associate or bachelor's degree. Many employers look favorably upon a person with this education and have higher salaries. To get a better idea of what you will qualify for in your field, talk to a career counselor.

You can also search for job openings in the field by doing research on the Internet. Job listings can provide you with information about local employment opportunities.

It's also a good idea to visit an interview agency to find out what opportunities are available in your area. You may be surprised at the number of new jobs that are available.

Scholarships

Criminal justice and law are fields with many scholarship opportunities. Scholarships are awarded based on field of study, student background and academic achievement. Here is just a small sampling:

• John Jay College of Criminal Justice Scholarships

Based in New York City, John Jay College of Criminal Justice is one of the best-known schools in the country for those pursuing a career in the criminal justice field. Scholarships are available for freshmen, transfers, current students, and graduate students. Examples of JJCCJ scholarships include the $2,500 per year Hecht Scholarship awarded to incoming freshmen with a strong academic and community service record, as well as musical ability. The award is renewable for three years as long as the student maintains a minimum 3.0 GPA and remains a full-time student. There are also the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations (NECO) scholarships, given to two first-generation college students annually. Eligible students are the first ones in their families to attend college. The NECO scholarships are $2,500 annually and renewable for three years.

• Indiana Sheriff’s Association Scholarship

Available to Indiana residents majoring in a criminal justice field at an Indiana college or university, the ISA grants several $500 scholarships annually to applicants in different areas of the state. A high school principal, college registrar, or other qualified school official must complete part of the application, giving an overview of the student applicant to the selection committee.

• Ruth D. Peterson Fellowship for Racial and Ethnic Diversity

Sponsored by the American Society of Criminology, three $6,000 scholarships are awarded annually to members of groups under-represented in the field of criminal justice. This includes those of African-America, Latino, Asian, and indigenous descent. The applicant must include proof of admission to a criminal justice doctoral program, as well as a current CV, copies of undergraduate and graduate transcripts, and the nature of their interest in criminal justice.

• Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice

This school in Texas awards various scholarships annually to criminal justice majors. Among them are the James C. Boswell Memorial Scholarship for undergraduate students demonstrating financial need; the Sarah Janine Cleary and Michael Griffin Cleary Scholarships for undergraduate students majoring in criminal justice and demonstrating financial need; and the Rolando, Josefa and Jocelyn del Carmen Criminal Justice Scholarship for a student enrolled in a fulltime Ph.D. program who demonstrates financial need.

Choosing an Accredited College

Accreditation is vitally important when choosing a college. Do not even consider a school without accreditation, as you are wasting your precious time and money. Seek out schools with regional accreditation, according to their location. The six regional accreditation agencies are The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, The New England Association of Schools and Colleges, The North Central Association of Schools and Colleges, The Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, The Southern Association of Schools and Colleges, and The Western Association of Schools and Colleges.

When it comes to law degrees, there is no question that the more prestigious the law school the easier it is for the graduate to find top employment. Not everyone is going to get into an Ivy League law school, but you must attend a school accredited by the American Bar Association. Generally, you cannot take the bar exam if the school from which you graduated was not accredited by the ABA.