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Why Earn a Master’s in Criminal Justice?

A master’s degree in criminal justice can cover a wide range of topics. Some pursue a strict law enforcement path while others are venturing into new concentrations such as cybercrime or international law enforcement. With the rising awareness of white-collar crime, programs have begun offering certificates or concentrations in forensic accounting.

No matter how you focus your graduate studies, a master’s degree in criminal justice is sure to be a boon to your career. Raises, promotions, and new opportunities are sure to follow your graduation for years to come.

A master’s degree in criminal justice is a degree that explores the social roots of crime and how to solve it as social problem. Some approaches to the subject can be highly quantitative and rely on statistical information, while others are more philosophical and rely on pure reasoning as their basis. There are also a wide range of concentrations you can pursue.

For instance, your program might offer concentrations in Homeland Security, Emergency Management, Cybercrime, Criminology, or even a concurrent Juris Doctor (law) degree. Depending on your career goals, you could also consider certificates in separate, but related, fields. Some return for graduate certificates in social work, public administration, or public policy, among other options.

Ultimately, your master’s degree in criminal justice is sure to be a personal and professional achievement that will offer rewards for a lifetime. If you are devoted to criminal justice and desire to become a true master of the field, you should start looking into graduate programs.

What Criminal Justice & Law Master’s Degrees are Available?

• Master of Arts in Criminal Justice:

This degree type is for the criminal justice professional who seeks to study issues of a more philosophical nature. MA Degrees might also focus on issues such as leadership, public policy, or administration While the information in an MA program is valid from an academic standpoint, it is not of the scientific or STEM variety.

• Master of Science in Criminal Justice:

An MS in Criminal Justice is not unlike an MA. Sometimes the same programs will offer both degrees as an option regardless of your specific coursework. However, the degree type is designed to indicate a focus on STEM and strictly analytical research and information. That is, you might look at crime from a purely statistical standpoint, or study cybercrime and computer forensics, which are decidedly STEM-related topics.

• Master of Applied Arts and Sciences in Criminal Justice:

While applied degrees are a dubious prospect at the associate and bachelor levels, one might be a great option for your graduate program. That is because these degrees are clearly focused on occupationally relevant material. There is less focus on academic research or peer-reviewed facts and information. If you desire a PhD you might consider a traditional MA or MS, but if this is your final degree it could be a great option.

Admission Requirements

It's not always easy to enter a graduate program. Master’s programs for criminal justice typically require a higher minimum GPA, letters of recommendation, GRE scores, and a personal statement of purpose. Though all programs have their own specific guidelines, you can expect to find the minimum criteria for your baccalaureate grades to be somewhere around 2.25 GPA. You might also need to show your resume and some measure of professional distinction. In fact, some programs might prefer to see a distinguished career over high grades. As for the essay portion of your application, make sure to read their essay question(s) carefully and respond to each program's essay individually.

How long does it take to earn a Criminal Justice & Law Master’s?

As a general rule, graduate schools vary in length from one to three years. Of course, those time frames assume that you carry a full-time course-load and don't take extra terms off. There are also programs that have multiple time frames for graduation. They might have a full-time, an accelerated, and a part-time graduation schedule for students.

When you are applying to graduate schools, devise a plan with a set graduation date. Make sure you are ready to sacrifice your time and energy for school. After all, higher education is there to help you attain long-term goals and provide an enhanced career life. Thus, it's vital to put in the time and effort required that ensures a brighter, better-educated future.

Master Degree

A master’s degree in criminal justice is suitable for the criminal justice professional looking to advance his or her career to the next level. Earning a master’s degree helps you climb the career ladder, and broadens the type of work you may perform in your particular criminal justice field. When pursued full-time, it is possible to complete a master’s degree in 18 months to two years. Since many students can only work on their master’s degree on a part-time basis, it may take between three and four years to complete the degree.

Sample Coursework for a Master’s Degree:

• Probation and Court Services

• Crime Analysis

• Leadership and Executive Management

• Forensic Psychology

Criminal Justice Masters Degree Concentrations: Criminology, Investigation, Strategic Management, Organizational Leadership and Change Management, Applied Business Management, Finance, Business Intelligence, Fraud Management, Information Technology, Project Management, Strategic Innovation, Homeland Security, Forensic Technology, Corrections, Critical Infrastructure and Key Resources, and more.

The cost of your degree depends on the school. An online course of study is generally less expensive than a traditional college, since you must generally pay for room and board as well as tuition. You can earn an associate’s degree at a community college. A public college or university, if you are a state resident, is less expensive than a private college or university.

If you want to earn a higher-level law degree, there are many options including: Juris Doctor (J.D.), Master of Laws (LL.M.), Master of Studies in Law (M.S.L.), and Doctor of the Science of Law (J.S.D.).

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 counterterrorism, 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 completable 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.

People who think that going to school to get a master's degree in criminal justice is going to be a waste of time should really reconsider their course of action. Sure, a lot of people might have had good experience with the subject matter they are studying but if you have been trained by a good program and have been given the opportunity to get some hands-on experience with the subjects you are studying, then you can be sure that you are going to learn a lot more than you would have if you were going to school to get a bachelor's degree.

Going to college is expensive. The cost of tuition for a bachelor's degree is going to be more than what it will cost you to get an associate's degree or to take courses at community colleges. However, if you are going to be able to complete a master's degree in criminal justice and still have a lot of money to spare, then go ahead and take advantage of the benefits that come along with it.

There are many advantages to having a criminal justice program. You will be able to gain more job security when you graduate because it will show employers that you are a person that is capable of handling a job well. You also can make sure that you will be well-rounded when it comes to your career choices because you will be taking courses on everything there is to know about criminal justice. The programs available in this field cover everything from law enforcement to corrections training.

When you get a master's degree in criminal justice, you will find that your education will improve greatly because you will be going into such a demanding field that has an extremely fast pace. It is important to realize that the faster you are able to learn new techniques, you will be able to apply them to your work. This will help you be prepared for anything that comes at you in the line of work.

Also, if you are going to school to get a master's degree in criminal justice, then you will be going into a field where you are going to be working with other people and situations on a regular basis. It is important to realize that there are going to be instances where you will be faced with a tough situation and you do not know how to handle it. By learning the right techniques, then you will be able to learn how to handle these situations in a much better way.

When you get a master's degree in criminal justice, you will be able to take a course in how to become a correctional officer. This is a course that teaches you how to take care of inmates that are in jail. There are going to be times when you will have to come in contact with violent people in jail.

You will also be able to learn how to use restraint so that you do not injure another person in any way. This includes learning to use the appropriate amount of force so that you do not hurt the wrong person. In this process, you will learn about corrections, as well as how to deal with dangerous criminals that may be a danger to yourself and others.

When you look at all the benefits that come along with getting a master's degree in criminal justice, you will see why it would be very beneficial for you to consider getting one. You will also find that this is a great option to make you stand out from the rest of the competition.

People who think that going to school to get a master's degree in criminal justice is going to be a waste of time should really reconsider their course of action. Sure, a lot of people might have had good experience with the subject matter they are studying but if you have been trained by a good program and have been given the opportunity to get some hands-on experience with the subjects you are studying, then you can be sure that you are going to learn a lot more than you would have if you were going to school to get a bachelor's degree.

Going to college is expensive. The cost of tuition for a bachelor's degree is going to be more than what it will cost you to get an associate's degree or to take courses at community colleges. However, if you are going to be able to complete a master's degree in criminal justice and still have a lot of money to spare, then go ahead and take advantage of the benefits that come along with it.

There are many advantages to having a criminal justice program. You will be able to gain more job security when you graduate because it will show employers that you are a person that is capable of handling a job well. You also can make sure that you will be well-rounded when it comes to your career choices because you will be taking courses on everything there is to know about criminal justice. The programs available in this field cover everything from law enforcement to corrections training.

When you get a master's degree in criminal justice, you will find that your education will improve greatly because you will be going into such a demanding field that has an extremely fast pace. It is important to realize that the faster you are able to learn new techniques, you will be able to apply them to your work. This will help you be prepared for anything that comes at you in the line of work.

Also, if you are going to school to get a master's degree in criminal justice, then you will be going into a field where you are going to be working with other people and situations on a regular basis. It is important to realize that there are going to be instances where you will be faced with a tough situation and you do not know how to handle it. By learning the right techniques, then you will be able to learn how to handle these situations in a much better way.

When you get a master's degree in criminal justice, you will be able to take a course in how to become a correctional officer. This is a course that teaches you how to take care of inmates that are in jail. There are going to be times when you will have to come in contact with violent people in jail.

You will also be able to learn how to use restraint so that you do not injure another person in any way. This includes learning to use the appropriate amount of force so that you do not hurt the wrong person. In this process, you will learn about corrections, as well as how to deal with dangerous criminals that may be a danger to yourself and others.

When you look at all the benefits that come along with getting a master's degree in criminal justice, you will see why it would be very beneficial for you to consider getting one. You will also find that this is a great option to make you stand out from the rest of the competition.

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

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.

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.

Online vs On-Campus vs Hybrid

Many types of criminal justice degrees may be earned completely online. An online degree allows a working person to continue their education in a flexible manner, on their own schedule. It also permits a student to “attend” a school that is a great distance geographically, so they are not limited to institutions of higher education within a reasonable driving distance. When a student has other obligations, such as work and family, an online school is often the best choice. Other students want to attend a traditional bricks and mortar school, where they will attend classes at scheduled times and directly communicate with other students and professors. Some students may prefer a combination of the two, where they take many classes online but attend some seminars and similar offerings on campus.

Additional Questions

Does the College Have Post Graduate Job Placement Help & Assistance?

When looking for a college program to attend, you need to look at all the potential advantages of a school or program. Post-graduate job assistance should rank high on the list of important things to consider when selecting where you will enroll. A good job placement program, while it cannot guarantee you a position, will help you make sure you have the best classes and experiences under your belt. That way, you will have the best possible chance of getting the position you want. The time spent in school is a great time to prepare for your future career in Criminal Justice or Law. That can begin with a great internship, referral, mentorship, or hire. Schools that offer extensive job placement and career assistance can help you get all those things and more.

Why You Need to Consider How Rating/accreditation Can Affect Your Salary

Accreditation should be an extremely important factor when looking for and selecting a degree program. The accreditation status of the college or university that you choose has a huge impact on your future success in the field. Not only does an institution without accreditation lack proof that it adheres to academic standards, but it can negatively impact the amount of money you earn.

Because unaccredited programs do not necessarily cover certainly topics that are vital within the industry, employers may be more hesitant to hire you. Those that are willing to hire you will likely do so with the understanding that you likely have incomplete or insufficient knowledge in certain areas. To account for this, they will start you at a lower